GSKS doles out 2005 awards:Grubbs cleans up at another tourney

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Award winners included, front row, from left, Adara Scott, Peyton Webb and Ben Vassar. Second row, Becky Byars, Shawn Green, James Mitchell and Bonita Gutierrez. Back row, Paul Byars, John Cosminsky, Mike Pascoe and Ruchelle Steele.

Gary Steele Karate Studio recently held its awards banquet and recognized its students for their achievements in performance for 2005.

The Grand Champion award went to Pascual Esparza and Extreme Skill went to James T. Mitchell.

Student of the Year went to Ben Vassar in the Little Dragons. Adara Scott received Student of the Year in the children’s division. In the junior division Shawn Green was Student of the Year and Michael Grubbs was Student of the Year for the adult class.

Other awards included, Bonnie Gutierrez, Flexibility Award. Fighting Awards went to Morgan Thaxton and Mikey Argo. Forms went to Peyton Webb and Kyle Jones. Spirit Award went to Tucker Higgins and Mike Pascoe. Dedication Award went to Josh Powers and John Cosmkosky. Instructors of the Year went to James T. Mitchell and Becky Byars and Paul Byars received the Head Instructor of the Year award.

Adult student of the year Michael Grubbs brought back another championship recently, when he was crowned the Southeast Regional Karate Champion in the intermediate division of a tournament in Louisville.

Grubbs was the triple-crown state champion, and won a total of four triple crowns across the southeast and midwest. He has won a record 20 first-place championships in Martial Arts competition.