in majestic and graceful style on Sunday to win the Junior division in convincing fashion at the first Bak-Sil-Lum open Kung Fu and Karate Tournament.

In addition to the more than 120 entries in the sparring and form competitions at the BAA gymnasium, there was a self-defense competition, as well as a traditional dance from the New Queen Lion Dancers. Special guest Master Kwong Wing Lam from Sunnyvale, California executed a kung-fu form.

Sensei Bobby Smith of the Traditional Martial Arts Academy won the overall senior back belt title. Smith, who recently earned his fourth degree black belt, placed first in both the black belt forms (hard) and weapons.

Intermediate champion Stephen Paynter was second in green and purple belt forms and fourth in sparring.

Wilkinson was first in 13-15 boys sparring, advanced brown and black forms and weapons. He teamed up with Lakeisha Bell and took first place in the two person sparring set which involved competitors doing pre-determined attacks and defences.

Owen Lightboure emerged victorious in the brown and black belt continuous sparring division that saw two contestants receive black eyes and one a bloody nose. Eddie Lin, who refused to let a bloody nose stop him, came second while brown belt Zackary of Bermuda Jiu-Jitsu Karate Club beat Colin Paynter, an instructor at the Bermuda Tae Kwon Do Club, who was fourth.

Gladwin Phillips outwitted Anthony Tucker to win the men's black belt division three point sparring, while Leroy Brangman beat John Burchall in the men's brown belt division final.

Organizer Al Wharton was pleased with the tournament.

"Now that it's over I feel a lot better,'' he said afterwards. "We were slow off the mark but the turnout was more that we expected. I want to thank all the competitors, sponsors and spectators for their support.'' Co-organizer David Simons echoed Wharton's comments.

"This event was a total success. It exceeded what we anticipated. Next time we hope it is even bigger and better.''