Pamela Gedman, chief instructor of Gedman's Black Belt Academy at the Westfield Area YMCA, has become the ATA Martial Arts 2018 World Champion in Sparring in the Woman's 40-49-year-old 4th and 5th Degree Black Belt Division.
Pamela Gedman, center, receives her gold medal at the ATA Martial Arts World Expo in Little Rock, Arkansas.
ATA Martial Arts held its World Expo July 9 to 15 in Little Rock, Arkansas. During the Tournament of Champions, held July 12 and 13, the Top 10 competitors in each division competed for the title of ATA World Champion. Divisions are based on age and black belt rank. Competitors battle in traditional, creative, Xtreme and team events.
Gedman's Black Belt Academy is located at the Robert and Virginia Bauer Family Branch, 422 East Broad St., of the Westfield Area YMCA and offers programs for adults, teens and children. Classes are taught by a team of certified black belt instructors. Classes for beginners through 5th degree black belts are available. Rank advancement ceremonies are held on-site at the Bauer Branch four times a year.
For information on all the classes, programs, leagues and events offered at the Westfield Area YMCA, visit www.westfieldynj.org or the Main Y Facility Welcome Center located at 220 Clark St., Westfield. The Welcome Center can also be reached at 908-301-9622.