THE Second Davis Massey Shield literally kicked off at Blazes on Sunday as 80 of Chaffey’s Black Belt Academy students went at it in over 52 divisions.
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The main events were the men’s and women’s open events, with Adam Connors just winning the men’s from Troy Brown, and Samarah Thrift the best of the women.
The division ranged from three-year-olds right through and included events like weapons, contact sparring and demonstrations.
The Davis Massey Shield is given out on points over five disciplines.
Points are given for competitors who finish in the top three of points sparring, contact sparring, kata, demonstration and weapons.
Last year it came down to the final event, with Ken Holgate just taking it out.
Holgate couldn’t defend his title because of an injured shoulder, although it was still a close finish.
Connors has been training with Clint Chaffey for over 20 years and deserved his title according to the Kyoshi.
“He performed very well and has trained hard for a long time,” Chaffey said.
Connors won the kata, weapons and demo, while Brown was hot on his heels taking out the points and contact sparring.
Thrift was a cut above the female field and demonstrated that with some masterful displays.
The academy has 220 students all up, and Chaffey wants the event to become a major day on the calendar.
“It has been a very successful day for the second year,” Chaffey said.
“We got a really good turnout and hope for even more next year.”