Karate tournament to benefit mission set for May 21

If you’re looking for some entertainment next Saturday, Twin Lakes Activity Center is the place to be.

Messersmith AKC will host its Hearts for Honduras Mission Karate Tournament beginning at 10 a.m. May 21.

Laronda Hawkins, owner and instructor of Messersmith, along with Stephen Starnes of the North Texas Karate Academy in Bridgeport are putting the event together.

The event hopes to host karate students from the area including Bowie, Saginaw, Lake Worth, Bridgeport and the Burleson area.

“There’s an alliance of small schools that we work with,” Hawkins said. “We don’t participate in a lot of tournaments, but there are tournaments in the Metroplex all the time. There’s a lot in Oklahoma. We have tried to congregate together and have events close by instead of having to drive two or three hours to Oklahoma. We’re trying to work together to have events more locally.”

Hawkins is unsure of the number of participants Jacksboro will see for its first tournament.

“I’ll be glad if I have 50,” she said.

The ages for the tournament go from 5 and under beginning at 10 a.m. up to adults.

“It will be single elimination for the sparring and kata will be highest point individual,” she said.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit a mission trip to Honduras, but besides being for a good cause, Hawkins said it will be a lot of fun to watch.

“Especially the young kids when they spar and do their katas,” she said. “It’s really fun to watch their excitement, the enthusiasm. They’re cute. Hopefully, those who come will see discipline and respect because that’s key too.”

Preregistration is $27 for participants who may sign up at hearts4honduras.myevent.com. Admission is $6 for spectators. Children 5 and under are free.

Hawkins took over Messersmith AKC after the previous owner, Ralph Messersmith was killed in a plane crash in April 2005.

Classes are held Mondays and Thursdays for ages that range from having completed kindergarten on up to adults.