[caption id="attachment_27593" align="alignright" width="251"]<img class="wp-image-27593 size-medium" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DSC0129-251x300.jpg" alt="Rease Dearing took advantage of a mistake by Cameron Smith and scores big points with a blow to the head. Participants are heavily padded and blows are controlled to minimize injury. Dearing defeated Smith 8-5." width="251" height="300" /> Rease Dearing took advantage of a mistake by Cameron Smith and scores big points with a blow to the head. Participants are heavily padded and blows are controlled to minimize injury. Dearing defeated Smith 8-5.[/caption]

<em>Photo above: Black belts showed their prowess in martial arts as they battled one another. Here, Rease Dearing, left, dodges a kick from Cameron Smith.</em>
<h3>By Bob Sofaly</h3>
Beaufort High School was the place to be Saturday for the 23rd annual Good Will Karate Tournament.

According to event founder Chuck Elias, 287 karate students of all ages and belt ranks, from dojos all across the area converged on BHS to participate in the tournament.

But the most exciting by far was watching the black belts fight. This year, Elias said the black belts went first instead of the traditional last spot so everyone could watch and aspire to become martial arts experts. With lightning quick punches and kicks paired with the ear-splitting KIIIIIIYYYYYAAAAAAA, the black belts didn't disappoint and were rewarded with applause and cheers from an energetic crowd.