Not everyone was kung fu fighting at the U.S. Open Karate Championships at the Radisson Twin Towers. All types of martial arts were accepted: karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, aikido, and the hundreds of variations spawned by these more well known styles. As someone who's gained an extreme interest in martial arts since my induction as a student at Ben Cohen's American Kenpo Karate in Altamonte and Lake Mary (BCAKK), I had long awaited the opportunity to see so many martial arts styles and personalities gathered in one place.

Friday evening started off with demonstrations. Yes, competitors were board breaking and brick breaking with every imaginable part of the body. Then it was onto team weapons forms, as well as katas (also known as forms and/or universals). Paul Mitchell sponsors the number one U.S. team, (they did the coolest thing with these shampoo bottles...) and they, along with team Excite and several others, had the crowd in a fury! Then it was onto team fighting, where teams consisting of a light weight, a middle weight, and a heavy weight, in a single elimination situation, fight for points. The moves and energy were furious.

Saturday rolled into view as competitors of all ages and skill levels had their shot at some extremely tall trophies. Again the day consisted of weapons, katas, and fighting. Several younger students from BCAKK fought and placed well in their divisions. Everyone who participated in the events benefitted from the comradery that comes along with studying martial arts and, of course, the fierce competition. The evening ended with the last forms and fights held in a center platform in the largest part of the convention area.

In whole, the event (according to event director Corey Schafer) was a resounding success. I know I left with a new understanding of perfection and commitment. Many of these people have dedicated their lives to some of the oldest fighting techniques ever recorded by man.

Justice Mitchell Loves: Art & Photography, Mom & Dad, Eileen, Friends, Music, and Film. Hates: Dan Leeds and his army of satanic, homophobic, undead girl scouts. Other Articles I've Written