Taekwondo tournament comes to Elk Grove, CA

Elk Grove, CA – On November 3, 2007, KJ’s ATA Black Belt Academy will be hosting its second annual tae kwon do tournament at Cosumnes River College. “We are looking forward to bringing some exciting martial artists to Elk Grove for the second year in a row,” said Kevin Durant, 4th degree black belt and the owner of KJ’s ATA Black Belt Academy.

Over 600 competitors are expected to descend on Elk Grove. In addition, Durant expects over 1,400 spectators to watch the tournament. “This year’s tournament will be bigger and better than last year’s. We have some great things planned to help the community,” Durant said. There will be two silent auctions. One auction will be of a belt rack made in Modesto, CA and the other will be a handmade quilt by a local Elk Grove quilter. The proceeds of both auctions will benefit the H.U. Lee Foundation, a scholarship program set up to assist college bound students. In addition, Durant has planned a board break where participants get a chance to break a board with the proceeds going to Team Pride, a program to help at risk youths through the martial arts.

Among those present will be Chief Master Kang, the special guest, an 8th degree black belt. Competitors will range from white belts through 5th degree black belts. There is a competition for Tiny Tigers, who are three to six, older children and adults. Among the competitors will be an eight time world champion.

In an effort to promote self confidence through the marital arts, Durant is offering all EGUSD students a free month at KJ’s ATA Black Belt Academy and a free uniform just for coming to the tournament and showing their student ID card. “Self confidence is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child,” Durant said. “I want to make sure every child in Elk Grove has the self confidence necessary to succeed.”

Sponsoring the tournament this year are Kevin Durant with Coldwell Banker, the Law Offices of Jonathan G. Stein, the Law Offices of Margaret Broussard, The Skin Spa at Beauty Chateau and Alpha Tees.

The tournament doors open at 8:00am on November 3. Competition will begin at 9:00am for Tiny Tigers with opening ceremonies at 10:30am. Black belts will compete throughout the day.