Four young karate students inducted into Hall of Fame

May 10, 2009

Four karate students at Warriors Karate & Kickboxing in Boonsboro were inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame on Feb. 28 in Jamaica, N.Y.

The annual induction ceremony has taken place since 1976. To be inducted, martial artists must be nominated, then approved by the board of directors, according to a press release. Approximately 75 top martial artists are honored, with representatives from about 23 states in attendance.

Their teacher, Michelle Vining, is a master black belt and a Hall of Fame inductee. She said it is unusual for children to be inducted, and in addition to her students, there were only two other teenagers being inducted.

"Most of the time, honors go to adults or those in their late teens," Vining said. "But these kids were noticed for doing extraordinary things beyond the call of duty."

She added they don't know who nominated her students, and nominations come from people who have seen them at tournaments.

"I look at these kids and they're all honor students," Vining said. "These kids would amaze you because of the respect and discipline they've learned. We are very proud of our kids."

Local martial artists inducted include:

· Katelyn Costella, 6, a green belt and a student at Glenwood Country Day School in Woodbine, Md. She is the daughter of Leazley Humphrey of West Friendship, Md.

· Paul Hofe, 10, a third-degree brown belt and a student at Frederick (Md.) Christian Academy. He is the son of Michael and Melinda Hofe of Rohrersville.

· Bruce William Lovins Jr., 10, who has earned his blue belt since the induction. He is a student at Boonsboro Elementary School. He is the son of Julia Lovins of Boonsboro.

· Jeremy Dorsey, 14, a second-degree green belt and a student at Frederick High School. He is the son of David and Jerrott Dorsey of Frederick.

For more information, to go www.USNMAT.net.

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