Augusta — The 2011 State Martial Art Championships sponsored by S.M.A.R.T. (State of Martial Arts Ratings Systems) recently took place in Waterville. Dozens of martial artists of all ages and ranks battled for the coveted title of state champion. A young Black Belt, just having turned 18, had extra pressure because she wanted to follow in Instructor Master Brent J. Crisci's footsteps. Crisci came out of retirement at the 2011 World Championship in Suan Juan D.R. as a member of TEAMUSA KARATE to capture the Triple Crown — gold medals in fighting, forms and weapons.

The young girl's name is Brien Crisci, the younger sister and student of Crisci. Brien Crisci kept her family legacy alive becoming the 2011 Female Black Belt Maine State Champion. Brien. Crisci, a member of the national demonstration/competition TEAM KICKSUSA sponsored by the United Martial Art Academies made her brother proud. She also was ranked the No. 3 fighter in all of New England by Independent Promoters and Practitioners of New England.

Master Brent J. Crisci's TEAM KICKSUSA had representatives from UMAA Winthrop, Lewiston and Augusta dojos at the state championships as well. The following young people captured state championships in their respective age and rank divisions. Ryan "the Rabbit" Harvey: fighting and weapons; Kristin Jackson: fighting; and Kiara Simonds: fighting.

TEAM KICKSUSA will be sponsoring its 20th annual National Karate Tournament May 15 in Gardiner, rated by SMART and IPPONE, directed by Kyoshi Brent J. Crisci. For further details, contact kickusa@aol.com or call 621-0770.