Martial artists go at it in search of gold

By By Ryan Satcher/staff writer
June 8, 2003
The Mississippi Open Martial Arts Championship competition in the State Games of Mississippi saw small crowds, but plenty of enjoyment on Saturday morning at Northcrest Baptist Church.
Five competitors competed in breaking, sparring and Kata divisions in the event.
After the opening ceremony of the event and the meetings, the competition got underway with the weapons portion.
Marc Peavey won gold for his form with the small sword. His performance was given 24 points by the black belt judges.
Peavey also won silver in both Kata and men's 18-34 sparring divisions.
Elliot Owen followed with the breaking division. He was able to break a board with the elbow and then kicked through another to receive the gold medal. He also won gold for his Kata.
Jordan Dale followed with his Kata and received gold in the division. The 11-year-old also came away with a gold medal in sparring.
Milton Leggett closed out the men's breaking division with an attempt to break concrete slabs. He was able to break a slab and received a gold medal in the division. He also received a gold in men's sparring.
Derrick Wash won the gold with his Kata in the men's 18-34 under black belt division. He also won his sparring match 6-3 to take the gold.
Roberts, who is in his second year as commissioner, is working to get more competitors in the coming years to build the event up. Some of the building of the competition will come with more information, but also the event is now an open event which invites all kinds of styles.