Matthew Christen making waves in the martial arts world

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Matthew Christen

by Mark Huard

A 14-year-old from Benton is making waves in the martial arts world. Matthew Christen, a dedicated student at Club Naha Karate-Do, in Waterville, has earned a spot on the World Karate Confederation (WKC) Team USA and will represent the United States at the world tournament, held in Niagara Fall,s in October.

Matthew’s dedication to the sport is evident through his impressive performances in national competitions. He had consistently excelled in the Independent Promoters and Practitioners of New England (IPPONE), the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA), and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuits, showcasing his skills and commitment to martial arts.

Most recently, Matthew competed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the AAU National Championships. He brought home a gold medal and was crowned champion in the 14-year-old black belt division.

Matthew’s inclusion in WKC Team USA is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the support he receives from his national team, KTOC, in New York City. Despite his rising success on the national stage, Matthew remains deeply connected to his roots at Club Naha. His instructor, Craig Sargent, has been instrumental in shaping his martial arts journey, emphasizing the development of character, discipline, and respect – values that Matthew holds dear.

Matthew Christen in action. (contributed photo)

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic (2025)

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First place gross team score, Quirion, Inc.: Jared Rossignol, Steve Hunt, Adam Haskell, and Brad Strout. (contributed photo)

First Place Gross Team Score (Quirion Inc.): Jared Rossignol, Steve Hunt, Adam Haskell, and Brad Stout.

First Place Net Team Score (Maine State Credit Union): Brandon Clark, Bruce Harrington, and Ryan Masse.

Second Place Gross Team Score (Skowhegan Savings): Mike Pietroski, Brian Fitzpatrick, Eric James, and Matt Nadeau.

Third Place Gross Team Score (Central Maine Motors): Lance Libby, Matt Loubier, Jason Lyford, and Shad West.

Second Place Net Team Score (Choice Wealth Advisors): Chris Markos, Eric Morin, Kris Reynolds, and Josh Karsten.

3rd Place Net Team Score (Zimba Co.): Ryan Loubier, Ethan Loubier, Ron Loubier, and Brad Fitzpatrick.

Longest Drive: Josh Kervin, Sheridan Construction.

Straightest Drive: Donna Nickerson, Bangor Savings Bank.

Closest to the Pin Hole #4: Josh Karstens, Choice Wealth Advisors.

Closest to the Pin Hole #7: Mike Pietroski, Skowhegan Savings Bank

Closest to the Pin Hole #10: Male: Brad Fitzpatrick, Zimba Co.; Female: Heather Browne, One River CPAs

Closest to the Pin Hole #13: Brian Robbins, Central Maine Power Co.

Highest Team Score: One River CPAs.

50/50 Winner: Nick Grant, Dow’s Quick Stop.

Summer Sizzler Romance Package Winner: Lindsey Cameron, Dirigo Wealth Management.

Natanis Golf Course Foursome Winner: Diana Lalime, Boulet Freight Management.

Please see the complete listing of the 36 teams and hole sponsors in our Mid-Maine Chamber Golf Classic wrap-up in the July 1 edition of our InTouch Newsletter.

First place net team scored, Maine State Credit Union: Brandon Clark, Bruce Harrington, Ryan Masse. Abxent from photo, Josh LaVerdiere. (contributed photo)

PHOTO: Third degree brown belts

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Six students from Huard’s Martial Arts Dojo, in Winslow, recently earned Third Degree Brown Belt rank levels, on Saturday May 31. Left to right, Lane Irish, Aiden Robichaud, Jude Randazza, Kayla Joseph, Elsei Dumont and Addilyne Gallagher. (photo courtesy of Mark Huard)

TEAM PHOTO: Belgrade Majors Softball Team

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Front row, from left to right, Bella Allarie, Jaidyn Gardner, Piper Levenseller, Aubrey Woodman, Emery Voll, and Brooke Kidd. Back, Ann Bedard, Izzy Hockmeyer, Izzy Castner, Eleanor Paige, Hadleigh LaChance, and Blakely Shore. Coaches, Stephanie Koetzle, Meagan Woodman, and Kayla Levenseller (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

TEAM PHOTO: Waterville Majors Baseball Team

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Front row, from left to right, Gabe Staffiere, Wyatt Chapman, Cooper McKenna, Avery McKenna, Pheonix McLoy, Kobe Garay, Abel Zinkovitch. Coaches, CJ McKenna, Matt Vaughan, Victor Garay, Back, Alexander Wild, Jace Spaulding, Tatum Vaughan, Alex Sheehan, Salvatore Isgro, Landon Beck. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

Huard’s Martial Arts hosts the 43rd Battle of Maine

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Photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography

Huard’s Martial Arts hosted the 43rd Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships at Champions Fitness Club, in Waterville, on Saturday, March 22. Just over 350 competitors and close to 1,000 spectators attended this special martial arts event from all around Maine and New England. Special guest performers came from various parts of the United States to give demonstrations to kickoff the tournament. $1 of each admission went to help support the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.

Everly Hanson, 7, of Clinton, walking off the competition area after placing first in point fighting at the Battle of Maine, on March 22. (photo by Dawn Jaques, Central Maine Photography)

Huard’s Sport Karate Team member Kate Shores, 13, of Benton, with her medals from the 43rd Battle of Maine. She captured first place in all three divisions. (photo by Central Maine Photography)

Maine Moose 12U Tier II team wins state championship (2025)

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Maine Moose 12U Tier II team wins state championship The Maine Moose 12U Tier II hockey team has been crowned the 2024-2025 Maine Amateur Hockey Association State Champions after an outstanding performance in the state tournament. The team showcased skill, determination, and teamwork, securing the title with a thrilling final victory. The Moose will now move on and represent Maine in the New England Regionals starting Friday, March 14.

State Championship Roster:

Goaltenders:

• #1 – Isak Harrington
• #48 – Gabe Loubier

Defensemen:

• #8 – Reagan Gendron
• #21 – Parker Boucher
• #27 – Lincoln Fogg
• #52 – Easton Gradie
• #87 – Austin Roderick
• #97 – Greyson Arnold

Forwards:

• #2 – Brendan Greer
• #4 – Eli Bilodeau
• #10 – Campbell McCarthy
• #22 – Bryson Johnson
• #24 – Bryson Nichols
• #63 – Isaac Turner
• #76 – Malcolm Campbell
• #82 – Landon Ward
• #88 – Wesley McPherson
• #89 – Ezra Orlandello

Coaching Staff:

• Head Coach: Brian Boucher
• Assistant Coach: Brian McCarthy

TEAM PHOTO: 2025 SVAC champions

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The Vassalboro Community School girls basketball team rolled through an undefeated season to claim the Sheepscot Valley Athletic Conference championship for 2025. (contributed photo)

PHOTO: Champions

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Messalonskee boys grades 3/4 travel team won an absolute thriller on Sunday. Playing Corinna in the championship game, the Eagles went to sudden death overtime. After four consecutive jump balls to start the overtime Parker Taylor went to the foul line to shoot two! After sinking the first shot the Eagles claimed the CMBC 3/4 boys championship! Front row, from left to. right, Jamison Bouchard, Parker Marquis, and Colston Partridge. Second row, Tucker Reynolds, Liam Luther, Caleb Levesque, and Cole Chavarie. Third row, Colten Holmes, Kellum Corbett, Parker Taylor, Aulden Dorsey, and Jackson McLaughlin. Back, Coach Dorsey, Coach McLaughlin, and Coach Taylor. Absent from photo is Revan Gurney and Colton Curtis. (photo by Mark Huard)

Clinton Variety: 2024 PAL Junior champions

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Clinton Variety, 2024 Fairfield PAL Junior League Football Champions. Front row, left to right, Mackhi LePage, Jaxson Grenier, Dylan Miklos, Colton Dangler, Ashton Burns, Knox Martin, Cason Gerow, and Vincent Serrano. Second row, Kaden Boivin, Russell Callahan, Bennett Bolster, Cohen Harriman, Emmett Douglass, Coby Lamoreau, Christopher McDonald, Coby Foss Jr, Greyson Martin, and Eric Nickerson. Back, coaches Jerod LePage, Jake Dangler, Brad Dangler and Ryan Martin. (photo by Casey Dugas/Central Maine Photography)