Mercer County Nationals: A Senior-Friendly Event

If you're a senior in the martial arts, plan now to be at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J., on March 16th for the 18th Annual Mercer County National Karate Championship.  Under the leadership of Master Ivan Mendez, this year's tournament promises to be an even bigger success than last year's first-rate event. 
   Last year's tournament attracted 550 competitors and more than 700 spectators.  To help accommodate the growing interest in this family-oriented program, the 2013 Mercer County Nationals will operate in two Rider University gyms rather than just one.  Athletes will once again be able to compete in weapons, forms, point sparring, and continuous sparring, in each case according to age and rank.
   The tournament is open to martial artists regardless of style, so for spectators this is a golden opportunity to see top competitors representing a wide range of martial-arts disciplines.  Media coverage for the event will be provided by Action Martial Arts Magazine.
   One of the most important features of this year's tournament is best represented by the words of the director, Master Mendez: "We are seeking female & male competitors over 50 & 60 years old to participate in the event's activities. This year we would love to commemorate SENIORS for their efforts and contributions to the martial arts."  If that doesn't sound senior-friendly enough for you, then you should read the sentences again.
   Many tournaments -- too many, I would say -- have a top age group of 35 or 40, and that doesn't send a warm-and-fuzzy message to those of us who are pushing 70.  So I give Master Mendez two thumbs up for actively promoting the role of seniors in the martial arts and doing what he can to attract older competitors.
   The rest is up to us now.  If you're 50 or older and still active in a martial art, please join me at the 2013 Mercer County Nationals.  It's not about whether you come home with a medal.  It's about staying in the game, doing your best, and making some new friends. 
   See you at Rider University on March 16th.  For more information about the 2013 Mercer County National Karate Championship, please visit http://www.karatetournaments.com/event_pages/mercer.htm