Lebanon's John Patton hosts successful Way of the Warrior 4 taekwondo tourney on Aug. 15

By Matt Crownover

Lebanon Express writer

After a one-year absence, martial arts fans and competitors from throughout the western United States converged upon Lebanon for the Way of the Warrior 4.

The event, which featured nearly 200 competitors, was held Aug. 15 in the Lebanon High School gym.

It was hosted by Patton's ATA Black Belt Academy/Karate for Kids.

People as young as 3 competed, said event organizer John Patton, who has owned and operated the local taekwondo club for 11 years.

"We had people from California and Utah and they were telling me that it was the smoothest run event that they've ever been to," Patton said.

Patton said there were also people who made the trip from as far away as Mississippi and Arizona.

"I was pleased, especially with the current economy," he said.

Albany's Andy Skinner said he enjoys the family aspect of the event.

"It's a family event and allows me to spend time with my son," said Skinner, whose 15-year-old son also competes.

Erin Baker, who owns Baker's ATA Martial Arts Academy in Cottage Grove, agreed.

"It's a great family activity for people of all ages and abilities," she said. "There are those that just like to do it for fun and others that are really good."

Patton has been involved in taekwondo for 30 years and has won numerous events in Oregon.

[The tournament is] "a lot of hard work to organize …, but having the competitors come in and seeing them enjoying themselves with their families makes it worth my while," he said.