On Friday, June 3, 10 local Provincial Martial Arts (PMA) students tested for their black belts at the SASCU Recreation Centre under the evaluation of Todd Johnston, director of PMA, the head instructor of the Shuswap PMA Holly Raczynski and 10 other black belts.
This was the first official black belt testing of its kind to be held in Salmon Arm.
On Saturday, June 4, PMA hosted an open martial arts tournament that had more than 100 competitors in attendance from all over Western Canada.
Those who placed first in their divisions qualified to represent Team Canada at the World Martial Art Games to be held this July, in Germany.
The martial artists competed in sparring, weapon forms, empty hand forms, and team katas.
There was an amazing level among competitors ranging in ages from four to 60 years and from beginners to professional fighters.