Members of the public are invited to attend a martial arts event this weekend involving dozens of the sport’s top competitors from across Canada and the United Stated. The Winter Break Martial Arts Tournament is taking place Saturday, February 14 at 11 a.m. in the gym at White Pines high school.
As part of the 2015 Bon Soo winter carnival, admission to the event is free for guests with a Bon Soo button and $2 for anyone else. The tournament is being organized and hosted by Soo Dan Hap Ki Do – Cornacchio’s Martial Arts Centre and its founders, Grand Master Peter Cornacchio and his wife, 5th degree Master black belt Tracy Cornacchio.
“This is going to be a great day with a number of exciting competitions and demonstrations to watch,” said Tracy, the event’s chair. “We’re thrilled to be hosting this martial arts tournament as part of this year’s Bon Soo celebrations. I thank all the organizers and volunteers for their tireless efforts, and I encourage members of the public to come out and enjoy the competitions. You won’t be disappointed!”
The Winter Break Martial Arts Tournament includes seven unique events. The opening ceremonies will feature Mr. Bon Soo, along with a very special guest, Mariah Moore, a 14-time world champion known as The Eskrimadora (online: www.mariahmoore.org). After that, board breaking, high fall, long fall, forms, self-defense, weapons and sparring competitions will take place.
The Winter Break Martial Arts Tournament is being supported by a past investment from Tourism Sault Ste. Marie. A few years back, the division of the Economic Development Corporation purchased martial arts mats that allowed the Cornacchios, in partnership with Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, to host the 2011 International Hap Ki Do Canadian Open, which drew hundreds of visitors to the city from around the world. The equipment has since been used several times to host other martial arts events. Tourism Sault Ste. Marie’s investment is paying off again this year as the Cornacchios prepare for the 2015 Winter Break Martial Arts Tournament.
Hap Ki Do is a Korean martial arts form that employs a number of self-defense techniques, including joint locks, grappling and throwing. For more information, please contact Master Peter Cornacchio at 705-943-7900.
WHAT? 2015 Winter Break Martial Arts Tournament
WHEN? Saturday, February 14 at 11 a.m. (registration for competitors from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
WHERE? White Pines High School, 1007 Trunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie
