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.
