Pictured from left are Alyssa Crane, Sensei Marvin Labbate and Nicholas Labbate.
(Chittenango, East Syracuse, NY – Sept. 2014) Alyssa Crane of Chittenango and Nicholas Labbate of East Syracuse traveled to Des Moines, Iowa to compete in the 2014 Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Junior Olympics Aug. 2. Both athletes returned to CNY Karate and Kobudo Schools, where they are second degree black belts, as champions.
On the first day of the karate event, the athletes competed in kobudo, kata and kumite. In the kobudo event, Alyssa demonstrated the use of the sai weapons, and was awarded the gold medal for her kata.
Nick showed his abilities with a bo weapon and also earned a gold medal. Both athletes competed in the kata event, displaying a pattern of movements including blocks, punches and kicks.
Alyssa was able to secure a second place and bring home the silver medal. The final event of the day was kumite – sparring in traditional karate techniques. Nick performed well and ended his division in third place earning the bronze medal. Alyssa was able to end her day undefeated in the multiple fight division and was awarded the gold medal.
While in Des Moines, the second day of the karate event, the AAU conducted the AAU USA National Team Trials. At these trials, they tested physical capabilities and mental fortitude with strength, agility, stamina and cardiovascular drills. They also tested them on their skills in kata and kumite.
The two CNY Karate athletes were among 50 other karate athletes from around the country and all did very well. If chosen as a part of the 2014-2015 team, the athletes will compete in international competitions. Nick and Alyssa were chosen last year and traveled this past January to Munich, Germany for the World Karate Confederation Championships.
Founded in 1963, CNY Karate and Kobudo Schools is directed by Sensei Marvin Labbate. The school has three dojos in the area: East Syracuse, Chittenango and Camillus.