Now in its 33rd year, the Battle of Maine martial arts tournament has raised more than $40,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. Mark Huard, one of the event’s organizers from Huard Ju-Jitsu and Karate School, knows a milestone is approaching.

“My goal is to reach $50,000,” Huard said. “I don’t know if we’ll reach it this year, but we’re working hard.”

More than 300 competitors from across Maine will take part in today’s event, which takes place at Sukee Arena in Winslow. The Battle of Maine will run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., with competitors in 130 youth and adult divisions.

“Right now, we have about 300 (competitors) signed up,” Huard said. “Usually, we have anywhere between 80 and 100 sign up at the door.”

Tickets for the Battle of Maine are $10 per person, with $1 from each ticket going to the Children’s Miracle Network. This year, competitors can purchase award photos, with $1 from each also going to the Children’s Miracle Network. A number of the athletes also raise money for the charity.

“We are extremely grateful to again be the beneficiary of such a wonderful event,” Josh Scroggins, director of the Eastern Maine Children’s Miracle Network, said in a release.

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Added Huard: “I’ve got a lot of kids that got involved this year.”

Demonstration teams will provide entertainment in the center ring at 9 a.m.

One of the events that is growing in popularity is fusion fighting, Huard said. A style of mixed martial arts, fusion fighting is for competitors ages 15-up.

“We do have a good turnout for that this year,” Huard said.

Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com


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