Randolph, Massachusetts turned out to be a great place to have a martial arts event. Randolph is centered between the north and south shores of Massachusetts making for quick driving and easy directions for everyone to attend. The many wonderful parents that supported the Bay State Karate Championships on August 18 by bringing their child to compete, appreciated the central location.
The tournament was held for the second time at a facility in Randolph, known as “The Lantana”. It's an accommodating venue, with classy chandeliers, marbled walls and leather furniture.
Everyone from the youngest 7 and under beginner to the 50 and over senior competitor showed the utmost respect for one another.
The competition started with many little tykes in the under blackbelt children's form divisions. The divisional first place winners were Alexia Hatch, Sarah Busby, Kerry Flavin, DeAndri Scurti, Brent Pope, Alfredo Perez, Brandon Dao, Jacob Resil, Justin Resil, Katherine Gustillo and Dom Fernandes. Except for DeAndri Scurti of the Thurston Academy and Brandon Dao of Boston TKD, they were all Okinawan Uechi-ryu Stylists. It's a real testament to the effectiveness of the Uechi-ryu instructors to see their students take so many first places in their respective divisions. Some of those instructors were Len Testa, Steve Banchick, Manny Neves, Gerald Stanley, Ricardo Suber and Darin Yee.
The blackbelt competition was the highlight of the tournament. The Hartford Uechi-ryu academy, brought their best competitors to the tournament. They did extremely well and made it to the finals in forms and blackbelt point sparring.
Bryan Lewis of the Boston TKD was the defending blackbelt sparring grandchampion from last year. He narrowly beat Derek Field, also, of Boston TKD to once again be the tournament grand champion, taking the trophy and framed “Excellence” award.
Coaches John Grifin and Tom Piacentini really helped the tournament run efficiently with their referring expertise, as well as Jay Salhanick who always supports the event. The tournament was open to all styles, including karate, tae-kwon-do, kung-fu, etc.
Next year’s tournament will also be at “The Lantana” on Saturday October 18, 2008. There will be more divisions, grand champion prize money and tournament ratings.
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