Victory in Fort Lauderdale: VMAA Shines at the Nisei Open Invitational
The energy was electric this past Saturday, March 14, as our team took to the mats at the Nisei Open Invitational Martial Arts Tournament in Fort Lauderdale. Against a field of incredible talent, the athletes from Vital Martial Arts Academy (VMAA) once again demonstrated what dedicated training and a champion’s mindset can achieve.
We are thrilled to announce that Diana Bushueva delivered a career-defining performance, capturing the prestigious title of Advanced Grand Champion. Diana’s precision, power, and focus were unmatched, earning her the top spot on the podium and setting a phenomenal example for the entire team.
Elite Excellence: 6 Grand Champion Finalists
The depth of our team’s skill was on full display as six of our students fought and performed their way through the brackets to become Grand Champion Finalists. Reaching the finals in such a competitive environment is a testament to their technical mastery and the hard work they’ve put into their curriculum.
Team Vital Martial Arts Academy Personal Achievements:
16 – 17 y.o.
- Diana Bushueva – 1st place advanced bare hands forms, 1st place advanced weapons forms. Advanced Grand Champion (all ages).
10 – 12 y.o.
- Maria Marzac – 1st place intermediate hands forms, 3rd place intermediate weapons forms.
- David Ainisman – 1st place intermediate bare hands forms.
- Allen Lozovsky – 2nd place intermediate bare hands forms, 3rd place intermediate weapons forms.
- Anthony Marzac – 5th place intermediate hands forms, 4th place intermediate weapons forms.
- Emily Slutchi – 2nd place beginners hands forms, 1st place beginners weapons forms.
7 – 9 y.o.
- Sorina Codita – 1st place advanced bare hands forms, 1st place advanced weapons forms.
- John Estrin – 1st place intermediate bare hands forms, 1st place intermediate weapons forms.
- Cristian Slutchi – 4th place beginners hands forms, 1st place beginners weapons forms.
A Special Note of Gratitude
Events of this caliber depend on the expertise and integrity of the officials. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Master Azat Battakov for his invaluable assistance with the judging. His professional insight and commitment to the standards of martial arts excellence ensured a fair and high-level experience for all competitors.
Why These Results Matter
At VMAA, we focus on preparing our students for high-level international and regional stages. Seeing our team transition from the practice mats to the grand champion stage proves that our intensive approach to martial arts—balancing discipline with elite athletic development—produces real, undeniable results.
Congratulations to Diana and all our finalists! Your success inspires the next generation of “Little Wushu and Kung Fu Dragons” and adult practitioners alike. We are back in the gym this week, fueled by this victory and ready to push toward our next goal.
