This years tournament was a great success, with more than 60 competitors and nearly as many spectators we
had over 100 people in attendance. This was our first tournament and it ran like a dream thanks to all of our wonderful help.
I want to thank our Grandmaster Pete Mills for his support and help in running this tournament. I also need to thank my wife
Donna and the rest of my family for all their help in registration, scoring and time keeping.
I want to say to everyone that it makes it easier when you have the help and support of such individuals
as Masters, James Ogle, Ron Tolliver and Doyle Seiber. I also want to mention other notable Isshinryu leaders and instructors
such as Evan Bowers, Mike Allan, Jerry Lewis, Brandon Baird, Devan Pleasance and Terry Chesney.
I am pleased to say that the tournament although not getting started till 11:00 am flowed so well that we
were done and out of the gym by 2:00 pm. I can honestly say that in that 3hrs we witnessed some of the best kata, sparring,
grappling and team fighting that I've seen at any tournament in the past 7 or 8 years.
I would like to than all of the schools that were in attendance for their support. Sensei Cyn Mobley for
bringing her group from the boy's club, Sensei Brad Walker for the support from the Halls Dojo. Sensei Keith Cofer for the
support of the Halls Dojo and Sensei Jerry Lewis from the Lewis Dojo as well as my great friend Master James Ogle for his
students. In closing this I also want to thank Sensei Jim Carpenter for sending his student Aaron Smith, the only non Isshinryu
karate- ka in attendence. Aaron left with two first places as well as the 12 and under grandchampion.
The day started off with Doyle Seiber being crowned the first ever North Knox Tournament Kata Grandchampion.
Later Brandon Baird took the sparring Grandchampionship belt. Team Seiber also left with the team fighting title. The day
was capt off with Brandon McMahan taking home the Grandchampionship belt in submission grappling.
We have already started our preperation for next years tournament. Keep checking back for more info on next
years tournament.
