2006 Texas Black Belt Challenge

The Mount Calvary Baptist Church located in north Houston was the most unlikely place to have a karate tournament. This was a black belt only event. Although this concept is not new it is unique in the way this type of tournament is always more refined. A relaxed atmosphere and friendly conversation projected the demeanor of a party. Contestants came from Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. Derrick Wilson was the producer of this September 30th 2006 black belt only event.

Three Texas teams represented the bulk of fighters. They were Team GOP, Team North Side Karate and Team Focus. Other fighters made up the rest of the mix of competitors. Some impressive and well known martial artist were in attendance helping officiate and observe the fights.

This was a good tournament for black belts because all of the pressure of a regular tournament was not present. All fights were double elimination giving everyone a second chance for a comeback if they lost their first fight.

Usually black belts have to deal with all kinds of other things like making sure their students are where there supposed to be, Coaching other members of their school or students, dealing with parents who have a somewhat demanding presence and kids who can drive teachers and adults crazy with their incoherent attitudes. Another thing is the time it takes to get to the black belt sparring divisions. Usually its late in the day and things at some tournaments can drag on and cause fatigue.

The first fight was a light weight fight between Luis Jaminez and Angel Hurta. Both fighters were evenly matched. As the fight progressed it was to be Angels speed that would overcome Luis Jimanez’s counter fight strategy. Next a series of other feather, light, middle and heavy weight adult and senior division fights that included Antonio Anderson, Norman Roberts, Andrew Carrasco, David Wiemken, Enrique Rodrigueo, Roberto Torres, Jason Holmes, Todd wheelock, Daniel Perez, Ronald George and D.E Chambers.

The last fight for the adult grand championship was between Jason Holmes and Angel Hurta. These guys have competed against each other in he past. Both fighters are NBL world champions and capable of great speed and a variety of techniques. Jason Holmes took the lead early with his dynamic forward blitz combinations. Then Angel bounced back launching his own offensive techniques. Phenomenal speed characterized this entire fight and showed how finely tuned athletes can pour on the moves. Unfortunately for Angel, Jason was ahead when time ran out giving Jason Holmes the men’s adult grand championship.

In the senior sparring grand championship fight, Tony Mosley was able to overcome Ronald George of Louisiana. This was an unusual contest with Tony Mosley utilizing his long leg reach over the more direct linear hand combinations of Ronald George. These guys fought hard with impressive speed considering their ages. An entertaining bout from two different styles both vying for the money and the prestige of being the Texas Black Belt Challenge senior grand champion.

Team sparring was up last. Team Focus, Team GOP and Team North Side Karate all fielded strong fighters. Regina Thompson was not allowed to fight on Team GOP against the other men‘s teams. Cindy Gallio, head of Team GOP remarked that the guys on the other teams were afraid to fight team GOP with Regina Thompson because they didn’t want to get beat by a female. In defense of the guys, an unnamed source said they just didn’t want to be the one accused of hurting the poor little girl.

The first fight was Team North Side consisting of D.E Chambers, Todd Wheelock and Antonio Anderson against Team Focus with Angel Huerta, Tony Mosley and Andrew Carrasco. A diverse group of fighters who competed hard for the money. Team Focus emerged ahead and went on the take on Team GOP. All the fighters participating in team sparring were well known top Texas fighters and world champions. Every fight was packed with action and documented by www.texas-sport-karate.com who will download them on line in the near future.

The last fight for the team sparring grand championship was between Team Focus and team GOP. Team GOP had Roberto Torres, Jason Holmes and Luis Jaminez. All the GOP fighters are current and former NBL world champions. A series of exciting matches proceeded that had everyone on their toes. GOP emerged as the top team of the tournament and ended up going home with the money. This finalized the 2006 Texas Black Belt Challenge and a day of excellent martial arts competition.