Banquet at Mi Tierra’s was a rousing success, almost 100 people, had the whole backroom and a staff of waiters all to ourselves. Most fun I have had in a long time. Everybody looked awesome all dressed up and I believe we will get some awesome pictures out of that function. Thanks to all that showed and supported, that meant a lot to me and shows that TKA is still strong and solvent.
Thanks go out to Master Gabriel Green and Sam Dan Stephanie DeLoach for making the long trek from California once again to support. Big kudos go out to GM Clarence Smith, Tom Balmos, Danny Valdez and Larry Kaminsky for their time and devotion and wise words as always.
Big thanks to Ms. Helen for spearheading the whole event and to Master Eric for helping at the conference with set up. And of course to GM Jesse Rodriguez and his staff for their bangup work at their dojang, for accomodating all of the TKA blackbelts and their families and friends. And to all the food and drinks that were made available to the entire council.
Big thanks go out to Master Gabriel Green for putting on a super demonstration of the knife and speaking to the various points of the escrima foundations. Everybody was riveted to his every word.
Thanks go out to Master’s Sean Thomas and Gabe Green for being Board Chair persons and to Sam Dan Rod Garrett for his expertise proctering the test. Again, we got done in record time but all done in quality time.
Two sets of Escrima Sticks were awarded to Master David Luna and Chodan Shayn Kaysing as well as special Nunchakas awarded to Ea Dan Oscar Dominguez Jr.
Senior GrandMaster James Cummings Jr. Spirit Award was presented to Sam Dan Douglas Mase.
TKA watches were presented I believe to Adrian Walthers, Joseph Rodriguez, Brian DeLaughter, Jesse Rodriguez, Albert & Elizabeth Garcia, and Alyssha Rodriguez. Played a little catch up there.
Special thanks go out to GM Jesse Rodriguez for setting up dinner arrangements for after the test for a large group to get fed around the corner. They needed it.
Test went well, all personnel that tested advanced to their next level. Please join me in wishing the following a big congratulations:
Master Mike Simpson to 4th
Sam Dan Derek Pranger and Douglas Mase to 3rd
Chodan’s Andrew Moody, Hugh Price, David Sosa and Daniel Liendo were all promoted to First Dans.
At the banquet these folks picked up the following awards for the year:
Blackbelt Female Competitor of the Year – Master Elizabeth Garcia
Blackbelt School of the Year – Golden Dragon Karate Studios
Blackbelt of the Year – Ea Dan Rudy Munoz Jr.
Blackbelt Competitor of the Year – Master Mike Hornsby
Blackbelt Executive Master Instructor of the Year – GM Clarence Smith
Blackbelt Assitant Instructor of the Year – Chodan Brian DeLaughter
Blackbelt Instructor of the Year – Sam Dan Douglas Mase
Blackbelt BJJ of the Year – Chodan Joseph Rodriguez
Blackbelt Master Instructor of the Year – Master Albert Garcia