Strong Performances At Paul Lepercq Memorial
The 2026 Paul Lepercq Memorial Traditional Martial Arts Tournament brought Bermuda’s karate community together on Sunday for a day of competition, sportsmanship and athlete development.
A spokesperson said, “Competitors across novice, intermediate, advanced and black belt levels took to the floor and gave their best. The tournament provided athletes with an opportunity to represent their dojos, test their preparation and gain valuable competition experience.
“One of the day’s major stories was Seri Fisher’s triumphant return to local competition.
“Fisher returned in impressive form, capturing two gold medals. She won the 16+ Advanced Female Kata division with a final score of 6.83 and followed with victory in the Black Belt Female 16+ Kobudo division, where she recorded 7.27.
“Bermuda Karate Federation national team members Amarriah Vaughans and Davonte Smith Richardson also secured victories. Vaughans earned first place with a score of 7.03, ahead of Zoe Talbot on 6.83.
“Smith Richardson won a close Over 16 Advanced Male Kata contest with 8.63. Jayden Lambert finished second with 8.60, while Khwai Mendoza placed third with 8.53. Only one tenth of a point separated the top three competitors.
“Tony Cabral produced another notable performance, taking gold in Black Belt Male Kata with 9.03 and Black Belt Male 16+ Kobudo with 8.90.
“The developing athletes also delivered competitive performances. Blake Farrington won Under 15 Novice Male Kata, with Jemarkis White taking silver and Demarkio White bronze. Clark Sta Maria took first place in Under 15 Intermediate Male Kata, while Chelsea Sta Maria secured the Under 15 Intermediate Female Kata title.
“Zecori Talbot added another gold medal performance, winning the 16+ Intermediate Male Kata division with 6.50.”
Edmond Johnson, General Secretary of the Bermuda Karate Federation, praised the athletes and the people who supported the tournament. “Every athlete who stepped onto the competition floor gave their best.
“Results are important, but these tournaments also give our karateka an opportunity to challenge themselves, perform under pressure and identify areas for continued development.”
“Seri’s return to local competition was one of the highlights of the day. Winning both Kata and Kobudo marked a strong comeback. We were also pleased to see national team members Amarriah Vaughans and Davonte Smith Richardson secure their respective division titles.”
A spokesperson added, “The Paul Lepercq Memorial continues to provide an important local competition platform for Bermuda’s karate athletes. Events such as this depend on the commitment of instructors, officials, volunteers, parents and supporters who give their time to the development of karate on the island.
“The Bermuda Karate Federation thanked everyone who contributed to the tournament and congratulated every athlete who competed. Honoring the past. Supporting today. Building tomorrow.”
