A host of Bermudian martial artists are preparing to compete in the Texas Amateur Organisation of Karate finals on Saturday, albeit virtually.

Normally the event is contested only by Texas residents; however, this year organisers have allowed all competitors who have been competing over the past seven months to compete either in person or virtually.

Ahead of the event, all competitors have been ranked according to their overall scores from any Amateur Organisation of Karate-sanctioned tournament, with the top five from each division, age and rank being seeded.

As a result, some of the local contingent have been ranked highly, including Dominique Brown, who has been seeded second out of all competitors with 312 points, while Massanda Vaughans has been seeded ninth overall with 168 points.

As well as Brown and Vaughans ranking highly overall, Bermuda has a number of other competitors seeded within their respective classes for the East region.

Competing in the Krazy Athletics 8 to 11 age group, Fancie Bowens-Tucker has been handed the top seeding, while Seiji Wallington-Ingham will be the fourth seed.

In the Forms Traditional category, Amarriah Vaughans is seeded fourth in the under-7 beginners group; Callahj Simons fifth in 8 to 11 intermediate, Davonte Richardson first in the 8 to 11 advanced and Brown first in the 12 to 17 advanced. Brown has also been seeded fourth in the Musical Open and first in the Weapons Traditional categories.

Also in that latter category are Vaughans, who has the top seed in the 8 to 11 beginner group, and Seiji Wallington-Ingham and Callahj Simons, who are seeded one and two respectively in the 8 to 11 intermediate group.

“Bermuda should be proud of the accomplishments of all the competitors that have competed this year,” said Andrea McKey, the sensei at the Tabata-Ha School, where some of the competitors train. “To have so many seedings is quite impressive for our tiny island.”

Meanwhile, some of those competing this weekend secured impressive results in the Forward Momentum Tournament on Saturday.

Vaughans secured two first-place finishes in traditional kata and weapons, while Simons took first place in traditional kata.

There was also a number of strong placing by Brown, who clinched first in musical kata, second in traditional kata and musical weapons, and fourth in weapons.