RENSHI Keith Edwards arrived in the island yesterday, beaming with pride after his Meadowbrook-based Ningen Martial Arts Academy students won 16 medals, including five gold, at last weekend's International Sports Karate Association's US Open in Orlando, Florida.

Eleven-year-old Brian Chambers of Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory was a standout for NIngen with four medals, two gold, a silver and a bronze.

Edwards said Chambers' medal haul surpassed all and also heaped praises on his other students.

"Overall, the tournament was very good," he said. "The guys performed exceptionally well."

Edwards said some even performed way above expectations.

"In the creative weapons division, it was the first year we're having students participating," he pointed out. "Based on the level of competition, we weren't expecting to medal but Alden King of Meadowbrook High won the gold medal."

Edwards described the tournament as the biggest martial arts open in the world, which continues to be a great experience.

"The exposure is great, more than 3,000 competitors from all over the world," he said. "The guys were exposed to a wide variety of martial arts. I would encourage all martial artists to see what this tournament is all about."

Ningen Martial Arts Academy results:

Brian Chambers, Sts Peter and Paul Prep: gold, traditional kata; gold, weapon bo; bronze, creative weapon, sword; silver, continuous fighting.

Mykail Campbell: Transfiguration basic, silver, traditional kata; silver, weapons bo; bronze, points fighting; gold, continuous fighting.

Alden King, Meadowbrook High: gold, creative weapons; bronze, traditional bo.

Kalisia Archer, Stella Maris Prep, bronze, continuous fighting.

Javian Davis, Morris Knibb Prep: bronze, traditional kata; bronze, continuous fighting.

Christopher Simpson, Wolmer's Boys: bronze, traditional kata.

Brandon White, St George's College: bronze, points fighting.

Adrian King, Meadowbrook High: gold, three-man team fighting.