Fort worth is usually associated with livestock and cowboys. But little known to all is its large martial arts community. Proximity to Dallas Texas and the enormous metro area of communities guarantee tough competition for all. Dewy Sutton and his large martial arts group were the ramrod’s of this Saturday October, 11 2008 event. Held in the beautiful Amon Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall of the Will Rogers Memorial Center in downtown Fort Worth, no expense was spared to accommodate competitors from all over the state of Texas. As a Texas AOK organization event, certain requirements were central to everyone’s best experience and fair competition. This includes the selection of top judges and participation of AOK promoters.
The exhibition hall has an excellent stage. This is where all adult black belt forms and weapons completion was ran off. Extra divisions were added to enhance the variety of competitors. Included were extra traditional and a senior weapons only division. As to be expected many of the competitors found themselves with there hands full as competition was tough. The floor of the exhibition hall had rings with puzzle mats and other safety materials covering the competition surface.
True to current AOK standards, the tournament started on time. Some of the top adult forms and weapons winners were Camilo Reyes, Minnie Thomas and Courtney Allen with Amy Seeling, William Sheldon, Kari Spann and Al Tadeo winning in multiple forms categories.
In the Junior black belt divisions large schools showed up with fresh blood and veteran junior champions. The junior black belt winners were Sean Martinez, Bryan Valasquez, Murphy Tuck, John Alverado, Felicia Halton, Jerson Kannady, Jocelyn Joya, Luis Torres, Conception De Leon and Matthew Tyler. Junior team forms champion was Team TNT and the adult champion was Team Chris Landino.
Junior sparring proceeded after all forms concluded. As could be expected in a tournament with over 350 competitors, the junior divisions were crowded, especially in point sparring. It never fails, the moms and dads get into the matches to the point that many rings sounded like a football game and their child was going for the tough down. Adding to the excitement was many rings going all at the same time creating an electric atmosphere. Don’t get me wrong, the adult divisions are great but you don’t see a six footer against a four footer. Some times its like David against Golliath. And some of these smaller veteran kids have the heart of a lion and the skill to go along with it.
Just mentioning names really doesn’t give credit to these competitiors because they are all champions. But someone has to win and in the black belt sparring divisions the winners were Murphy Tuck, Georgia Heckel, Conception De Leon, Sean Martinez, Jett Reed, Zachary Davis, Alan Ibarra, Jersan Kannedy and Colt Murdoch.
Adult sparring competition was up last. Fighters came from all over Texas and Louisana for a chance at the unique 747 jumbo jet wood trophies for first place. The adult black belt winners were Kari Spann, Alinda Maxwell, Amy Seeling, Minnie Thomas, Camilo Reyes, Noah Jones, Jason Matthews, Mike Palomo, Kenny Ritch, and Mike Hill. This concluded a well run event on a beautiful sunny October Saturday in Fort Worth Texas.
