Sisters martial artist fourth in the Junior Olympics

Ten-year-old Austin Gulick of Sisters competed in the Tae Kwon Do Junior Olympics, placing fourth in his age and belt division.

The 2011 Junior Olympics for Tae Kwon Do were held June 28 through July 3 in the San Jose Convention Center in California. Competing against martial artists from all over the country in poomsae, the young yellow belt, a student at the Outlaw Martial Arts school in Sisters, performed his poomsae in front of a panel of judges and hundreds of competitors and spectators.

Poomsae is a series of defensive, counter and offensive techniques, blocks, kicks and punches performed in a specific sequence and pattern. There were 24 poomsae competitors in Gulick's age group and belt level.

"The whole time I wasn't nervous at all, until they called my name," said Austin. "I was a little nervous while doing my form, and I forgot to point my foot the right way doing a front kick."

"That probably cost him the podium," said Austin's father, Chris, also a student at Outlaw Martial Arts. "At that level, all it takes is one little thing."

For the Gulicks, martial arts is a family affair. Austin's mother, Kristy, father Chris, sister Faith and brother Zack are all students at Outlaw Martial Arts.

Master Marty Kaczmarek, the head instructor and founder of Outlaw Martial Arts, has been Austin's teacher since last November.

"I'm extremely proud of Austin," said Master K. "He's a very focused and dedicated young man. For a 10-year-old, his technique is sound and very sharp."

Outlaw Martial Arts opened last October. Classes are held at the Sisters Park & Recreation District's Coffield Center. More than 100 students have registered, and 75 to 80 students are enrolled currently.

"We've built a great program in a short time," said Master K. "To have one of our students in the Junior Olympics is amazing. We'll have more students competing in the Junior Olympics next year."

Outlaw Martial Arts holds belt testings monthly. When students have successfully met the criteria, they can test to attain the next higher rank.

The results of the belt test in June were: Camo Belt, Daniel Rinco, Claudia Rincon, Faith Gulick and Crista Bailey-Prentice; Yellow Belt, Oscar Rhett; Green Belt, Nick Manley, Kim Manley, Zack Gulick and Kate Friedli; High Green Belt, Joel Fisher and Jaymie Kaczmarek.

The results of the July test were: Yellow Belt, Taylor Sickau; Green Belt, Conner Bell, KC Dolson, Sabriti Dolson, Corinn Ferwalt, Ethan Ferwalt, Chris Gulick, Kristy Gulick, Justin Hull and Heather Johnson; High Green Belt, Austin Gulick and Brendan Sickau; High Blue Belt, Tanner Kaczmarek, Tate Kaczmarek and Tristan Kaczmarek.