Locals win medals at karate championships

SPARTA — For the ninth consecutive year, the East West Karate Academy of Sparta has had several students win medals at the state level.

Competing at the 2015 New Jersey State AAU karate championships, the students trained by Sensei Scott Klinger took home nearly 40 medals in kata, weapons and kumite.

East West competitors included Ryan and Sabrina Branning, Alex Carreiro, Ciera Ciaramella, Hannah Davis, Hope Davis, and Faith Davis, Brooke Klinger, James Killen, Evan and Maya Laliker, Alex and Denis Libman, Megan Murino, Ryan Mondragon, Katelyn Nieuzytek, Edward Nieuzytek, Kianna Nieuzytek, Michaela and Tommy Paradiso, Emily Slattery, and Cooper Weeks.

Klinger was joined by his wife and East West black belt Jackie Klinger who also served as an AAU judge.

“I am extremely proud of the performance of every one of our students. They continue the strong legacy of our previous AAU state and national champions through hard work and ongoing commitment in the dojo,” Klinger said.

For more information on East West Karate Academycontact Sensei Klinger at 973-940-8915 or visit www.eastwestkaratenj.com.