River Holt Earns 1st Place at Karate Invitational

September 30, 2023 – River Holt, age 8, was an impressive competitor at the 2023 Treasure Valley Karate Invitational in Eagle, Idaho. Not only did River earn 1^st place in the Kumite Beginner Division, but this was also his first time ever competing.

Kumite is a discipline that puts a lot of importance on technique and skill, with strict rules enforced to ensure the safety of the athletes. To win in Kumite, an athlete must either reach an 8-point advantage within the 3-minute round or have the most points at the end of the bout. If there is a tie, the first athlete to have scored a point wins. If neither athlete scores a point, the judges determine the winner based on form.

The Treasure Valley Karate Invitational was comprised of teams from all over Idaho and Washington. In the quarter-finals, River won 2.5 to 1.5 over his opponent from Walla Walla, WA. In the semi-finals, he defeated his opponent from Richland, WA 3 to .5. And in the final round, River was tied 2.5 to 2.5 with his opponent. River made one last strike giving him the edge and the win.

River Holt (Nimiipuu) is a 2^nd grader from Lapwai and is the son of James and Feather Holt. He trains with Arnett’s Martial Arts America in Lewiston, ID. Their team took home 5 Gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze medals from the tournament.

Congratulations River! Keep up the great work!