With roots dating back to the 1970s, the Battle of Texas has long stood as a signature event defined by its commitment to excellence. As one of the premier martial arts tournaments in sport karate throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it built a reputation for elite competition and enduring tradition.
The originator of the Battle of Texas was the late Jesse Benavidez, a man whose love for sport karate became his life’s work. He competed in events across Texas and throughout the United States, and his influence on the martial arts community was profound. Jesse developed some of the finest martial artists to come out of Texas, including his daughters and students, who consistently excelled in competition.
He was defined by a calm demeanor, a strong disposition, and a uniquely memorable presence. Those qualities were passed on to his daughters, with whom he traveled across the country to compete in some of the largest tournaments in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. Through both his character and his dedication, Jesse Benavidez helped shape the spirit and legacy of the Battle of Texas.
Continuing Legacy
After Jesse’s passing, his daughters carried the Battle of Texas forward. Today, Cindy Benavidez partners with Cody Garza, son of Texas martial arts icon Al Garza, and David Patterson to co-produce this May 2nd, 2026, modern Battle of Texas.
The 2026 Event
This year’s event was held on May 2 at the LS Church Pavilion and drew legendary martial artists from across Texas to attend and compete.
With hundreds of divisions, the tournament showcased a wide range of martial arts disciplines, including:
- Karate
- Taekwondo
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Kickboxing
- Sport MMA
- Stick fighting
- Competition breaking
- Continuous sparring
- Muay Thai-style competition
- Eskrima, Kali, and Arnis
For martial arts enthusiasts, the Battle of Texas offered an exciting display of talent, tradition, and action across many disciplines.
Event Execution
The event ran smoothly thanks to the professionalism of its experienced judges and the dedication of its volunteers. Their officiating and support helped create a well-organized and enjoyable tournament experience for competitors and spectators alike.
Throughout the day, the competition moved with impressive precision and without issue, reflecting the strength of the planning behind the 2026 Battle of Texas.
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Forms Grand Championships
The forms grand championships delivered one of the event’s most memorable highlights. Every under black belt and junior black belt grand champion received an electric-powered bicycle, an exciting prize that made the victories even more special.
The divisions featured competitors from across multiple experience levels, including beginner, intermediate, advanced junior, and adult under black belt categories.
Forms grand championship winners included:
- Jose DeLuna — Junior Grand Champion
- Dominic Cooley — Intermediate Grand Champion
- Alexander Sarteaga — Junior Advanced Grand Champion
- Jennifer Clayton — Adult Under Black Belt Grand Champion
- Miss Agvilar – Junior Black Belt Grand Champion
- Brady Clayton – Adult Black Belt Grand Champion
The junior black belt forms grand champion was Miss Agvilar, whose strong and flawless open-hand forms and kata performance reflected a pro-class level of skill. Her routine stood among the finest performances I have seen in NASKA, NBL, and anywhere else I have competed or traveled.
Adult black belt forms grand champion Brady Clayton delivered one of the division’s standout performances with a bo-staff musical kata set to AC/DC. At just 18 years old, he continued a strong family tradition in competition, following the example of his mother, Jennifer Clayton, an accomplished adult under black belt bo-staff competitor. Both are students of world champion David Johnson.
The Black Belt Men’s Sparring Grand Championship
This was a battle royal between Fadi Mott and Chance Turner. The match was an outstanding display of skill, strategy, and athleticism, with both competitors landing powerful shots and launching precise, dynamic attacks throughout the contest. As the fight shifted back and forth, Chance gained the upper hand and ultimately earned a hard-fought victory in a memorable bout that ranks among the best matches I have witnessed this year.
This Tournament rates as one of the best this year due to the skill level displayed on a professional level.
