New Orleans is back. As I drove to Pee Wee Blanco’s NBL National Karate Tournament I felt the uneasy anticipation of competition as well as the unknown expectation of what I would find in New Orleans. The drive through Louisiana was pleasant and an added bonus of good company never hurts. Entering the outskirts of the city I was surprised by vast numbers of people and cars during rush hour. I had net been back in two years and after the flood I thought it would different.
To my amazement everything looked better than before. It was like a rejuvenated city with many new structures and old ones in various states of rebuild. I was glad to see it looking so clean and vibrant. There were some residential areas still in poor condition but signs of restoration were present even there. All my favorite hangouts were untouched and seemed better than ever.
This February 26th tournament was held at a Kenner City high school that was centrally located with easy access to local attractions. Many of the areas karate schools were there and even a few surprise celebrates showed up to support the tournament. Chris Benoit former promoter of the Slugfest who had recently returned from Iraq was present. He is one of many Louisiana supporters there to help make this event a success.
Top competitors from the south and southwest showed up for this years first NBL tournament of 2008. A number of the regions best champions were vying for a win that would give them a boost to start the year . The competition Gym was packed and as things got underway it was clear that all competitors wanted to make their mark.
The under black belt and junior black belt divisions were being ran first. Eddie Thibodeaux and his Louisiana competition team was the largest team present with several others making up the balance of large teams.
Jacob Holguin, Nick Cain, Francisco Lara, Amanda Dutton and Angela Cantu were the top junior black belt forms winners with multiple division victories. Junior point and continuous champions were Ryan George, Evan Palmisano, Rakem Spencer, Travis Rouselle, Nigel Slater, Alphonse Feliciciana, Roy Ulrich, Jerome Givens, Tony Thompson, Michael Jarrow, Natalie King and Nigel Slater.
Ryan George of New Orleans stood out in boys 16 to 17 years old point sparring divisions. He was unstoppable as he overpowered his competition with some impressive skill. Ryan George also win the men’s light weight division as per NBL rules he was allowed to compete up in age this year.
David Johnson, Johnnie Murphy, Dann Baker, Trey Hammon, Eric Jones and James Stewart were the adult forms and weapons champions. In the senior hard creative weapons division David Johnson and Johnnie Murphy tied twice with David finally winning in a point off from the judges.
Sparring competition proved to be the highlight of the day. Adult fighters were putting out their best effort in an attempt to win their divisions and the sparring grand. Norman Roberts was in top form as he managed to pull out multiple victories in the men’s senior divisions. Jason Holmes, Mario Becker, Derrick Wilson, Brad Cushio and Justin Smegelski were the other champions in the men’s sparring.
A surprise came in the men’s point sparring grand Championship. Ryan George in his first tournament as an adult and Jason Holmes ended up the last two fighters. Both fighters are exceptional NBL world champions and as the fight progressed it was clear neither one was backing down. Ryan was able to match Jason’s speed and augmented his moves with some unorthodox techniques. Jason countered with a barrage of blitzes and exceptional counter fighting. As time counted down Ryan and Jason were tied. In the final series of clashes Ryan was able to pull ahead for the victory.
