More than 800 people compete in Fort Wayne Taekwondo tournament

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Coventry, Stellhorn and Dupont Taekwondo hosted the "Kickin' In The Fort" Tournament on Saturday at the Grand Wayne Center.

Between 800 to 900 people from seven states and even South America came to compete in the different events in the tournament. Some of the events included forms, traditional forms, traditional weapons, combat weapons, and extreme forms, which combines Taekwondo with flips and cartwheels.

Penny Beddowwolf, chief instructor at Coventry, Stellhorn and Dupont Taekwondo and the host of the tournament, said Taekwondo differs from Karate because it is 70 percent kicking, whereas Karate uses more hand motions.

Beddowwolf said the participants ranged in age from three years old to 60 years and older.

"This is my 10th year hosting the tournament in Fort Wayne, but I have been part of the American Taekwondo Association for 26 years," Beddowwolf said.

Competitors were judged by Taekwondo black belts and medals were awarded to competitors who placed first, second, or third in each category.