We had a tournament at our Dojo today. The Carolina Martial Arts Open or CMAO. It was a pretty great day. I got the job of ring coordinator. It wasn’t too hard and I learned a ton. Basically I was to organize each group of players/performers for each division. I was put in a ring with some good judges in particular Mr. Harrison who is supposed to be on my own Blackbelt board. He as a really strict and tough judge with a laser focus on detail. Makes me pretty nervous.

Overall we had some truly legendary people in the Dojo for the day, along with their students. I got to talk with old friends and newer friends in the Karate world in our own environment. It was empowering and I loved it and soaked up as much as I could.

Both my boys competed and did well. I saw they both made it to the end for Grands. Which means they got some first place finishes. Pretty proud of them and the whole crew. Even my wife was a score keeper all day long.