The AKJU (All American Karate & Jujitsu Union) National Championship, held in Columbus on August 18, 2007, proved very successful for Zahand’s Martial Arts Studio located in Cuyahoga Falls. Zahand’s Martial Arts brought home the most All-Americans, more than any other school that entered the event. Zahand’s students took home 40 medals:18 gold, 14 silver and 8 bronze medals.

Matthew Zahand is the current national champion, extending his reign for the sixth consecutive year. Now 12, Matthew received perfect scores from the judges and a standing ovation for his new Double NuChakau Kata. Later in the day, Matthew won his Kata Division, he is undefeated since he began competing at age 5.

Zahand’s Martial Arts students won the 12 and Under Synchronized Kata Division. Corey Bryant, Lane Hedler and Alex Klimo looked perfectly in sync throughout. Corey Bryant also took two Silver medals in Randori (Jujitsu fighting) and Grappling (Ground fighting). Alex Klimo won Silver in Kumite (Karate fighting) and Bronze in Advanced Kata (10-11 year olds). Michael McCann took Silver in the Novice Division (12-13 year olds). Sensei Kuehm (lead teacher at ZMA) took a Bronze in Advanced Black Belt Kumite.

Tyler Church (6 year olds) took two Bronzes in Novice while David Donohew took two Golds in the same Division. Tori Lero won her Kata Division, Girl's Novice (10-11 year olds). Additionally girls that stood out were Sydney Partridge, who took Gold and Jessyca Scott who took Bronze in the Girls Novice (8-9 year olds). Rebekah Anderson who took a Gold in Kumite Novice (8-9 year olds), and two Silvers in Randori and Grappling. Sarah Kosir, on her birthday, took Gold in Advanced Kata (10-11 year olds) and a Silver in Kumite.

Joe Cambria won 3 Golds medals and 1 Silver medal. Joe took Gold in Grappling and Silver in Randori. He won the Advanced Kumite (10-11 year olds) and Kata Division while Hayaa Nagai followed with two Silvers. Jeremy Gensel won his Advanced Kata Division (10-11 year olds). Advanced student, Jessica Neer, won the Advanced Woman Kata Division and Silver in Kumite. Jamie Thompson won the Advanced Woman Kata (16-17 year olds) and a silver in Kumite. Kevin Hunt took Silver in Grappling (Adult novice).

You can’t forget the cutest kids you’ve ever seen, the 3-5 year old little dragon Division. Matthew Zahand, who teaches the preschool kids goes out with the children and has them perform different techniques in front of the judges. Angel Avila, Riley Gensel, Malea Nelson and Nathan Bartlett all received national medals for their participation. They are the next generation of All-Americans. Taylor Graf, formerly in the pre-school program, won her first All-American title in the Girls Novice Kata Division (5-6 year olds).

Shihan Zahand (Teacher of Teachers) won a Silver medal in the Advanced Black Belt Kata Division, only 1/2 point away from Gold.

For more information on Zahand’s Martial Arts call 330-926-2001.