The gambling age in America may be 18, but that’s not stopping 7-year-old Ethan Dahl from hopping on a plane and traveling to Reno, Nevada, this July. No, he’s not going there to play blackjack. He and 17 other Lake Monticello Karate Academy (LMKA) athletes are busily training for the USA-National Karate Federation Championships and Team Trials this summer in Reno.

On March 15, 20 LMKA athletes (known as “Team Intense”) competed in the South Carolina Open tournament in Greenville, SC. They faced many of the same athletes that they will compete against at Nationals, along with members of the US team. This tournament was the first National qualifier tournament for Team Intense, giving many of the athletes a taste of Nationals. “The SC Open is a great experience for the new Team Intense members to get used to the serious competitions, which will prepare them for Nationals,” said team member Dylan Murray. The team rocked the tournament with a total medal count of 17 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze.

Since Team Intense hasn’t won roulette, qualifying to attend the Nationals event in Reno is only half the battle. The team is currently fundraising to pay for coaches at Nationals. “Coaches are the backbone of any successful athlete.  They provide valuable insight and guidance through the course of the match. They are the eyes and ears of an athlete,” said LMKA owner and coach Rob Silverman.

Fundraisers include a 3 on 3 basketball tournament which will be held at Fluvanna Middle School on May 10.  “This event is a fundraiser to help promote youth athletics in Fluvanna County,to have fun and a healthy amount of competition.  Prizes will be awarded to the winners.  We hope everyone is excited to come out and play some ball, have some fun, and contribute to a great cause.” said Tournament Director Zach Dahl, parent of athlete Ethan Dahl.

According to Dahl, the tournament is open to all children 18 and under and  kids are guaranteed to play at least three games. The first round of play will determine the kids’ seeds, while the second round will be set up in brackets similar to March Madness.  The winners of each game will be determined either by the first team to score 21 points or by the winner at the end of 20 minutes of play.

LMKA has been sending athletes to the USA-NKF Nationals since 2001 and has had numerous athletes make the U.S team and compete in international competitions. One former LMKA  athlete and 2008 FCHS graduate, Joey Kubistek– is a returning LMKA legend who will now be coaching the new generation at Nationals. “I am looking forward to it. Being out of the competition life for two years, I’m excited to see the new, younger kids experience the excitement I did when I competed,” said Kubistek.

    Registration forms can be found online at https://www.facebook.com/events/441227355980195/ or by going to the Facebook event page

“2014 3-on-3 Youth Basketball Tournament Fundraiser.” Registration can be mailed to 12 Landing Court, Palmyra, VA 22963. Pre-registration is $40 per team and must be postmarked by April 30.  Regular registration is $50 per team and runs from April 30 to the day of the event. Only 12 teams will be allowed per division so sign up soon.