Skip to main content

Independent Voice

Tournament Benefits Team USA

Aug 07, 2024 02:24PM ● By Debra Dingman

Young karate students demonstrate a kata in the Ramtown Karate Tournament fundraiser held in Dixon recently. Photo by Debra Dingman


DIXON, CA (MPG) - The thick row of parents stared intently and quietly through the glass windows dividing them from their children who were competing in the Ramtown Karate Tournament held recently in Dixon. This is the kind of tournament that may draw smiles and possibly hugs, but mostly the large rooms are filled with silence dotted by occasional loud, single-syllable yells.

This shout, commonly known as a kiai, is not just a random sound, but a deliberate expression of energy, power, and focus, according to karate experts. The use of the kiai is an essential part of martial arts practice and has both practical and psychological benefits.

Sensei Jim Ernest had also noted the many parents present that day and gave credit to them for their students’ success.

“Look at the parents,” he said. “They’ve been there for their kids. They’ve been on time to the practices. They drive them to the tournaments and they cheer them on. They are really, really involved.”

Anna Anderson Jancy Baguhin Meili Urata-Espinosa Neyra Sipovic Sasha Venzon

 From left, Anna Anderson, Jancy Baguhin, Meili Urata-Espinosa, Neyra Sipovic, Sasha Venzon and Elise Beal. Courtesy photo


Ramtown Karate students were participating in an athletic tournament for the purpose of raising money for the five Northern California Jr. Team USA members including Dixon’s Anna Anderson, going to the Pan American Championships to be held in Brazil the last week of August.

“We have built a group to help our athletes to get better and they have continuously trained together,” said Sensei Kathy Ernest. Anderson joined the team of athletes Elise Beal, Meili Urata-Espinosa, and Sasha Venzon of United Bay Area Karate Club in San Jose and Jancy Baguhin of Tokon Martial Arts in Sacramento. 

Anderson started karate when she was about 10 years old. Just last month, she was one of seven Ramtown Karate students who traveled to Lafayette, La., to compete at the US Karate National Team Trials. Senpai Anderson competed in kata (forms) and won the bronze medal. She then fought in the USA 16- to 17-year-old Elite Kumite division and earned a silver medal. As a result, she earned a spot on the USA Junior Team and was honored with wearing the red USA jacket.

“Anna’s dream is to compete and then to become a karate coach and even own a karate school after her competition career. She loves karate,” said Ernest. “She is one of the hardest working people and never complains — never says she’s too tired or too hot, but ‘What are we doing today, coach?’

Anderson’s local coaches and owners of Ramtown Karate, Jim and Kathy Ernest, will not be going to Brazil, though, as Anderson will have a national team coach from the Olympic governing body in Brazil. Fortunately, she was able to pick two national coaches who wanted to train her.

Team members showed their appreciation at the Dixon tournament by coaching and encouraging the young competitors who also aspire to make Team USA and were encouraged by visiting the World Karate Federation 20-year-old team competitor from Bosnia, Neyra Sipovic.

The tournament was a success, gauging from the large turnout of more than 50 competitors and that was over a two-week period of promoting it, organizers said. 

The USA Junior Team left this week for Kansas City, where they will train with the entire Team USA. For more information on Ramtown Karate, call 707-678-4899 or go to ramtownkarate.com

karate training Team USA Dixon Anna Anderson

 These three little men got assistance in their karate training from Junior Team USA member from Dixon, Anna Anderson. Photo by Debra Dingman