STAFF REPORT

The time has come once again for one of Maine’s premier martial arts competitions.

The 38th annual Battle of Maine will take place Saturday at Thomas College in Waterville, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“We’re very excited, it’s going to be a great weekend,” event organizer Mark Huard said.

Sponsored by Huard’s Martial Arts School in Winslow, the event helps raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. On Saturday, $1 of every ticket sold will go to the organization, which raises money for children’s hospitals, medical research and community awareness of children’s health issues.

“It’s definitely a great thing to be involved with,” Huard said. “We think it’s really healthy for the children to be involved with as well, as far as collecting funds for people who are in need of health care. It really helps them build a good self esteem, kind of like we teach in the martial arts, be able to help people and do good things for our community.”

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Opening ceremonies take place at 10 a.m., but competition begins at 8:30 a.m. with a Chanbara (padded weapons fighting) competition.

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., there will be karate competitions in over 120 divisions, in novice (white, yellow, orange belts), intermediate (purple, blue, green belts) and advanced (red, brown belts) levels of all ages. There will also be junior and adult black belt championship competitions.

The final competition of the day will be teen and adult fusion fighting — a strike, clinch and grapple competition.

Day of event registration to participate in the Battle of Maine is $60, with a limit of three events. Spectator admission for the event (where $1 of each ticket will go to the Children’s Miracle Network) is $10 for the day.


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