WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID
Testimonials From the History of the Carolina Open
Throughout its history, the Carolina Open—originally known as the Carolina Martial Arts Open (CMAO)—earned the support of competitors, coaches, school owners, promoters, and martial artists from throughout the country.
Their words tell an important part of our story.
“The CMAO is consistently one of the best-coordinated tournaments I attend. It’s obvious that Brian Pena spends the time to meticulously train staff. He also does what it takes to hang onto valuable, experienced staff members from year to year. All this makes for a well-organized, smooth-running tournament experience.”
Billee Purvis
LifeForce Fighter Group
“As a 30-year veteran martial scientist, international competitor, and founder of my own system, it is with great honor that I salute Master Brian Pena for his journey to bring excellence and equality to the martial arts circuit and communities of South Carolina. From his inaugural tournament that I personally attended to his subsequent events that I brought my students to compete in, I always found the experience to be of the highest quality—from the awards to the judging, and especially the overall family atmosphere, fairness, and humanity for all cultures and systems represented.”
Grandmaster Dr. Germon “Mama G” Miller, Ph.D.
Akeru African Martial Arts
“The Carolina Open is by far the most organized and efficiently run event. It’s a great feeling to know that you can send even your newest students to a tournament and expect them to have a positive experience.”
Rick Lee
Former Promoter, Great Southeast Nationals
Spartanburg, South Carolina
“For the past few years, the Carolina Martial Arts Open has been my favorite event in the Southeast!”
Cass Sigmon
Team Full Circle
“The CMAO was the first rated tournament that my students and I attended. I was nervous that we wouldn’t be able to find our way around or know what to do, but the CMAO staff was very helpful and friendly. The competition was great, and it motivated my students to go back to the Karate school and sharpen their skills for the next big competition!”
Lindy Woods
Chun Kuk Do
“Carolina Open is one tournament that shoots to improve every year! Master Pena works hard to make sure everyone feels welcome and has a great experience! Don’t miss this event! The Night Show is one of the best around, period!”
Aaron Hensley
Premier Martial Arts
Augusta, Georgia
“If the rest of the Karate world ran their tournaments the way that Brian Pena and The Karate Dojo does, you would see Sport Martial Arts on network TV five nights a week. The Carolina Martial Arts Open is one of the premier Karate tournaments in the nation, let alone the Southeast.”
Devin Waldrop
Columbia, South Carolina
“The Carolina Martial Arts Open is a must for NBL and NASKA competitors alike. It is by far one of my favorite tournaments to attend and compete in. If you are looking for a Sport Karate tournament run with the same precision and attention to detail as a traditional form, then this is it!”
Tim Conkel
KICK Team
“CMAO is one of the most professionally organized and staffed martial arts events in the United States! CMAO consistently demonstrates why it is one of the top NBL tournaments! It is always hosted by wonderful staff, fair and professional judges, spacious venues, and divisions that are completed on time!”
Mark Laughlin
LifeForce Fighter Group
Columbia, South Carolina
BUILT ON THE COMPETITOR EXPERIENCE
Different competitors. Different schools. Different styles. Different years.
But many of the same words appear again and again:
Organized. Professional. Fair. Friendly. Welcoming.
Those words helped define the Carolina Open then—and they remain part of the standard and vision for its future.
SUPER ORGANIZED. COMPETITOR FOCUSED.
Tradition • Discipline • Sportsmanship • Opportunity • FUN
