Local karate academy named Dojo of year

SPARTA — The East West Karate Academy of Sparta recently attended the 2014 Isshin-ryu Karate Hall of Fame event in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Sensei Scott Klinger along with several of his students and family members traveled to attend the annual event.

East West was selected as the Dojo of the Year for its outstanding performance and commitment to the teachings of traditional Okinawan karate.

Black belt Frank Cutrone was selected as the young male Karate-Ka champion, and Emily Slattery was selected as the junior female competitor of the year.

Additionally, the following students were all finalists in their respective categories: Ciera Ciaramella (young female Karate-Ka champion and female competitor), Katelyn Nieuzytek (young female Karate-Ka), and Ed Nieuzytek (young male competitor).

During the weekend competition, the East West competitors won over 30 different categories of forms, weapons, and sparring.

The East West students included advanced black belt Jackie Klinger, teen black belt Frank Cutrone, and adult competitors Bill and Lorie Zonca, Shannon LoBue, and Nanette Ciaramella.

Youth competitors included Brooke Klinger, Ciera Ciaramella, Emily Slattery, Katelyn Nieuzytek, Ed Nieuzytek, Kianna Nieuzytek, Sal and Julia Zonca, Zabrina and Ryan Branning, and Nick and Vincent LoBue.

The award and recognition comes at a special time for Klinger. This year the dojo celebrates its 25th anniversary.

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