The Long Island Winter Open, New York’s largest up and coming martial arts championship,will be hosting top competitors and teams from around the country Sunday, Jan. 11 at Herricks High School.
Now in its fourth year, the Long Island Winter Open serves as a forum for competition of the very best and strives to offer the martial arts community the highest quality judging and impartial tournament officials in a congenial atmosphere.
“Our desire is to constantly improve and present our competitors and spectators with a memorable day,” the tournament website, run by Maggie and Ray Messina of Alberston, states. “We enjoy connecting and networking with our sponsors, competitors, spectators and families for the mutual benefit of each other.”
Matt Emig, stunt man for Master Splinter in the 2014 release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will be running the Mini-Junior event for children ages 3-7 and will be available for photos and private lessons.
World Champion Sensei Jadi Tention will be coordinating all fighting rings and the new Team Fighting division. All adult black belts will be competing for a $500 cash prize which will be awarded to the grand champion in each division. The event is now a qualifier for the WKC World Martial Arts Games, and for Team America.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Kevin Thompson’s ALS fund to help Sport Karate’s greatest all-around martial arts champion battle his greatest foe. New York State Senator Jack Martins is scheduled to be in attendance at the event to offer a proclamation as well.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Herricks High School is located at 100 Shelter Rock Road, New Hyde Park.
For more information, contact Maggie Messina at (516)-554-2214 or visit https://www.longislandwinteropen.com.
