Snow Slam 8, a presentation of the Yorkton Martial Arts Training Centre, returned to Dr. Brass Elementary School this past Saturday.
The martial arts competition, which usually includes various martial arts clubs/competitors from all over Saskatchewan and Alberta, attracted over 100 participants this year, says YMATC chief instructor Michael Forster.
Among the local competitors was 12-year-old Mason Devos-Payne, who is getting ready to embark on a trip across the globe in the summer as he is confirmed to compete in the world juniors in Switzerland.
Forster reported that this year's martial-arts fest was the best he's had in terms of the participants.
"We ended up with 130 competitors in total, our highest ever!"
Fifteen clubs took part in the day-long event at Dr. Brass.
Three clubs finished with at least 40 top-4 finishes.
Forster's YMATC and Sil Foo Kung Fu in Melville both had at least 20 participants in the even. And both had at least 10 gold medals.
ATC of Prince Albert/Tisdale also had 40+ top-4 finishes.
Jaron Weinmaster, Matthew Rose, Carter Matychuk and Adam Rusnak all brought home two gold medals for the YMATC.
Of all the competitors, Mason Devos Payne of Yorkton will be going to the world martial arts competition in the summer.
He will be leaving for Geneva, Switzerland in August.
Devos Payne placed second in empty hand forms, fourth in weapon forms and was still waiting to compete in weapon sparring and point sparring.
Forster said the event went well.
"Everyone came and then some," he said, which is "good".
Alltogether the Yorkton club had 22 competitors, won 12 gold medals, 11 silver medals and 11 bronze medals as well as six fourth-place finishes.
"Our next event is the free Bully Proof session offered on Sunday April 1 for ages 6-18," Forster closed.
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