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