Coquille Martial Arts hosted its fifth-annual open tournament last weekend at the Coquille Community Center.

The tournament drew competitors from schools in Medford, Eugene and Salem, who had never been to Coquille to compete, and also drew a representative from Sparks, Nev.

Tournaments are important in allowing martial artists to see which techniques are of value and which aren’t, according to a recent article in Black Belt magazine.

But Coquille Martial Arts instructor Karen Saxton said the events also are a time when competitors learn to “get their edge.” Some are shy in practice, while others are overly confident.

“Then there are those who in practice never quite turn on the power, but confronted with an audience and opponents unknown, suddenly show their mettle,” she said.

An example of that is 11-year-old Myrtle Point resident Kayla Houston, who placed first in three of her four divisions, including sparring.

Houston was one of six athletes from the local club in the running for best all-around martial artist, along with Franklin Smith, Tianna Huffman and Jason Brant of Coquille and Max Underdown and JJ England of Bandon. The award is based on the number of events entered and total scores.

Smith ended up as best all-around, edging Underdown based on first placements.

Smith placed second only in the black belt grand champion division, when he was sparring against adults because there were no black belts his age entered in sparring.

Smith put up a good fight against Tom King of Coos Bay, the winner, and Arlan Robinson of Nevada.

“He completely deserved it,” King said of Smith’s all-around honor. “He competed in all divisions and gave a great performance in each one.”

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