Kickstart Kids students, instructors, and directors attended a very special UFAF - United Fighting Arts Federation ITC 2019 in Las Vegas on July 11 - 15. This year was the 40th anniversary of the International Training Conference which included top martial artists Benny "The Jet" Urquidez and Richard Norton, the UFAF World Championship competition, and the gala celebration. UFAF, founded by Chuck Norris, is the governing body of the Chuck Norris System (CNS), UFAF Krav Maga Force, and UFAF BJJ. Our Central Texas Regional Director, Jason Chartouni, won the Norris Cup in Men's Fighting making the experience even more memorable.

Kickstart Kids founder Chuck Norris with Norris Cup winner Jason Chartouni

A team of Kickstart Kids students from Garcia Middle School, Rodeo Palms Junior High, and Sartartia Middle School attended the week-long event with their instructors Wayne Nguyen (Garcia), Caesar Paz (Rodeo Palms), and Patricia Rivera (Sartartia). In addition, Kickstart Kids instructors, Chelsea Clark and Damien Sauceda, Regional Directors, Jason Chartouni, Derrick Stinson, and Sonia Moreno-White, and Chief Director of Operations, John Kurek.

Kickstart Kids Garcia Middle School instructor Wayne Nguyen competing at UFAF ITC

Students arrived early to take in the sights and sounds of the Las Vegas strip with parents and chaperones. The group had their Annual Pool Party that brought forth a true sense of comradery as they chilled by the pool under a hot Las Vegas sky enjoying complimentary hot dogs and burgers.

Kickstart Kids students relaxing in Las Vegas before UFAF ITC 2019

Friday was a full day of seminars from top martial artists around the world sharing their wisdom to a room full of eager students ready to learn. On Saturday, the competition kicked off and Kickstart Kids competitors showcased their skills by picking up more than 30 awards cumulatively. 

Students and instructors from Sartartia and Rodeo Palms showing off their awards

The Grand Championship took place on Sunday which included Kickstart Kids instructors Chelsea Clark competing in Kata and Forms, Wayne Nguyen competing in Weapons and Forms, and Jason Chartouni competing in Individual and Team Sparring. Mr. Chartouni dominated the sparring division and brought home the Norris Cup in Men's Fighting and won Grand Champion.

Congratulations to all of our Kickstart Kids who were able to attend and we look forward to next year!

Garcia Middle School students and instructor at UFAF ITC