Competitors show they are tough as nails at the Steel City Open!

--Andrew Cabilan

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada – On a stormy Saturday afternoon in mid-July, bolts of lightning were visible from miles away and the crackle of the thunder was deafening. After such a description, one would think that I was describing the weather outside. However, such a reference is referring to the lightning speed of bo staffs and thunderous kiais projected by the competitors at the Steel City Open. Despite the numerous booms heard throughout the day and the torrential pitter-patter of rain, it didn’t stop many competitors from venturing to fourth tournament held in the City of Steel.

In her sophomore effort in hosting a tournament, promoter Dawn Owen moved the tournament to the plush facilities of the Sheraton Hotel – the first time that this establishment has ever hosted such an event. The Grand Ballroom, usually used for weddings and conventions, was temporarily converted into a competitive battlefield which consisted of five well laid out rings, with enough space in between for competitors to warm up prior to competing. Much to the competitors delight, the downtown central location provided the necessary convenience to amenities such as shopping and entertainment. In fact, the Sheraton is attached to Jackson Square, one of Hamilton’s most frequented shopping centres. For those that came from far places, it was reassuring to know that the competition was only footsteps away from their hotel room.

Dual sanctioned by the NMAC and IFMA (International Federation of Martial Artists), there was much buzz and anticipation that our neighbours from Upstate New York and IFMA regulars would head north of the border to engage themselves in the fierce competition. This was not to be as measures were put in place in June where it was mandatory to possess a passport for anyone desiring to cross the border. This added security measure prohibited many competitors from making the trek and the representation from the U.S. was quite dismal. Making the voyage to show his support and to do most of the event co-ordination was Ron Cain. His organization and meticulous planning ensured that each ring ran smoothly and efficiently.

Often at local tournaments, the judging panel could be described as mediocre at best, many of them being rookies or novices at officiating. However, it was re-assuring to see that all five rings had professional and experienced judges whose expertise and judgements were impeccable. After all, where else could you get a ring where your panel consisted of highly respected judges such as Armie Rizzo and former World Champions such as Mike Bernardo and John Palitti? Although only in her early twenties, long-time competitor Lorenza Shamoun took on the responsibilities like a veteran by being a centre referee for several rings. Her task was definitely not to be envied as she had to make several tough calls in the fighting divisions – many of them requiring quick-witted problem solving and effective conflict resolution. Her ability to be assertive and her keen expertise in handling such stressful situations should definitely be applauded. It’s a pleasure to see that the next generation of athletes are taking active leadership roles and acting as responsible young adults.

Despite the low U.S. competitor turnout, the area schools definitely did not fail to represent. In addition to Dawn Owen’s Steel City Karate, also out in full force were NMAC regulars NTKS, Shamoun’s Generations, United (Queenston), Northern Dragons, Daypuck’s, Dynamic Karate and Family Martial Arts. Becoming the norm rather than the exception, once again Bernardo Karate claimed top honours this year by winning the award for Best Supporting Club. Making a rare but strong appearance was Patricio Belle from Theo Belle’s Iron Butterfly. After a lengthy absence from the competition circuit, Patricio pulled off two 1st Place wins in Traditional Forms and Creative Weapons. Also coming back from a lengthy competition sabbatical, Wayne Martin also made a rare showing and handily captured the 40+ Men’s Traditional Forms division.

Sister Sledge’s hit song “We Are Family” should have been blasted through the speakers seeing that it was the underlying theme of the event. As per usual, the Palitti Clan (Mike and Patti) represented NTKS and captured victories in their respective divisions. It is not uncommon for Tressa Young to get herself into a marathon of divisions in any given tournament. Tressa virtually competed in every division she qualified for and her efforts definitely paid off as she walked away with four 1st Place wins. What is VERY uncommon and was a surprise (but pleasure) to all was Tressa’s mother, Linda, deciding to compete at the last minute. Her spur of the moment effort definitely worked in her favour as she claimed a victory in 40+ Women’s Weapons. Her “most honourable judges” were very much in awe. Her entertaining introduction even had stern-faced Andrew Cabilan crack a smile. Up and coming Steel City Karate students, the Mueller’s also made a strong showing at the tournament and definitely displayed the strength and fortitude to establish themselves as forces to be reckoned with. Competing in the 18+ Women’s divisions was Lacey Mueller. Lacey kicked and cart wheeled her way to three 1st Place victories in her respective Forms and Weapons divisions. Younger sibling, Devin, competed in the 13 – 17 Girls Traditional Forms division and her solid rendition of Unsu garnered herself a 3rd Place victory.

After earning herself “Triple Crown” victories (wins in Forms, Fighting and Weapons) at the Circle of Friends and Lou Roentgen’s YMCA tournament, NMAC Top Female Black Belt Sierra Lourenco kept her winning streak going as she captured victories in her respective Weapons and Fighting divisions. However, her road to her third “Triple Crown” victory was halted by the ever-improving Tressa Young. Tressa’s strong rendition of Gopeisho outscored Sierra’s rendition of the same form by .01. Adding to this victory, Tressa also scored victories in her Musical Forms and Weapons divisions plus Traditional Weapons to boot. A rookie Black Belt competitor but no stranger to the local circuit, the diminutive powerhouse Andrea Tyrell also walked away with three 1st Place wins. Her overall athletic prowess proved to be superior to her opponents as she kicked and flipped her way to victories in Traditional Weapons and Forms and Musical Forms. She is definitely one to keep your eyes on in the future! Wrapping up the

Junior divisions, the 13 – 17 Boys Traditional Forms division also had a strong showing. With Lawrence Collymore being absent from this tournament, this left this age bracket wide open. United’s Trevor Brownell, in his first year as a Black Belt, performed a solid traditional form which put him in the contention for top honours. However, a surprise win by Jacob Gunn would impede Brownell’s quest for top honours at this time around. Dynamic Karate’s Flamur Breznica followed Gunn with a respective 2nd Place. But victory wasn’t too far away from Breznica’s reach as he toppled his competition in 15 – 17 Boys Fighting. Fellow Dynamic Karate teammate, Kyra Kajganic, dominated the Women’s Fighting divisions by overpowering all ladies to capture the Women’s Fighting Grand Championship.

The day’s festivities concluded with the always exciting Adult Forms Grand Champion. With last year’s champion Steve Kawamura noticeably absent from this year’s competition, this left the Forms Grand title open to a new winner. Making a return to competition was the ever-jolly Joe Dibenedetto representing the host school. After months of preparation for this event, he wielded the bo to victory by claiming top honours in the 30-39 Creative Weapons division. Unfortunately, his luck ran out as he dropped his bo during a difficult pass. With Dibenedetto out of the running, it set the audience up for a brother vs. sister battle with both Mike and Patti Palitti gunning for this year’s coveted title. Some bad luck must have been lurking within the halls of the Sheraton because Mike Palitti also had a mishap with his bo during the performance but still managed to keep it strong until the end. Would this be enough to defeat his sibling? Coming straight from a landslide victory at the U.S. Open in Orlando one week prior to this event, Patti executed her kata with the utmost precision and speed. Her performance received the nod from the judges and she walked away with this year’s Forms Grand Championship. Will we witness another case of “sibling rivalry” at next year’s event? You will have to come and see.

Overall, the Steel City Open set up new standards and expectations of local/regional tournaments. With an elegant location, large capacity venue and professional judging, one could see the great potential that this event has in the future. With a tentatively scheduled October date for 2010 during the peak of the Sport Karate season, this is definitely one to mark on your calendars as one of those “must go to” events.