2011 Art of War

2011 Art of War

Master Paul and his amazing organization have once again produced one of best attended events of 2011 Texas sport Karate. With a Texas AOK – B rating and an SKIL – A rating. This tournament was attended by two different massive groups of competitors in the State of Texas. The tournament was held at the Pearland Junior High School on July 16th 2011. Mitzi Benton and Tank Kannady directed this tournament and was supported by officials from two different organizations. A whopping 406 competitors and around 850 spectators made this tournament massive.

Top reigning State champions were in attendance vying for points and the beautiful 1st place plaques that had the champions picture inserted in the sleeve.

Many of the best under black belt competitors filled the competition floor and flooded the whole place with their energy. The foremost Texas martial arts teachers and past champions were keeping things running efficiently and on time. Grand Master’s Daryl Stewart, James Stevens, Jessie Benavidez and Linda Denley were just a few of the legendary martial artist officiating and judging at this event.

2011 Art of War

Starting off the tournament were the weapons and specialty divisions. The adult black belt champions in kata divisions were Alfredo Bustamante – adult men’s kata, Martha Garcia – adult women’s kata and adult traditional kata, Vincente Herrera – adult soft style and men’s executive kata, Johnnie Murphy – Adult black belt weapons, Senior specialty and senior executive kata and Sheryl Quick was the black belt senior women’s kata champion. Andy Brett was the specialty division champion and the Courtney Allen won black belt self defense.

Junior black belt kata champions were Sebastian Pedroza boys – 10 to 11 kata and 11 and under specialty, Lizabeth Villagas girls – 12 to 13, Isaac Jones boys – 14 to 15, Rommell Paul – boys 16 to 17, Robert Anthony – 10 to 14 traditional kata, Rommell Paul 15 to 17 traditional kata and the 12 to 17 years old specialty was won by the amazing Rommell Paul for another kata championship.

2011 Art of War

Under black belt divisions ran simultaneous with the black belt kata. Once again they made this tournament the massive event it was. I felt lucky to be in the presence of so many beautiful children focused on becoming the future of martial arts. Long after all us old timers are gone they will be advancing the way sport karate will evolve. Both adult and junior under black belt competitors energized the two gym competition rooms.

Junior black belt point sparring champions were absolutely great. These kids never cease to amaze me with their creative skill and concentration in sparring.

The final fights in the boys divisions were Joshua Jones over Blair Benton – boys 10 to 11, Sam Stewart over Conner Gilliam – boys 12 to 13, Robert Anthony over Demetre Chambers – boys 14 to 15 and Demarcus Felton over Jersan Kannady – boys 16 to 17 point sparring. Junior black belt girls champions were Jodyn Craighead – girls 14 to 15, Alexandria Guiterrez over Samantha Garcia – girls 16 to 17 and Lizabeth Villegas over Christina Ramsey girls 12 to 13 years old point sparring.

2011 Art of War

Adult black belt point sparring finalized the event as usual. Black belt women champions were Martha Garcia over Connie Deleon – women fly, Ashley Woods over Brillyone Fontenot – women light weight and Sheryl Quick over Alma Voorhees – women executive point sparring. Black belt men’s champions were Matt Tyler over Christopher Maniet – men light weight, Antonio Anderson over Joshua Reese – men heavy weight. Senior men’s point sparring champions were Anthony Allen over Vicente Herrera – men executive light weight, Tracy Snowden over David Patterson – men executive heavy weight and Ronald George over Barry Benton – men senior executive 45 plus point sparring.

The grand champions in Kata were Rommell Paul who took out an impressive crowed for his junior forms grand championship. Alfredo Bustamonte won the adult forms grand championship. Point Sparring Grand champions were Martha Garcia who won the women’s grand championship. In a series of impressive matches Antonio Anderson took home the men’s point sparring point grand championship and wrapped up this years 2011 Art of War Karate Classic. Master Rommell Paul senior should be congratulated for an impressive efficiently ran and well attended. I would have to rate this event very high and recommend you add it to your next years calendar.