Spirit Lake karate team wins major championship in Tacoma

Team UKKA (a Spirit Lake and Sandpoint karate team) competed at the City of Destiny Classic karate tournament in Tacoma, Wash., at the Tacoma Convention Center on Sept. 20. 

This tournament is one of the largest open karate tournaments held in the Pacific Northwest.

Senior Instructor Mike “Ziggy” Siegfried of Spirit Lake won a first-place medal

Alannah Winland of Spirit Lake won one first-place, two second-place and one third-place medal.

Taylor Jenkins of Sandpoint won one first-place medal.

Jesse Winland of Spirit Lake won three first-place and one second-place medal.

Jessika Winland of Spirt Lake won three first-place medals.

Audrey Jenkins of Sandpoint won one second- and one third-place medal.

Michael Jenkins of Sandpoint won one first-place, one second-place and one third-place medal.

The team placed first in multiple divisions including weapons, open hand forms and sparring. Team UKKA was the only team at the tournament representing Idaho.

“We had one of the smallest teams in the tournament, but we were able to win or place in every major division," Siegfried said. "I am so proud of the team’s performance. They represented themselves, the state and their communities with poise, respect and professionalism. Traits that exemplify the best qualities of martial arts training.“

Team Idaho UKKA is sponsored by the Verbal Judo Institute, Inc., Golden Rule Brake, Embroidered Corporate Image (ECI) and Mi Pueblo. If you are interested in supporting Team UKKA as a sponsor, you can contact Siegfried at [email protected]. You can also support them by watching their journey on YouTube and subscribing at http://www.youtube.com/@idahoukka