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Health & Fitness

Martial Arts Academy Wins 14 Medals at National TaeKwonDo Tournament

On March 21 and 22, 2014, eight students, ages 7-15, from Carlos L. Des Jardin Martial Arts Academy (CDMA) located at 175 Monmouth Road in West Long Branch, NJ were awarded 14 medals at the TaeKwonDo United National Tournament in Jackson, Mississippi.

Five hundred and fifty-nine competitors from 13 states competed and were judged by 85 judges during the widely-anticipated Tournament. TaeKwonDo United is a National Organization with more than 50 Martial Arts Academies in thirteen states including CDMA. 

"At Carlos L. Des Jardin Martial Arts Academy, we build strength, confidence and character," said Master Carlos L. Des Jardin. "My students are champions in the studio as well as at school and home. I am very proud of their medal wins, but I am also proud of the amazing individuals they have become overall. It's a proud moment for our parents, instructors and students."

CDMA winners included the following students:

  • Recommended Black Belt Jordan Rodriguez, age 10, of Long Branch placed 3rd in sparring and 4th in forms
  • Senior Blue Belt Princess-Laila Hutchinson, age 11, of Long Branch placed 1st in sparring and forms - Double Gold
  • 2nd Degree Black Belt Shubh Lakhni, age 13, of Long Branch placed 4th in sparring and forms
  • 2nd Degree Black Belt Alize Rodriguez, age 15, of Long Branch placed 2nd in sparring
  • Orange Belt Joan Delis Torres, age 8, of Neptune placed 1st in forms and 2nd in sparring
  • Orange Belt Jaiden Toussaint, age 7, of Neptune placed 1st in sparring and forms - Double Gold
  • Senior Blue Belt Naomi Benyard, age 10, of Long Branch placed 2nd in forms and 3rd in sparring
  • 2nd Degree Black Belt Devanshu Lakhni, age 12 years, of Long Branch placed 3rd in sparring
CDMA Founder and Owner, Master Carlos L. Des Jardin is a National Champion and has been competing, training and teaching martial arts for more than 25 years. Des Jardin had his first karate lessons at age four in NYC. As a young adult he decided that the Martial Arts were his passion and he would make it his career. He has developed an extensive background in Tae Kwon Do, Thai Kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, Gracie's Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Filipino Stick Fighting known as Eskima, Kali and other weapons. To this day, Master Des Jardin continues to train himself mentally as well as physically. 

Master Carlos L. Des Jardin opened his first school on August 1,1998 in Long Branch, NJ. In June 2005, he relocated to a larger facility in West Long Branch where he is committed to building and developing students of all ages into the best individuals they could possibly be in a positive, safe and encouraging environment. His innovative teaching methods and unique curriculum are designed to allow students to gradually learn a variety of effective blocks, strikes and self-defense techniques that will promote confidence and physical fitness on the road to becoming CDMA Black Belt Champions. 

Visit www.ilovekicking.com for more information on classes and directions to the studio. 

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