July 10, 2004

"Where It All Began..."

The temperature was up and expectations were high as the 1st Annual Carolina Martial Arts Open opened its doors at Irmo Middle School in Columbia, South Carolina on July 10, 2004. The tournament promoter, Sensei Brian Pena has the reputation of being a stickler for the details. It is well known throughout the DOJO Circuit and the Southeast that his students are drilled mercilessly and perfection is the ultimate goal. His standards are very high and this tournament would be a reflection of his character.

The tournament was remarkably well organized. There was no confusion at the Registration Tables. Ring Assignment sheets were handed to the competitors as they signed in as well as being posted on large poster boards at each ring. Security was tight. Only registered competitors and Blackbelt Judges were allowed beyond the custom made steel barricades surrounding the rings allowing for a clear view of each ring by the spectators in attendance. Scorekeepers and Timekeepers were all sitting down two per ring awaiting the start of the tournament. All the scorekeepers had previously attended “3” Scorekeeping Meetings at Sensei Pena’s Karate Dojo in order to learn the process as well as being extremely efficient at it. Said R.J. Bishop, photojournalist for Action Magazine, “This gentleman’s tournament is more organized than 90% of the older tournaments I have attended over the years, and it’s the BEST 1st year event I have ever attended.” Each and every ring was well stocked with Judges which were recruited well in advance of the event.

A handful of top Blackbelt competitors were in attendance such as World Champions Doug Armstrong, Cass Sigmon, Ryan Freeman and Garry Dillingham, along with regional stars Joey and Julayne Shiflett, Tyrone Tablada and Dr. Germon Miller as well as many, many talented Underbelt competitors. Many thanks to the following Center Judges: Donald McCluney, Charles Burris, Larry Isaac, Doug Armstrong, Fred Riley, Corey Waiters, William Reed, Tyrone Tablada and Garry Dillingham for all of their hard work!

The Underbelt performers really impressed that day. Nelson Liu a fantastic young man from Waynesboro, GA and Sheldon Stewart, a beautiful 7 year old little girl from Charlotte, NC really turned heads with their forms. Nelson was very impressive in his win in the Junior Underbelt Grand Championship.

One of the highlights of the day was the Handicapable Divisions which were run first thing in the morning. The smile on the faces of these competitors brought smiles and applause from everyone in the house. Sensei Pena made it even more special for the competitors by announcing the winners over the sound system.

Towards the end of the event, Sensei Pena encouraged everyone to contact him and give him some feedback from this event, both positive and negative. Most promoters would not do this. This shows further how Sensei Brian Pena is dedicated to putting on the best event possible and is open to ideas and criticism.

People left the tournament looking forward to next year! Overall this was an excellent tournament and we encourage everyone to attend the 2005 Carolina Martial Arts open to be held May 21, 2005.

Congratulations to Sensei Brian Pena and The Karate Dojo for a great success!!