It was an exciting day at Master Charles Water's Hwang Karate Studio, located at 1232 Hillside Avenue in Williston Park.

This year's first in-house school Tournament was a form tournament. Form or Hyung as it is spoken in Korean is a combination of moves that a person uses to defend themselves. However, the most important aspect of learning these moves is the ability to feel confident that you can accomplish any goal you set your mind on. These movements become a part of you. They are a reflection of how you stand, how you react and how you treat other people. The creation of these moves can be as dramatic as a quick kick and as expressive as a bullet.

This competition provided students with the opportunity to demonstrate the skills that they have developed through their training. Children and adults alike exhibited both their physical and mental disciplines.

There were over 100 competitors. It is our belief that everyone who enters a competition is a winner. The number one fear in the world is public speaking. To enter a tournament and perform in front of a large audience, to concentrate and do your best, is a challenge that is only taken on by leaders. At this tournament students were competing with their peers.

In this situation students did their techniques and they were given points. The judges were looking for forms that were technically correct and executed with beauty and strength. All the onlookers, family, friends and other students, agreed that they felt as if they were watching their own Olympics in Williston Park.

All students and their parents walked out smiling. That made the tournament a huge success. All students received a medal for excellence.

The following students participated in this awesome event:

From Albertson, James Weynand, Nimit Palicha, Kerri Pearles, Rich Baierwalter and trophy winner Arpit Shah.

From East Williston: Zach Korman, Matthew Mazzeo, Frank Phillips and trophy winners Grace McCracken and Arianne Biggs.

From Mineola: David Marcinek, Victor Murca, Chris Orlik, Matthew Russo, Sandy Sonera, Matthew Vuolo, Johnny Ryan, Brian Lee, Nicole Pitcavage, Sean Thompson, Evan Ryan, and trophy winners Mark Iuvara, Evan Smoak, Gabriel Couto and Reid Rostello.

From Williston Park: Fred Kaestel, Matt Schmucker, Peter Johnson, Sean Costello, Jayro Khan, Mike Keogh, Erik Vandestowe, Gina Quintano and trophy winners Michelle Perillo, Jonathan Berardi and James Hackford.