Competitor Profile on Cass Sigmon

Competitor Profile on Cass Sigmon
By Barry & Jaki Sigmon (1999)

Eight year old Cass Sigmon of Sherrills Ford, NC began karate at the age of five, in September of 1996 and recieved his black belt in August of 1999. He practices karate a minimum of one hour a day but many days puts in several grulling hours to learn a new form or critique an old one. He sometimes has to travel two and a half hours one way for the best instructors. Cass trains with Dewey Earwood of Irmo, SC, Roosevelt Moss of Newton, NC and Jesse Jones of Iron Station, NC.

His martial arts accomplishments are as follows, eight time International Amateur Champion, fifteen time National Amateur Champion and seven time Blackbelt National Champion. Cass has his own studio in his home and hopes to teach young children in the future. Cass loves school and is an honor role student at Sherrills Ford Elementary School. Cass also loves magic and practices magic tricks on his family. His hero is Harry Houdini.

His father, Barry Sigmon is a self employed owner of a maintenance business and his mother, Jaki Sigmon is a self employed hairstylist which enables them to travel with him. Karate travels are something we enjoy as a family and are also short vacations, although sometimes we don't get to see the sights because we are so tied up with the toumament that we never get to leave the hotel.

During the past two years Cass and his family have traveled to Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Colorado, New York, Kansas City, Chicago, Orlando, and Canada. Cass's favorite place is Las Vegas. He loves the lights and there are alot of magic shows to see. Cass's goals are to be a good student and attend college, teach martial arts, and star in martial arts movies. He knows that none of this can be possible without hard work.

Father's perspectives: We as a family are hooked. There is nothing better than watching your child excel. Before a parent thinks their child is going to be a national karate champion they must know there are many sacrifices to be made. Number one, toumament karate is expensive. Cass usually competes in seven to nine events at a tournament coupled with spectator passes this usually costs between $150 and $200, not including travel and lodging. Be prepared to spend thousands of dollars yearly. We are currently seeking sponsorship for Cass's 2000 tour and beyond. Any interested persons or corporations may call 828-478-5947 or email at casskarate@aol.com.

Cass's perspectives: He likes meeting new people and making friends. He has won hundreds of trophys and now tries to give them to young kids at karate tournaments to encourage them to work hard. The rewards are far better to him than the awards. His favorite martial artist is Valerie Bruce. His favorite event is, well, he likes them all. His favrorite food is T-Bone steak and his favorite movie is Star Wars.

Mother's perspectives: We enjoy traveling together as a family, no TV, no computer, no video games and no telephone, just good family time. We enjoy seeing the same people over and over at tournaments. Karate has become our social life, except nobody knows our names they just know us as Cass's Mom and Dad.