Seri Fisher Earns Five Medals At Florida Events
14-year-old Bermudian Seri Fisher recently earned five medals — including a gold, two silvers and a bronze — at martial arts events in Florida.
A spokesperson said, “Young Karate-ka Seri Fisher, aged 14, raised many eyebrows and conversations at two high class championships events in Daytona, Florida recently when taking on older girls and even boys and young men in the 14 to 17 age group that was merged with 18-plus-year-old young men.
“This was Seri’s first competition as a brown belt and she had to compete not only against browns, but also higher ranked brown/black stripe. Numerous countries took part in this world class event. Eight rings were required for completion due to numbers.
“The sole Bermudian entry put behind her the fact that many teams of up to 25 members together with coaches and fans presented a tough environment. After winning a silver in traditional weapons [Bermudian star and champion Sensei Talia Iris taught this Kata], she was only bested by an 18-year-old young man, a local higher ranked champion in the Elite World Championships.
“Seri proceeded to earn a shock gold in traditional forms in a split decision 2:1 against the same young man, gaining congratulations and admiration, even from his coach.
“The Elite World Championships was restricted to only those who had placed in the top two in other prestigious events. Seri’s final elite event was in creative weapons [this event is an artistic staff kata not practiced in Bermuda], marking her first time entering and making up her own routine, which impressed the jury and earned her a silver medal behind a local star who was older and of higher rank. This result was so close it required a judges’ conference.
“A gold and two silvers represented her best day ever in many years of competition.
“The following day, the USA sports championship saw eight entries for traditional weapons, with ages ranging from 14 to 18, both boys and girls. Competition was fierce, with fractions between first to last. Seri came away with what she considered her best ever performance with a bronze medal against numerous and higher ranked older players; even though it was her first time ever out of the first two places, it was her most satisfying result.
“Lastly, she placed joint fourth against nine in the traditional forms. Her kata was shorter than some who also exhibited more movement and complicated kata, however Seri’s precision, balance, and sharpness won over. Again, in many cases more rewarding than winning gold in a regular tournament.
“With five medals [one gold, two silver, one bronze, and one fourth place], it was the Warwick Academy student’s most successful performance.
“Hundreds of children enjoyed these events under good organization with fair judging with officials offering encouragement, advice, and explanation of rules to ensure fairness. Clearly, the intent is to grow karate.
“Respect and gratitude to local dojo Zenji Ryu with senseis Roots Phillips, Randy Darrell, and Talia Iris, together with original sensei Harto’s Arnold Allen and Tracy.”
Congratulations! Girl power. I bet no one tries to bully her at school – or anywhere else!