WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Karate athletes in Walla Walla are on the road to nationals, and right after that, the world tournament. The 2024 AAU Karate Nationals start on July 2.
“It’s a new experience for the littles, for everyone for the first time there, but it’s a big event. There’s hundreds of competitors, there’s I think 12 rings. It’s a good experience for them and it’s a national title,” said Sensei Michelle Vineyard-Saager. This is not the first time the Karate Center of Walla Walla has sent athletes to national tournaments. “They usually do really well.”
Six students with the Karate Center of Walla Walla from 7 to 12 years old are going to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the tournament.
“They’re all very talented. They worked really hard for this,” said Kamdean Saager, the oldest of the bunch, at 12 years old, and the student who is taking on the WUKF World Tournament mid-July.
I spoke with all of the athletes about what they’re most excited for, at nationals.
“Competing against other competitors that are from other nations,” said Lennon Byma, 7.