COEUR d'ALENE - Handsome wall plaques and sharp-looking trophies were up for grabs on Saturday at North Idaho College.

But Stephen Ade wasn't thinking about awards. The 15-year-old martial artist had come to Christianson Gym for one simple reason: the fierce competition.

"We've got a few wins so far. That's what we always hope - to win," said Ade, a member of Northwest Kenpo Karate in Coeur d'Alene. He wore a dark red gi and a half-purple belt, a symbol of his skill.

"I like competition," he added. "I like to compete. And we all like to win. Of course that's no guarantee, so you really pit your skills against someone else in a non-familiar environment."

Martial artists young and old flocked to NIC for the 2011 North Idaho Karate Classic. Representing studios from Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, they performed complicated moves, whirled weapons and battled man-to-man on the hardwood floor.

Like many of his Northwest Kenpo teammates, Ade participated in several events at the Classic: forms, or "kata," sparring and team sparring.

"It's a good challenge," he said, "and Northwest Kenpo loves challenges."

About 200 competitors, from ages 4 to 35-plus, took part in the Karate Classic, said Colleen Johnston of Northwest Kenpo. The studio at 245 Bosanko Ave. hosted the inaugural Classic in 2010.

"This is our second year, and last year we had probably just over 150 (participants)," Johnston said. "None of it happens without the volunteers. All the juniors, just for showing up, they all get a medal. Just because we believe it takes a lot of guts to do one of these."

Even the youngest competitors strapped on protective padding, threw a few kicks and landed a punch or two. Older, more experienced martial artists put on fast-paced displays of skill, style and fighting technique.

Becca Mann of Coeur d'Alene, another Northwest Kenpo student, has been practicing martial arts for three years. She wore a brown belt around her waist, and competed in sparring, team sparring, forms and weapons (she wielded a staff).

"It's just really fun to be able to do something different," Mann said of martial arts. "Occasionally it's easy, but usually you have to work for it.

She said she enjoys forms, but sparring against another opponent can be tough.

"You have to not be afraid," Mann said. "I just think I can do it, and I know I can."

The Karate Classic is one of the largest martial arts events in Coeur d'Alene. Corey Davey drove over from Hamilton, Mont., with his two children, 7-year-old Christopher and 12-year-old Mackenna. Both youngsters compete on the Hamilton Tae Kwon-Do team.

"Very well-organized," Davey said of the Classic. "On time, which is nice. I like the positive environment of encouraging the kids."

Practicing martial arts, he said, has been a "self-esteem builder" for Christopher.

"It kind of blossomed him a little bit. It made him a stronger person."