OK… I was one of the American Heroes who drove up to Waxahachie Texas just South of Dallas Texas, to participate in this amazing martial art event. I was not disappointed as I was able to meet my old friends Cynthia Rothrock and Bill Wallis who were there by special invitation from the Tournaments producers giving seminars on forms and fighting. William Sheldon and Robert Wilcox with his family, produced a cool tournament. This September 10, 2022, event was held at the beautiful Waxahachie Civic Center. For your information Waxahachie means “Buffalo Creek” in the prevailing Indian tribes’ language which means there were a lot of buffalo in this expanse of plains…. just thought you should know.
The day was bright and sunny as I drove from my hotel contemplating the exhilaration of great competition. I was not surprised to see the top TKO competitors from around Texas there for the opportunity at some great martial arts action. The divisions were full and ran professionally as the best judges were on hand to make this event flow smoothly. As usual I was astounded by the skill of the junior competitors and the fierce action in the adult rings. The whole troop performed at top levels, including myself which was copasetic with my usual performances at these events. I think preparing for and going to martial arts tournaments gives you a whole range of benefits and its just fun to test your skills against the best.
This tournament ran smoothly without any kind of problems, and everyone seemed to be in jovial spirits so good vibes were felt by all. The other martial arts disciplines ran at the tournament were well attended and I especially like the stick fighting and junior sparring. Robert Wilcox and dad could be seen rushing around making everything run efficiently and when the lights went out, they were quickly back on by Mr. Wilcox, rendering little break in the action.
The tournament ended with the many grand championships. The TKO has beginner, intermediate and advanced grand championships as well as junior black belt Grands. They also have adult under black belt grands. The junior black forms champion was Annalise Bolen. The adult black grand championships were run last. Annalise Bolen was the junior black belt grand champion, Tyce Talbott was the men’s adult black belt sparring grand champion, Christina Subonj was the adult black belt forms grand champion. Troy Smith won his 45+ black belt sparring division against tough competition. Lastly, the president of the AOK Karate league, DE Chambers, showed up and in his final fight he beat the legendary Donald Mullins in a hard hitting and skilled contest for the 55+ senior men’s black belt grand championship winning the money and a unique Trophy.
I would have to say this was fun and cool tournament.
