Second annual North Peace Martial Arts Championship to be held Saturday

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – After a successful first running of the North Peace Martial Arts Championship last year, Fivestar MMA is holding the event for a second time. It will take place this Saturday with registrations due by Thursday morning at 9 a.m.

Fivestar owner Justin Donally said the majority of the clubs from Prince George, Grande Prairie, and Dawson Creek as well as other near by locations will be making the trip for the tournament.

“We have almost every club that I know of from karate to taekwondo in the Peace Region wanting to attend. That’s the idea of this tournament is to get all styles of martial arts involved. It’s friendly for all of them. It’s really about the kids. A lot of times in the cities and different places a lot of club owners have a hard time putting their personal egos aside and letting the kids go out and have some fun and get some competition to help them out,” he said.

He added in the first year clubs sent smaller groups unsure what to expect, and now are sending larger groups because of the success of the first tournament.

“We had a few clubs that dabbled because it was the first tournament in this area of this kind. They weren’t sure what to expect but it was well run. This year now I’m getting a little overwhelmed with the amount of entries we’re getting and the extra schools that are wanting to be a part of it,” Donally said.

The children’s division will be for those 3-18 years old. There will also be an adults division, and a ladies’ division for jiu jitsu and sparring.

Over 250 competitors are expected to participate at the event.

Those wanting to register are encouraged to send an email to info.fivestarmma@gmail.com