The American TaeKwonDo Association (ATA) recently released their final standings for the 2004-2005-tournament season. ATA’s Peachtree City Karate for Kids and Newnan ATA Black Belt Academy added two more Tae Kwon Do State Champions to their growing list. One student from PTC Karate for Kids and one student from the Newnan ATA Black Belt Academy have earned the title of Georgia State Champion in their divisions.

ATA, which is a national organization, has tournaments all over the country for their members to compete in on their journey to becoming state champion. Each tournament has three events that students can participate; they are Forms, Weapons and Sparring. Each participant competes by age, height and belt rank.

When we talk about the best of the best a few names come to mind. One of them is William (Will) Kemp. Kemp, 7, is a recommended black belt from the PTC School who has earned the Triple Crown title of State Champion in all three categories. Hw is the first student at PTC Karate for Kids to achieve the Triple Crown State Champion title. Kemp traveled to 13 tournaments this past season and placed in every event. He competed in a total of 39 events and earned 29 first place and five second place and third places finishes. He had a perfect season. Not only did he earn the Triple Crown title he also is a straight “A” student at Eastside Elementary in Senoia.

When his parents were asked what was the most memorable moment for them during the tournament season they replied, “With Will being so shy we were most proud of him when after the final round of sparring, before Will could take off his sparring gear he went to his opponent and shook his hand. As shy as Will is it was amazing the courage it took for him to walk up to his opponent and extend his hand to him.”

On December 10, 2005, Will is scheduled to test for his first degree black belt. His next goal as black belt is World Champion. With his drive and determination we are sure that Will Kemp will prove to be an excellent black belt.

A student from the Newnan ATA Black Belt Academy, Leah Daniell, 14, earned the State Champ title for Forms and Weapons. Daniell is a recommended black belt.

Naturally, behind all good students is the base of his or her training. At the PTC school, owner and chief instructor Eddrick High, who recently achieved his fifth degree black belt in June of this year and is also a Triple Crown State Champion for (2004), is that base. When asked about his student Will Kemp, High stated “What Will has accomplished comes only through hard work and dedication. He is a living example of what can happen if you work hard and never give up. We are all very proud of him and his accomplishments. I look forward to seeing him progress and grow as a martial artist.”
At the Newnan ATA Black Belt Academy, chief instructor Deondrey Gardner, a third degree black belt and State Champion in Weapons for (2004), has been a vital part of Daniell’s training.

“Hard work definitely pays off and Leah has truly earned her title of State Champ for 2005,”said Gardner. “I’m very proud of Leah and hope that she continues to pursue her Tae Kwon Do training. With Leah being part of our Leadership Trainee instructor program she will be a positive influence to other students in the school.”

For information on the Peachtree City school, phone 770-631-2676. For information on the Newnan school, phone 770-304-0070.

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