News & Events

Junior LINXX Sparring Tournament

May 15, 2010

On Saturday, May 15, 2010, LINXX Academy of Martial Arts at Redmill held its Junior Spring Intramural Sparring Tournament. Enthusiastic fighters and excited guests geared up as LINXX staff set the mat for the annual event. Over 50 students registered for the competition, ranging in ages from 6–14 years. LINXX was proud to welcome Tyler Baer of Renaissance Academy in Lynchburg, as well as Christopher Brideson of Trident Academy of Martial Arts to the roster of impressive junior competitors.

LINXX founder and head instructor Frank Cucci, Sr., welcomed guests and outlined the day’s agenda. Students were placed in their respective brackets based on current rank and weight classes. This year’s tournament included full-contact sparring beginning at the Intermediate level. Typically, full contact is reserved for advanced-level bouts, as well as the final rounds of each weight class. Full-contact sparring allows strikes to the head, body, and legs by using kicks and hand strikes. Simultaneous bouts were held in two separate rings, attended by three judges and a referee on the mat. This was a single-elimination tournament, so the loser of each match was ineligible to compete for first place in each bracket; however, several defeated competitors participated in subsequent matches to determine third place.

A noteworthy challenge between Deandre Corbe and Malik Sheppard capped off the memorable morning. First-place contender Jacob Urps succumbed to illness after securing second place, but Corbe and Sheppard, the other two advanced heavyweight pacesetters, were far from finished. They agreed to perform in an exhibition challenge in light of the defaulted match, which gave the audience an aweinspiring showcase of form and technique.

Mr. Cucci commented, “The discipline of all parties involved deserves recognition from everyone here at LINXX. For some students, it was the first fight of their young lives and each one met the mat with true honor. My staff and I would like to extend the highest commendations to the Junior LINXX fighters. We look forward to helping them continue to grow in strength and character.