Saturday October 8th 2011 was the date of this 12th DFW Karate Championships. Dewey Sutton once again out did himself. With the help of his army of helpers and AOK officials he was able to pull off another exciting martial arts tournament. I have been attending this event for the last 5 years and this year seemed to be the best. He always takes care of his judges and officials even providing a separate room with food and snacks for all his helpers. Pat Burleson and other special dignitaries were there. Some of the best martial artist in the country were competing and watching the competition.
This year World Champion and breaking legend Larry Fields of Abilene Texas headed up a large breaking contingent that included many divisions. Some impressive breakers from around the state were doing their thing. Exciting and complex routines were witnessed in this new addition to this year’s DFW Karate Classic. Some of these breaks were unbelievable that included up to 10 and 12 boards and as many cinder blocks.
Mike and Sharon Hill were running the show along with many top producers and officials of the Texas AOK. This event Started on time at 9AM and was ran efficiently as usual. The Fort Worth Texas Will Rogers Memorial Center is a first class facility. Another impressive convention center right across the main entry hall was hosting another large event at the same time as this tournament. Almost 500 competitors and twice as many spectators were in attendance making this a highly attended event. This location is perfect for a karate tournament as it affords easy access the venue and secure parking is a plus.
The specialty divisions and Kata were up first. These kids and under black belts never seem to amaze me with their creative adaptability. The under black belts make up the bulk of any tournament as usual and they always seem to get little recognition. In all fairness some of the best sparring this year took place in the under black belt categories. I am thankful for the energy of these kids and adults. They are the future of our industry and they give 110% effort.
Black belt specialty champions were Sean Nguyen in the 11 and under with Trace Megellas pulling out the win in the 12 to 17 years old division. In the adult groups Johnnie Murphy was first in 18 to 34 weapons, William Sheldon won 35 plus weapons and 35 plus specialty Kata. Under black belt champions were Rene Sabzar, Tyler Murray, Charles Belcher, Michael Sij, Rylan Garza, Chloe Bean, Andrea Hepler Michael Ramirez, Shanna Smith-Snyder and Craig Sindorf. Junior Team Kata Champion was Jordyn Craighead with Ibrahia/McClenda winning the adult team kata.
Black belt junior kata champions were Christopher Tramell 10 to 11 boys, Alaira Touchet 10 to 11 girls, Sammy Mullins 12 to 14 boys, Siara Sampson 12 to 14 girls, Isaac Jones 14 to 15 boys, Jordyn Craighead, Jacob Lopez 16 to 17 boys and Samantha Garcia 16 to 17 girls. Adult women’s black belt kata champions were Martha Garcia 18 to 31, Sheryl Quick women’s 32 to 44, Amy Seeling women’s traditional kata and Monica Morse who was the 45 plus women’s champion. Men’s kata champions were Matt Tyler 18 to 34, Anthony Allen men’s 35 to 44 and William Sheldon who won the 45 plus men’s kata division. Courtney Allen was the black belt self-defense winner and Miguel Valdez took home the men’s traditional championship. Noah Jones, who I have watched evolve for some time, won the soft kata division.
Junior point sparring champions were Alaina Touchet girls 10 to 11, Talen Woods girls 12 to 13 and Samantha Garcia who was the girls 14 to 17 years old champion. Boy’s black belt point sparring champions were Makai Duport boys 10 to 11, Jett Reed boys 12 to 13, Isaac Jones boys 14 to 15 and Dylan Elkins who took home the boys 16 to 17 years old championship.
Black belt point sparring and all adult sparring headed up the final divisions at the event. Women’s black belt first place fighters were Martha Garcia fly weight 18 to 34, Ashley Wood light weight 18 to 34, Teresa Keller women’s executive and Amy Seeling won the women’s 45 plus group for second win of the event. Men black belt point sparring champions were Noah Jones 18 to 34 light weights, Jersan Kannady 18 to 34 middle weight and Jason Matthews who was the men’s 18 to 34 champion.
Men’s executive champions were Anthony Allen men’s was first in the executive light weight group and Alvin Davis who won the men’s executive heavy weight division. The truly amazing and oldest black belt competitor at the event, and living legend, a guy who has won so many AOK State championships that he don’t even remember how many, who has taught some of the best fighters in Texas, I mean the awesome Chuck Timmons who was the senior executive men’s point champion. Ok Chuck, you owe me twenty bucks.
The whole tournament was a fun event with many old friends and many new ones as is usual with an event where the Texas family of martial artist gather for competition. Dewey Sutton, the Texas AOK, The TKO and all the officials deserve two thumbs up for this great martial arts day.
