Brothers headed to Junior Olympics

For brothers Jozshua and Michael Sims, Thanksgiving this year will be celebrated by preparing to carve up opponents instead of turkey.

The brothers leave Thanksgiving day to compete over the weekend in the Junior Olympics Karate Championships in Bellevue, Wash.

The Sims brothers qualified for the event during the Anchorage Karate Championships Nov. 10. Jozshua, a 15-year-old student at Colony High School, won his division and Michael, an 11-year-old student at Finger Lake Elementary, placed second. The championships determined the state's best for age divisions and belt levels.

The Junior Olympics brings state champions together from around the country to determine national champions.

Jozshua and Michael study the Gosokuryu style of Karate at Valley Martial Arts.

Gosokuryu is a traditional Japanese style of karate, with a strong focus on basic techniques.

They compete in the fighting class of karate, which requires them to wear headgear, a protective cup, hand pads and shin guards.

Both have been students for four years under instructor Mike Dablemont.

"I'm very proud of their accomplishments in martial arts," said Dablemont. "Both have a drive to achieve, not only in martial arts, but in everything they do."

Michael became interested in the sport after a cousin brought him to a lesson. Michael became hooked and has been attending since.

Unlike many other sports, martial arts is a continual practice, with students attending classes all year.

Michael has plans to continue the sport for years to come.

"I want to become a fourth-degree black belt, like my teacher," said Michael.

Both brothers competed in the Junior Olympics last year, with Jozshua winning the nationals and taking home a gold medal.

Michael suffered a broken toe during the competition last year, but gritted through remaining matches to earn a bronze medal.

The results of the Junior Olympics qualified them for the Pan-American games against competitors from 25 other countries.

Jozshua won the bronze medal in the games. Michael competed despite a broken toe, but was unable to compete at the level to which he was accustomed.

This year Michael is healthy and ready for competition and Jozshua looks to further last year's success.