Greg Dorsey the producer of this July 31, 2021, event, is one of Beaumont, Texas top martial arts champions and having seen him compete for the last 30 years I can say he is one of the best fighters of the past several decades. Today he still produces quality competitors and champions and now he is back in competition as the producer of the Black Dragon Open. His teacher, the legendary Fred Simon is the father of Beaumont martial arts and one of the founders of Texas Sport Karate. Greg continues to carry on the East Texas style martial arts.
This year’s event was held at the prestigious MGM Elegante Hotel and conference center, one of Beaumont’s most notable landmarks and go to places for events. I always wanted to stay at this hotel, and it did not let me down.
Greg Dorsey has teamed up with Wayne Nguyen to sanction his tournament by the Texas Karate Organization TKO. Wayne is the current inspiration for a substantial series of events. Many of the TKO events have rivaled most National tournaments with the turnout and quality of competition. Greg’s tournament was a gathering of East Texas finest martial artist. Many competitors from around Texas were also in attendance including some well-known world champions and reporters. This event had several hundred in attendance.
The event started with top junior competitors from around Texas vying for the beautiful Black Dragon Medals and a chance to win one of the adult black belt championships or Junior under black belt and Black belt grand championships. The adult under belt division also offered a grand championship. I am always impressed with the amazing talent at these events and the energy possessed by people with an opportunity to be a champion.
The event ran thru without delay and ended on time with the black belt grand championships following the under black belt divisions. I was particularly impressed with the kids and the energy they exert in their quest to take home the beautiful Grand Champion Dragon sculpture provided by Greg and his gracious organization. In the Adult black belt sparring grand championships Willie Hicks pulled out a win over J-Dawg, Jason Holmes.
The adult black belt forms grand championship was a showdown between me and several other 1st place champions. I knew I needed to get in the zone because as the other competitors were former grand champions from recent tournaments and I needed to step up my game. When the smoke cleared I had sufficiently impressed the judges because I was declared the Black belt Grand Champion and got take home the cash and a beautiful Dragon sculpture with a knife insert. The adult black belt grands also finalized a well-run and attended martial arts event.
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Under Black Belt Grand Champions
Beginner – Marcos Estrada
Intermediate – Priscilla Gamez
Advanced – Zoe Rios
Black Belt Adult and Junior Grand Champions
Junior black belt forms grand champion – Ashley Lopez
Adult women’s black belt sparring grand champion – Kimberly Morales
Adult men’s sparring grand championship – Willie Hicks
Adult black belt forms grand champion – Johnnie Murphy
