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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 10:19 a.m., Saturday, July 28, 2007

Martial arts tourney for disabled set for tomorrow

Advertiser Staff

HONOLULU — More than 50 individuals with disabilities from three different schools will perform as Hawai'i hosts the 5th Annual International "Specially Challenged" Martial Arts Championship beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday at St. Louis High School's McCabe Gym.

Students from the Abilities Unlimited Martial Arts Academy, Hawai'i's only martial arts school for individuals with disabilities, will represent the Aloha State at the tournament. The tournament is locally sponsored by Abilities Unlimited and United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii

The tournament features many different styles of martial arts as practiced by individuals with a wide variety of disabilities. Demonstration, fighting divisions, and diverse forms and weapons will be featured, with awards in all divisions.

The Abilities Unlimited Martial Arts Academy has represented Hawaii at the international tournament since 2003, when program participant Stanley Armpriester and instructor Marty Williams traveled to Citrus College in Azusa, Calif., for the competition. The following year, six students represented Hawai'i at the tournament and brought home the Best School trophy.