Competitor Spotlight
Spotlight Archive (By Last Name)
Lena'e "Pebbles" Henderson
Competitor: Lena’e “Pebbles” Henderson
Rank: 6th Kyu (Gup) Green Belt
Age: 8 Years Old
Team: Non-Aligned
School: American Martial Arts, Benton, Arkansas
2006 AKA Titles: Sparring and Traditional Forms
Lena'e can Break Some Boards!
Lena’e has been a fixture and crowd favorite on the AKA circuit, almost as soon as she could KIA! Lena’e is absolute proof that big things come in small packages! Those that see her perform in forms competition are often stunned by the power she displays and the sheer intensity which she projects. At the age of 8, and with two national titles under her belt, Lena’e is already a seasoned competitor.
Earlier this year, when I asked one of her former instructor’s about her, Mr. South had this to say, “Pebbles (Lena’e) is just the bomb! When’s she’s out there (competing) she doesn’t play around.”
Recently, Lena’e took another step towards her goal of attaining a black belt when she tested for advanced red belt. This meant that she had to do her first board break. According to her mother, “We were really considering not allowing her to test as she had not been able to break consistently in class, but she REALLY wanted to try. Anyway, not only did she break both boards, she did it on the first attempt. One hand technique and one foot.” Just as in tournament competition, when put on the spot, Lena’e seldom fails to deliver.
If you are like me, you are looking forward to the next AKA Southern Region tournament and a chance to watch this young lady perform.