UWA Martial Arts Jr. Superstars Jackson and O’Brien won the N.J. Branch U.S. National Team Martial Arts “Alliance” Jr. Martial Arts MVP at the Hwrang Do Championship held in Union, N.J. Both athletes are ranked No. 1 in the state of New Jersey by the “Alliance,” accumulating more than 200 trophies and medals between the two of them in various first and second place divisions within a five year period.
Grand Master Dr. Austin Wright Sr. and his U.S. National Team were personally invited to Grand Master Ki Nam Yum Hwrang Do Karate Championship on Oct. 11. Grandmasters and legends like Y.B Choi from New Brunswick, Shihan Jonas Nunez, American Finest Kick-Boxing and Karate Academy from Elizabeth; and Grand Master Dr. Austin Wright Sr. from Bayonne and Jersey City were on hand to coach their teams to success.
Johnny O’Brien received an MVP for the year 2009 for dominating and winning the Weapons Jr. Black Belt Divisions. He competed against 30 different styles.
Kenneth Jackson Jr. III received his MVP for Sparring (Kumite), utilizing the Wright repertoire of Ariel Spinning Back Hands, Hammer Fist and Jumping Kicks followed by Powerful Reverse Punches.
In the Female Division, upcoming competitor Alyssa Moran won her second first place championship over a Taekwondo Do Champion Fighter from Newark, N.J.
Sensei Shannon Friend, second degree black belt, took second place in the Sparring Division. His opponent injured his knee and was unable to fight for grand champion. Shannon fought for grand championship and drew the majority support from the crowd says spectators and two judges, but he is fearless in competition. He lost to his opponent 1-0 after time ran out.