Nine members of the City of Santa Clarita Newhall Community Center's karate team competed at the 2009 IMAC USA Martial Arts Winter Olympics in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 24, 2009.

The team brought back five 1st, two 2nd and two 4th place trophies.

More than 1,500 participants from as far as Canada and Mexico exhibited their martial arts skills in the prestigious IMAC competition. Despite the intense competition, every participant from the Community Center's karate team, representing the City of Santa Clarita, managed to place in the tournament.

The team members who competed and took home trophies include Yohana Neri, Karen Celis, Jonathan Perez, Yareli Cervantes, Kelly Cervantes, Jennifer Perez, Carlos Cazares, Mark Bradby and Ruben Caldera.

The karate program, one of the Center's most popular, is taught by volunteer instructor Dave Moreno. In addition to martial arts training, students in the program learn self-confidence, respect, integrity, discipline and a can-do attitude that will stick with them for life.

The Newhall Community Center is funded and staffed by the City of Santa Clarita and located at 22421 Market Street.

For more information about the Newhall Community Center karate program, its accomplishments or team photos, contact Efren Galindo, Sports Coordinator, at (661) 286-4006 X5055.

For more information on the Newhall Community Center, please visit www.santa-clarita.com.