October 2023 Recap!

October was an action-packed month at Live Oak Martial Arts in Athens, Georgia. We had an exciting lineup of events and achievements that we're eager to share with you. From grappling tournaments to belt promotions, we've got a lot to celebrate. 

Grappling Tournaments

We are very proud of our grapplers who competed in two tournaments in October: Naga and the Crystal Cup. Naga stands for North American Grappling Association, and it is one of the largest and most prestigious grappling events in the U.S. The Crystal Cup is a semi-local Jiu-Jitsu tournament, and both are a great opportunity for our students to test their skills and have fun.

Our team did an amazing job at both tournaments, bringing home several medals and a sword! Here are some of the highlights:

• Will Pence won a gold and a silver medal at both Naga and the Crystal Cup, dominating his no-gi grappling divisions and showing his versatility in the gi.

• Thomas Murphy won two bronze medals at the Crystal Cup, demonstrating his resilience and determination in tough matches.

• We want to congratulate all of our grapplers for their hard work and dedication, and we want to thank our coaches and training partners for their guidance and support, especially Dr. Park. Great Job everyone!

Belt Promotions

On October 28th, we gathered to celebrate a significant milestone for some of our dedicated members. The promotion testing day was a momentous occasion, and we were honored to witness the growth and progression of our students. 

• Angie Manous earned her First-Degree Black Belt, an accomplishment that represents years of dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment. 

• Thomas Murphy received his Recommended Black Belt, which is the last step before becoming a black belt, recognizing his hard work and skill development. Thomas is ready to take on the challenge of becoming a black belt, and we are confident that he will succeed.

• Ray Azami earned his blue belt, which is a significant milestone in his Taekwondo journey. Ray is a dedicated and talented student, and we are excited to see him grow and progress.

Congratulations to all three of you! Your achievements inspire us all.