On September 27th in Keene New Hampshire at Keene middle school Whistlekick held the first Whistlekick championship. We had a unique way of doing things and created a brand new tournament that was a celebration of martial arts. We reunited with some old friends and made new friends from other dojos. We set the stage for great success for future tournaments and everyone had an amazing time.
From the moment that everyone arrives, there was a different kind of energy than knowing that people were arriving to something special. The championship was not a normal tournaments. It was a celebration of martial arts. One personal goal that I had that we did an amazing job carrying out was to have everyone stay through the black belts competition. Every student showed great hearts, and we can see that they practiced greatly in order to compete. What was different about the championship was that it was beyond just trophies and medals. The winners of the competitions who received a first place standing in their division were eligible to advance to the championship round. If a person won first place in one of their divisions for their forms or sparring than they advance to the semifinals.
One of the beautiful things about this tournament was the sheared camaraderie amongst martial artists of all ages. Competitors cheered on their fellow competitors. And every single spectator was sharing on everyone. Smiles were everywhere at this tournament. We set the stage for the Whistlekick tournaments to be the most exciting events possible. And we really saw this in this event.
In the final rounds, we tested their skill and the president of Whistlekick Jeremy Lesniak presided over the final competition. We tested them on their skill and eliminated 30 people starting with the endurance exercise of hopping on 1 foot up and down the gym with their helpers, push-ups contest, followed by the competition, where they balanced the ball on their palm and travels in the open area up and down the gym to great cheers from the audience. In the end, 4 champions were crowned.
This was a style of an event that we have attempted to put on for 10 years in Whistlekick. It was an amazing magical day as quoted by many people and we can’t wait to do this again for the championship in 2026.
I want to thank my team and everyone else who helped put this event, you all did an amazing job. From preparing the gym the night before to refereeing and helping with registration and the concession stand. This could not have been done alone. On behalf of Jeremy and myself you all did an amazing job.
To the spectators and competitors, thank you so much for giving us the chance to put on a great events and your trust in us for delivering a great day. From the bottom of my hearts, thank you for showing up and thank you for the ones who came early to help and volunteer, and even encouraged their own dojo to send more people. You understood the value of Whistlekick and you have my deepest gratitude.
With love,
Nick Taber
Your Friendly Neighborhood Tournament Director.