The USA Karate Nationals Competition was held in Greenville, SC from July 11-14, 2013. Athletes from USA Martial Arts Florida’s competition team participated in kobudo, kata, and kumite. Three competitors were trying out for a spot on the US Junior National team in the Elite Division. The elite competitors were Samantha Reach, Evelyn Largo, and Elijah Hintz.
On Friday, July 12, 2013, Elijah Hintz won a silver medal in the 15 year old male kumite division at Nationals. This qualifies him to participate in the XXIV Youth Pan American Karate Championships being held in Medellin, Colombia, South America from August 26 to September 1, 2013.
Elijah is a sophomore at Lehigh Senior High School where he is dual enrolled with classes through Edison State College. He is a member of the gospel choir at LSHS, directed by Mr. Julius Davis. Elijah is a musician who enjoys playing piano, guitar, and clarinet. He takes lessons at Cayuga Music Studio with Mrs. Candace Sundby.
Elijah began martial arts at four years old. He earned his Sho Dan black belt in July of 2012. He is currently the Deshi at USA Martial Arts Florida where he is responsible for many things. He must be always available to help his sensei. This includes assisting other students in classes, running errands, tidying up when necessary, cleaning the dojo after classes each night, and helping with special projects.
USA Martial Arts Florida is owned and operated by Mr. Jeffrey Reach. His wife, Laura, is the business manager.
Jeff Reach is the Chief Instructor of USA Martial Arts Florida and the Meishinkan Martial Arts Center located at 1111 Homestead Rd. N in the Winn-Dixie shopping plaza. Mr. Reach is a 5th Degree black belt offering classes in Karate, Aikido, Judo, Jujutsu, Iaido, Kobudo and Tae Kwon Do. The center also offers Kardio Kick Fit© a fitness program based on the martial arts.
The Reach’s have continued to provide a solid foundation of love and support to Elijah since 2006 when he began his classes at their previous Veteran’s Park location.
It is the responsibility of each athlete to finance their own travel arrangements to the Pan American Games in Medellin, Colombia. Elijah’s mom is a single parent with two other children and a substitute teacher for Lee County District Schools. She is unable to afford all the costs and is humbly asking for donations to help finance Elijah’s trip to the Pan Am Games. Please send donations to USA Martial Arts Florida attn.: Judith Hintz, 1111 Homestead Rd N, Unit 25 Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.
What a great experience this would be!! We are hoping that you get the money you need to make this trip. WE have posted this on Facebook and all of our friends will see it. CONGRATS Elijah on the success you have had so far in your young life!! You are a special young man!! We will have our check to you on Sunday at church.