Local karate school
to hold benefit
with Ninja Turtle

On May 1, a Shelled Crusader will appear at TTJC Karate in Sevierville to show off his chops.
Nick Palma, the actor who brought Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Michelangelo to life on the silver screen, will be on hand for an exclusive martial arts and nunchaku seminar to benefit a Sevier County teenager who is paralyzed.
Palma will also perform a dynamic martial arts demonstration for attendees before the tournament begins.
“Mr. Palma is an exclusively renowned martial artist and incredible gentleman. We are so excited he can come help us to help Kelsey,” said Randy Wampler, Instructor of TTJC Karate in Sevierville, TN.
The special program is to raise funds for the family of Kelsey Little, a sixteen-year-old student at TTJC Karate who was paralyzed last autumn when the all-terrain vehicle she was riding in flipped over. The funds will be used to help defray medical expenses.
“Kelsey is a fantastic young lady with a lot of courage and spirit,” Wampler said. “She has never given up and that is what we encourage, a willing spirit and dedicated attitude.”
Participants are expected from throughout the southeast region at the tourney, which will feature open style forms competition, weapons forms competition, breaking, Judo, and point tournament sparring.
Wampler conceived the tournament to assist the Little family after his student was injured in the accident which left her in a wheelchair.
“She will always be part of TTJC,” Wampler said, “and an even larger part of all the martial arts family who all strive to teach the same basic principles: respect, honor, and dedication.”
Participants from several southeastern states are expected at the tournament, which will include events such as open style forms, weapon’s forms, breaking, and Judo, and Point Tournament sparring.
The general public is invited to observe the demanding control and discipline that these martial arts require, and martial arts students from any school who wish may participate in the tournament.
Pre-registration for the event is strongly is encouraged. You can do so by contacting TTJC in Sevierville at (865) 237-8000 or by visiting www.ttjckarate.net.
Spectator admission fee will be $5.00 per person.
The 2004 Kelsey Little Spring Charity Tournament will be held Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sevier County High School in Sevierville.
Mr. Palma will perform his martial arts demonstration at noon to which spectators are invited for a nominal fee.
Participants in the tournament and spectators are encouraged to arrive early: the doors will open at 8:30 for those who have not registered and wish to do so. More information is available at www.ttjckarate.net or by calling 865-237-3000.

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