The Olympic Karate School in Hobart is proud to announce its first place win at the state championship competition that was held December 14, 2024 at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne.
The competition gathered over 100 students across the state competing in two events: kata and kumite. Students train 2-3 times a week, meeting at the Olympic Karate School located at 1841 E 37th Ave, just behind Paragon Family Restaurant.
Kata is the demonstration of offensive and defensive techniques done in a sequence. The novice white belt is a sequence of 24 rehearsed moves and the advanced black belt demonstrates a sequence of up to 70 moves. Kumite (sparring) competitors are outfitted with hand and foot pads, mouthguards, and helmets, and spar with light to moderate contact, demonstrating only legal moves.
Owner, 8th Degree Black Belt, Sensei John Nemtuda, took 11 competitors from his school to the event. All 11 came home with state champion or runner up titles.
- Jessiah Little, 9: State Champion Kumite; Runner-up Kata
- Junior Montanez, 10: Runner-Up Kumite and Kata
- Christopher Dillahunty, 16: State Champion Kumite and Kata
- Noah Rockwell, 13: State Champion Kumite and Kata
- Ivan Ursery, 10: State Champion Kumite; Runner-up Kata
- Anthony Stephaniak, 12: State Champion Kumite; Runner-up Kata
- Anna Walker m, 13 : Runner-up Kumite and Kata
- Dajon Morris, 16: Runner-up Kumite; State Champion Kata
- Lisa Joyce, 55: State Champion Kata
- Roberto Martinez, 20: State Champion Kumite and Kata
- Malia Esquivel, 13: Runner-up Kumite; State Champion Kata
With a focus on self-defense, the school invites newcomers to try out lessons with a free, no obligation two-week trial. Sensei John is also the Head Master and says, “Helping others before and after class is my favorite part of instructing. Putting a smile on a kid’s face when they’re having a bad day makes me feel like I accomplished something for them.” All ages are welcome.
The school has a long history in the area. “Olympic Karate School was the first in northwest Indiana and was in the basement of Hammond Civic Center in the late 1950s,” explained Nemtuda. Originally owned by the late Bill Turner and Richard DeMerse, Olympic Judo and Karate School, became The Olympic Karate School when current owner, Nemtuda, purchased the school in 1986. The school has produced three World Champions in its’ history.
“A lot of people are getting involved in self-defense due to changing situations and facts,” said Nemtuda. There is a Women’s Self Defense Class now enrolling for January 12, taught by Nemtuda, a black belt assistant, and student, Lisa Joyce. A Zumba class is also offered and taught by Jill Nemtuda on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
“There is always going to be a place for martial arts. The future of the school holds a smaller format as I stick to traditional basics. I stick to what works on the streets,” Nemtuda said about the future of his school.
Those interested in enrolling in either class or the two week free trial should call the school office at 219-962-4811.