TORONTO TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS SETS NEW STANDARD FOR TOURNAMENT EXCELLENCE!

--Andrew Cabilan

Toronto, Ontario, Canada – As it always has, the Toronto Tournament of Champions, held annually at the end of November, marks the culmination of a successful Canadian Sport Karate season. The NMAC Elite Rated event was also recently designated a NASKA “AA” rating, drawing in talented competitors from near AND far!

Even though the event consistently draws large numbers of competitors and spectators, tournament promoter and NMAC President, Mike Palitti, always finds something unique to add new flavour to his well-renowned tournament. In previous years, it was commonplace for this tournament to be held in a high school gymnasium. Anticipating large numbers for this year’s event, Palitti ventured to various locales to find a new venue to hold his event. After a meticulous searching process, Palitti decided to hold the event at the Hershey Centre Sportszone – a multi-sport establishment equipped with indoor soccer fields, hockey arena, large divisible gymnasium and most importantly, ample parking space! In addition, to accommodate the large delegation of out-of-province (AND out-of country) competitors, Palitti also had to seek new hotel facilities to ensure that their stay was a memorable one. Searching for a hotel with hospitable amenities and proximity to the airport was no easy task. Taking many factors into consideration, Palitti selected the Delta Meadowvale Resort. Equipped with an indoor water park, pristine health club and restaurant facilities, it was definitely a perfect fit for a relaxing weekend tournament getaway. In fact, after the weekend’s festivities, Karate Sunfuki’s Denis Vlachos immediately updated his Facebook status to state “BEST KARATE WEEKEND EVER” (in French, of course).

Although several area competitors could not make it to the tournament, they still had the opportunity to catch all the action as Film One hosted a live-streaming broadcast on the Internet for the whole world to peruse at their leisure. Film One, a company headed by action film star Jalal Merhi (“Talons of the Eagle”, “TC-2000 (feat. Billy Blanks)”, never missed a beat as numerous cameras were circulating to capture as many divisions as possible. Not only did Black Belts receive centre stage attention, but the Under Belts had the same opportunity to display their talent for the world to watch. This was a pleasant surprise to all and many applauded Palitti’s efforts to bring Canadian Sport Karate to media attention.

The timing of the Toronto Tournament of Champions couldn’t be better. With the 1st World Karate Council (WKC) World Champions in Dublin, Ireland ending just weeks prior, it came to no surprise that the neighbouring WKC U.S.A. Team was in full force along with the WKC Canadian Team. The North American conglomerate not only met in the spirit of competition, but most importantly, in the spirit of unity. The always smiling World Champion and U.S. Team coach Richard Plowden attended the event and gave a pleasant nod to the Canadian delegation for welcoming them with open arms. Michigan’s Conell Loveless was also in attendance running ring to ring to support the U.S. Team. Making a mark on Canadian soil, Ohio’s Mike Scaperato, himself a Gold Medal winning member of the U.S. Team, made a lasting impression by successfully winning the Open Musical division, defeating local favourite and WKC Gold Medalist, Mark Santoro. However, Scaperato’s most grandiose win was capturing the coveted Men’s Sparring Grand Championship, putting himself in the ranks of previous Grand winners such as World Famous Canadians Robbie Lavoie, Mark Monsour and the Aversa Brothers. Coming back from the WKA World Championships in Spain, multi-time Gold Medalist Dan Cousineau made his annual appearance and swept the 35+ Weapons division with the swiftness of his bo and was narrowly edged by WKC Gold Medalist, Andrew Cabilan, in the 30 – 39 Traditional Forms division.

The night before the competition, a fellow competitor approached me to tell me that there were “giants in karate outfits” roaming the lobby of the Delta Meadowvale. Although I had no idea what this person was talking about at the time, I was a first hand witness of these “giants” on Saturday morning. Who this person was referring to was the Bahamian National Karate Team headed by Brian Beckford, a Shotokan stylist who frequents NASKA World events. Although not accustomed to our cold winters here in Canada, the Bahamian team made the long trek and was VERY visible – both in stature and in numbers. Over 25 Bahamian competitors graced us with their presence and like the U.S. Team, they too were embraced with warm hospitality. They definitely made sure they didn’t waste their time coming here. Head instructor and coach, Brian Beckford successfully placed in the Top 3 of his respective 35+ Weapons and Fighting divisions. But it was the accomplishments of his student, Jawara Pierre which were very remarkable. Literally standing at 7 feet tall, Pierre overshadowed the competition by easily claiming his respective 30 – 39 Fighting division and placing 3rd in the 30 – 39 Traditional Forms division. Beckford also extended an invitation for his event November 2010 in Nassau, Bahamas. Those of us from colder climates definitely should make the trek to the island paradise not only for the “sun and fun” but also as a sign of gratitude, appreciation and reciprocity for their support.

Although not technically a divisional category, another coveted title at the Toronto Tournament of Champions is “Most Supporting Club”. Even though Bernardo Karate and Montreal’s Karate Sunfuki came out in large numbers, neither of them walked away with the prize. As always, Christine Magliocco, instructor and owner of Mississauga’s East-West Karate, was out for blood once again. With over 50 pre-registered competitors and the same amount (if not more) who paid at the door, Magliocco claimed the title, cash and bragging rights once again. Will she be able to win the title five years straight? Only time will tell.

What has become a trend at NMAC tournaments is family involvement in the competition itself. Representing East-West Karate, the Molnar Family (consisting of siblings Elyse, Adam and Luke and mother Elizabeth) competed in various divisions at the tournament. Although Adam did not compete this year, the rest of the family more than made up for his absence. Mother Elizabeth successfully garnered Top 3 finishes in her respective Under Belt Forms, Weapons and Fighting divisions. Elyse Molnar, in her rookie year as an Adult, claimed top honours in Women’s Weapons and her respective Fighting divisions and was edged narrowly by Ana-Maria Iancu in Women’s Traditional Forms. In a nail-biting finale, Elyse fell short of winning the Women’s Fighting Grand Championship, losing to Emilia Wilk by a small margin. Youngest sibling, Luke, was equally successful taking the top spot in his respective Weapons and Traditional Forms divisions. Also with winning ways was the Young Family from Team United. No stranger to NMAC competition, WKC Gold Medalist Ryan Young successfully earned 1st Place finishes in Musical Forms and 13 – 14 Sparring. It seems that his winning ways have passed down to his two younger sisters – Rachel and Rebecca. Rachel, in her usual fashion, fought her way to the top as she blitzed her way to victory to capture the 12 and Under Black Belt Fighting division. Rebecca, the youngest sibling, also made a name for herself at this tournament. The relatively reserved one of the three, the diminutive Rebecca definitely proved that “size doesn’t matter” with a big win in 9 – 10 Intermediate Forms and the biggest win of them all – the Under Black Belt Forms Grand Championship. Just more evidence that “The family that kicks together, sticks together”.

The third and final leg of the “Triple Team Kata Challenge” also took place at this event. With a clean sweep at the previous Challenges at the Circle of Friends in Hamilton and the Ontario Grand Nationals in London, not only did Team SLR win the Toronto Tournament but they also claimed the title and $500 cash prize for their accumulated wins. The team, consisting of Ryan Young, Sierra Lourenco and Lawrence Collymore, were virtually unstoppable this year, reigning victorious in all three tournaments. For 2010, there will be one additional tournament which the teams will require to attend. For the first time, Windsor’s Brian Brunelle will be hosting the fourth instalment of the “Elite Team Kata Challenge” along with the Circle of Friends, Ontario Grand Nationals and Toronto Tournament. It is anticipated that more teams will participate in 2010 with the increased summative prize money. Who will it be next year?

Although the Toronto Tournament of Champions attracts NMAC regulars and the occasional appearance of NASKA World Champions (such as last year’s appearance of Team Pro Rank’s Scott Wu), new faces and talent always seem to make their way to this tournament. The Junior Black Belt Forms Grand Championship roster was a like a “who’s who” of NMAC elite. With well-known talents such as Ottawa’s Brianna Ouellette, Ryan Young, Tressa Young, Jeremy Lussier and multi-time reigning Grand Champion Sierra Lourenco in the line-up, the question remained – which one these talented youngsters would claim the title this year? Coming out of the shadows was relative newcomer, Steph Verschuren – a protégé of NBL World Champion and the new face of Abercrombie, Nick Bateman. Although virtually unknown to the NMAC stage, Verschuren is well known in the tricking world with many hits on his YouTube samplers. Armed with a shiny green bo and some funky techno music, Verschuren brought the heat and surprised everyone with his dexterity and athletic prowess. When the music ended and smoke settled, Verschuren slid under the radar and managed to claim the title and the cash. Keep your eyes open for this up-and-coming talented young gentleman as he enters the 2010 season as an Adult!

On the Adult side of things, the ever-impressive Lawrence Collymore of North Toronto Karate School continued his winning ways in the Adult divisions. Undefeated in 2009 in Junior Traditional Forms in NASKA and claiming an NBL World Title this year, Collymore decided to “step up the game” by competing with the big boys. Already with an impressive Adult Grand Championship win at Mike Bernardo’s Ontario Grand Nationals, could Collymore keep his winning streak and could he win on his home turf? After capturing a 1st Place victory in Traditional Forms, he qualified to compete in this year’s Adult Forms Grand Championship alongside veteran competitors Dan Cousineau and Tony Rampulla, the Extreme stylings of Mike Scaperato and the bo wielding defending Grand Champion, Mark Santoro. Although Scaperato flipped his way to the hearts of the audience, the judges were more impressed with Collymore’s power. However, a surprise entry by the Weapons winner, Brian Gilim, would put an obstacle in front of Collymore’s road to victory. Brian Gilim, another new face to the tournament, gracefully wielded his authentic live (as in sharp!) Korean sword, putting fear on the faces of the audience. After the scores were thrown up, the judges had Gilim and Collymore tied for the title! As a result, the two warriors were forced into a tiebreaking performance. Both had their game faces on and a second battle ensued. Gilim sliced his way to a split decision victory as the judges gave Gilim the nod with a 3 to 2 vote.

As it is every year, the NMAC’s “grand daddy” of tournaments, the Toronto Tournament of Champions continues to attract competitors from all corners of the globe. In that regard, not only does the tournament capture the attention of Sport Karate enthusiasts alike, it also captures the attention of many outside individuals who support the tournament with generous donations. Amongst those is Daniel Negreanu who donated the prize for the Adult Black Belt Belt Fighting Grands this year. And yet another pleasant surprise, Elvis Stojko also showed his appreciation and support to the tournament by sponsoring the remainder of the Grand Championships. No stranger to competition, both in martial arts and in Olympic figure skating, Stojko always finds time to give back to the roots of his desire and disciplined ways – the Martial Arts. With an ever growing Canadian Sport Karate scene, it comes to no surprise that all events sanctioned by the NMAC are drawing Canada’s “Best of the Best”, which in turn, attracts the World’s finest. With World famous tournaments on its Elite calendar such as Clermont Poulin’s NASKA 5A Quebec Open and Canada’s Premier Event, Mike Bernardo’s Ontario Grand Nationals, the NMAC not only claims the rights to Canada’s Leading Sport Karate organization, but it also could serve as a potential hub and umbrella to unite Sport Karate as a whole. Its allegiance and loyalty to the newly formed World Karate Council (WKC) united the two North American WKC Teams into a common tight-knit gathering, slowly becoming the norm rather than the exception. The promotion and sanctioning of the event as a NASKA “AA” serves as a testament to Palitti’s effort to bring back Sport Karate in Canada to the World spotlight, increasing the likelihood for the World’s most talented individuals to gravitate towards this growing event in the future. With the expectation that the tournament will be bigger and better in 2010, mark your calendars for the last weekend in November. Also, don’t forget to pack a sweater!