OTM NorCal Heros May 26 2006 Report Union City, CA Check back soon, we shot tons of video and we are in the process of digitizing and uploading all of it! The first OTM NorCal Heros tournament was brought to you by OntheMat.com, the OTM Fightshop San Jose (1020 Alameda), and One World MArtial Arts. After having travelled around the world to report and promote on grappling, I am very eager to promote the art in my own backyard, which I believe is one of the most diverse and talent rich areas anywhere! To that end we decided to organize the NorCal Heros tournament, and because One World Martial Arts in Union City graciously hosted the tournament for us, we were able to keep the costs and registration fees down low. One World Martial Arts located at 33415 Western Ave in Union City is a huge and beautiful facility boasting about 1800 feet in matspace, a full sized boxing ring, and a full Crossfit facility! We held the action on the mats and had two matches going on at all times. The day begin with Children’s division, and most of the children falling within a the same approximate weight range, competitors were placed in a pool and guarenteed multiple matches. The talent level and heart shown by all the competitors was extremely impressive and if we take this as the future of Martial Arts in the Bay Area we have a very bright future indeed. The beginners divisions were large and stacked. A few opted to move up to the intermediate divisions where the talent level and excitement rose. Advanced divisions were treated as superfights and given the full mat space to work on, (which barely seemeed like enough space in one instance.) Overall the tournament ran well and the vibe while competitive was very friendly and relatively relaxed for a tournament. Things rand well with the exception of a few bumps and one big injury (get better soon Pirate) and everyone was off well in time to watch the UFC later on that night. We are also able to raise a full drum full of canned good which will be donated to a local food bank/homeless shelter charity! A big thanks to our staff, especially our referees Sergio Silva, Denny Prokopos, Darren “BC” Uyenoyama, and Paul “El Technico” Schriener. The next NorCal Heros tournament will likely be coming to you late in 2007 and we’ll look to go with a larger venue and superfights. We’ll keep you posted. Stay tuned to the OntheMat.com where we will bring you tons more video from the NorCal Heros Tournament! Results Children’s Division: 1st: Colin Navickas 2nd: Justin Martin Del Campo 3rd: Kaniela Kahuanui 4th: Alex Martin Del Campo 145 Beginner 1st: Victor Delrosia 2nd: Andrew Webb 3rd: Phillip Seiden 3rd: Drew Humphry 155 Beginner 1st: Cole Berry 2nd: Mike Imperial 3rd: Tor Sjobun 3rd: Moses Norton 170 Beginner 1st Adam Piccolotti 2nd: Gabe Pressnall 3rd: Mike Goghan 3rd: Jon Chiu 185 Beginner 1st: Brett Powell 2nd: Lucas Andrade 3rd: Francisco Soto 3rd: Chuck Vontteran 205 Beginner 1st: Kenny Contreras 2nd: Steve Grubbs 3rd: Dan Carlson 3rd: Azarias Castro 225 Beginner: 1st: Danny Tapuelulu 2nd: Anthony Barker 3rd: Alan Li 3rd: Patrick Welsh Over Beginner: 1st: Mario Alvarido 2nd: Matt Pasqual 3rd: Chris Johnson 3rd: Darnell Simpleins Intermediate 145: 1st Mike Strangis Intermediate 155 Intermediate 170 1st: Jeff Loucks Intermediate 185 1st: Sam Spengler Intermediate Over: 1st: Mario Alvarido Advanced Division results: 155 Pound Division: Denny Prokopos over Derrick Easterling armbar Yui Yamakawa over Derrick Easterling armbar Denny Prokopos over Yui Yamakawa 7-0 175 Pound Catch weight Zachary over Jeff Loucks Choke in Overtime 185 Advanced Division Jose Bencosme over Scott Belzer 4-0 Women’s Division: 1st: Charlene Coats 2nd: Crystina Coats 3rd: Genevie Ramirez