The Northeast’s Premiere event – The New England Open comes your way on June 4th to 5th!

Dubbed as the Northeast’s ‘crown jewel’ event, the New England Open sets to deliver another action packed weekend on June 4th and 5th, 2010. The annual event, which is held at the Royal Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in the Boston suburb of Marlborough, continues to bring Sport Karate to new heights. Its presentation of unique awards, offering special divisions not usually found in regular Sport Karate events and a spectacular evening show highlighting the superstars of the sport definitely sets itself apart from the other tournaments held in the Northeastern United States. In the past, not only is the event attended by the usual American competitors, it is also frequented by neighbouring Canadians seeing that it is within driving distance from many of NASKA’s Eastern Canada conglomerate. In addition, with promoter Joe Greenhalgh’s active support of such European tournaments as Irish Open, it comes to no surprise that legions of European fighters come to the event to give the North American’s their run for the money.

The New England Open serves as one of NASKA’s ‘original’ events and has been a staple to the North American Sport Karate scene for well over three decades. Originally hosted by Richard Baptista, the event consistently drew North America’s finest competitors and crowned Champions who eventually went on to achieve high levels of Sport Karate greatness. Current promoter Joe Greenhalgh adopted the tournament in 2007 and continues the legacy which Baptista had started many years ago.

Every year, Joe Greenhalgh always seems to have something new to the table. In previous years, there has been a Forms Challenge (basically the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ of Forms competition), SuperFights for Men and Women and an Evening Show which showcased talents in the areas of song and dance. Being a visionary with many ideas on his plate, 2010 is no different as he brings in more unique divisions for the competitor to partake in. For the first time ever on a NASKA World Tour Event, the New England Open will be hosting a PROFESSIONAL Junior Black Belt Forms and Weapons competition for two age groups (13 and Under and 14-17) in which winners will be receiving financial rewards, much like their Adult counterparts. The judges have been hand selected by Greenhalgh himself in order to establish and maintain fairness and unbiased judging. In addition, there are no seeds and all competitors will be competing by random draw. In addition, Junior fighters will get their chance in the spotlight as several of the Junior divisions will be highlighted on stage during the Evening Show. Another new category being offered is the IllReality Tricks Challenge hosted by Vince Johnson. Making its debut at Amerikick earlier this year, the Tricks Challenge boasted a high attendance consisting of a mix of martial artists and ‘backyarders’. This tricks challenge will be no different. With categories ranging from Beginner to Advance and cash prizes to be given away, it will definitely attract the young AND the young at heart. For those who can’t trick, it is definitely entertaining and serves as an excellent spectator sport. Also being offered is “King of the Hill” Black Belt Fighting and a separate division for Hybrid Fighting – something unique that everyone should keep their eyes on. Also returning to the New England Open are the SuperFights for Men and Women and Continuous divisions for all ages and weight classes.

The New England Open is definitely one to mark on your calendar – June 4th and 5th. The NASKA 5A and NMAC Elite rated event will undoubtedly deliver and surpass the expectations of many competitors and spectators.