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In 2001, Brandon began training in Karate under the direction and guidance of Robby Beard at USA Karate. After placing first in a local tournament, Brandon began competing on the RSKC circuit, ultimately placing 1st in 6 of 8 Regional Championships in Forms and finished 2001 ranked as #1. Brandon also place 3rd overall in the 13 and under weapons division. In the 7 months that he competed, Brandon also took top honors in many local Martial Arts Tournaments in the Mid-South Region including Grand Champion honors at some events.
Brandon's most exciting moment was at the 2002 Bluegrass National World Karate Championships held in Louisville, KY where he received his 2001 Championship jacket and matched skills with the top competitors in the nation. The awesome talent of the worlds top competitors motivated Brandon and he was awarded 1st place in his forms division for the second year in a row! In 2002, Brandon began training under Sifu Joe Wilson from Memphis Martial Arts in Filipino Stick Fighting broadening his weapon base. Brandon then competed on the RSKC and NASKA circuit - - and finished as the #1 seven year old in his division both regionally with RSKC and as the No. 1 seven year old in the nation with NASKA. He also finished in the top three with Weapons and Sparring on both circuits as well. Not bad considering he changed divisions in the last quarter of the year, competing with higher belts yet still remained victorious. (It does pay to play by the rules!) Robby Beard's training and guidance projected Brandon in these critical years as well as introducing him and training with Jerry Prince in solidifying his technique. In 2003, Brandon topped his National Champion status by becoming the overall Weapons champion in his division as well as Forms. In other words, 2 x National Champion! & 3 x Regional Champion! For his hard work, Brandon was selected to be the Tee Retriever for the Nationally Ranked University of Memphis Tigers Football Team and Official Ball Boy of the Nationally Ranked University of Memphis Tigers basketball team. Click here to view some photo's. Brandon was also hilighted on Fox News while preparing for Tony Young's 2003 Year End Nationals held in Atlanta, GA. Brandon has also performed at the FedEx Forum in front of a sold out crowd. Click here to see some photos or go back to the Main Page to see his bo form. Brandon has devleoped not only into a solid performer, but more importantly into a solid Martial Artist. The training values and determination Brandon receives from his past and current instructors as well as the opportunity to be trained by Catharine Cummings, Joe Wilson, Jerry Prince & Robby Beard - cannot be measured in trophies, medals and national rankings, but in the motivation, dedication, self-discipline and spirit derived from the life lessons of Martial Arts Training. |
