Mether and Miller shine at recent karate tournament

Six members of Team Bushido, a local team of karate athletes, traveled to Georgia to compete in the South Atlanta Open over the weekend. All six came back with medals, earning spots in the final standings; however, two athletes had exceptional outings. 

Chloe Mether took first in both of her events: 8-9 year old Intermediate Level Traditional Weapons and 8-9 year old Intermediate Level Traditional Forms.  

“Chloe really stood out this weekend. She wanted to get back into the win column, and she came out to prove it,” coach Dani Auberger said. “She ran into a little rough spot in the late spring events, but that’s normal when you change belt colors. She never wasn’t finding her way to the medals, but she was really wanting to get back to bringing home gold. She put in some work over the summer, and it really paid off this weekend.” 

“Isaac had the best placing he’s ever seen this weekend,” Auberger said. “This is his first year as a competitive athlete and he’s had a bit of a learning curve in the early part of the season. He may not have got a gold medal this weekend, but I couldn’t be happier for the results he had. This is just the start for him. There’s a lot of big wins ahead for a kid who wants to work as much as Isaac does.” 

Renley Martin snagged a bronze medal in 6-7 Beginner Level Traditional Forms – the only event she entered.  

“Renley is a powerhouse. This is her first year as a competitor and she hasn’t failed to reach the medal stand at any tournament yet,” Auberger said. “She has a lot of focus and a good understanding of what she needs to do to stand out among her peers. I’m really excited about her future in this sport.” 
 
In addition to Mether, Miller, and Martin, Jaxon Matthews came home with a pair of silver medals in the 10-11 Advanced Divisions. Blake Mether grabbed a medal of every color bringing home one gold, one silver, and one bronze in the 12-13 Advanced Divisions. Zachary Scott, the lone adult from Sparta to compete this weekend, placed second in all three of the weapons and forms divisions he entered.