July 10th to the 13th was the date for one of Karate’s most prestigious events. This was the culmination of the years preparation and competition. Although not the Nationals, it is meant to be a format for USKA competitors and anyone else to compete for a world title. The beautiful New Orleans Riverside Hilton was the venue for this years event. A facility that is so big it has a one hundred thousand square foot health club and tennis center located above the ball rooms where the tournament took place.
This event and the United States Karate Alliance {USKA} organization evolved from the old United States Karate Association that had its zenith during the 1960 to early 1980’s. The United States Karate Alliance has seen many well known champions compete and make their name. Today Dr David Jordan and Master James Hawkes are the primary officials in and organization that has members all over the world.
The tournament was located in the heart of the word renown French Quarter and adjacent to the massive Harras Casino. Right next to the hotel is the River walk that runs along the Mississippi side of the French Quarter with Burbon Street within walking distance. Very unique vendors and competitors from all over were present at the tournament to give a pleasant atmosphere to the competition.
Each day had a different series of events that were carefully planned to allow for early completion so contestants and officials could go out for a night on the town. Seminars encompassed Thursday with specialty fighting and weapons taking place Friday. Saturday really saw things expand as forms competitors filled the main ball room to overflowing. As could be expected divisions were packed. Some divisions took extra time to terminate due to their size.
Sunday was point sparring fight day. Some really impressive contests took place as loud spectators could be heard due to veracity of some fights. Black belt light weight men’s division came down to Joseph Savala and Patrick Kirby. These guys were phenomenal as the fight went back and forth with Joseph pulling ahead in a memorable fight. A massive men’s middle weight division terminated with Jeff Crothers edging out Tyler Hudson. By the way all of these fights were electrifying as the intensity level was at the maximum.
Men’s light heavy weight fighters were fast and well disciplined. All these guys wanted to win. James Lee dominated the division and pulled out the victory over Josh Quayhagen by a narrow margin. Men’s heavy weight fighters shook the floor as the launched themselves at each other. Carefully planned blitzes excited everyone and provided tense moments as these guys were hitting hard and several fights had to be stopped and contestants warned about excessive contact. The men’s heavy weight division culminated in a final fight between Kris Lee and Jay Thompson. As time ran down Kris Lee was victorious and won the world black belt heavy weight title.
Other men’s divisional champions were Eric Sullivan 40 to 45 years old champion, Senior men’s 46 and up 1st through 4th Dan was James Foghorn. Black belt masters 5th Dan and up was Joe Dupaquier.
Women’s sparring word Champions were Allison Gilmore in the female light weight division. Angelica Drexel won the women’s middle weight sparring division with Susan Watts taking home the women’s 40 and up world title. Junior Black belt sparring divisions concluded earlier in the day. Under black belt divisions were ran first. This was to allow adult black belts to be freed up from judging so they could fight, which is customary in most martial arts events. New Junior champions were happy to take home their titles and seemed to be having a fun time in New Orleans.
Sunday night was dedicated to special events and the grand championships.
Youth under black belt grand champions were Keili Summey winning both weapons and advanced forms grand championships and Charles Buras who won the beginner and intermediate youth grand championship. Adult under belt grand champions were Denise Miller in Kata and Karra Colgan winning the weapons division.
Shohei Urai came all the way from Japan to dominate the forms divisions and ended up form grand champion. Donnie Michaels won the black belt weapons grand championship. The women’s black belt point sparring grand champion was Susan Watts and the men’s point sparring champion was Adrian Galvan. Alyssa Patterson, Parker Carwile and Mike Skipper won the team kata grand championship. The whole event terminated with Fumio Demura and some other celebrities in attendance and another well run four days of martial arts competition thanks to the many professional members of the USKA.
