ATA Spring Nationals in Las Vegas
VEGAS BABY!!!
We left around 10AM Friday morning. Traffic heading to Vegas was brutal!! The annual Baker-to-Vegas law enforcement run was this weekend as well, so traffic was extra heavy. We pulled into to our hotel around 4:30, checked in, got to our room and hustled down one block to the Las Vegas Convention Center by 5PM. Mrs. Neal was competing in the Extreme Forms competition for her division at 5pm and we wanted to see her compete.
Mrs. Neal did well and I was glad we got to see her perform her Extreme Form. We hung out for a little while, soaking up the atmosphere. While we were walking around, Mrs. Neal introduced me to 7th Degree Black Belt and our school’s founder, Master Rick Abair. We got to talk for a little while and he was really nice. It was also cool to meet him. He is the founder of my Do Jang afterall.
We also got to see a small demo by some ATA Extreme students. ATA Extreme founder and former Blue Power Ranger Mike Chat:
We left after awhile and Tonya and I went out on the town for a little while. We got back to the hotel early though–I wanted to make sure I got lot’s of sleep for the big day to follow.
Saturday, we woke up early and headed back to the Convention Center. Walking in to the Convention Center:
The North Hall, where the Tournament was being held:
Mrs. Neal and I:
We got there at 9AM–in time for the Opening Ceremonies. The Master’s judging panel:
We were treated to an awesome show by the ATA World Demo Team. They also have handicapped and special needs students on the team, which is really cool to see.:
Before too long, it was time for me to report to my ring–the 1st Degree, Men age 30-39. My first Black Belt ring. Yeah, I was nervous!! (I don’t know what’s up with the face I’m making):
I was chosen to go first–my typical luck:
I did OK on my form. I could’ve done worse, I could’ve done better. There were 8 people in my ring and I placed 5th. We then moved onto to sparring–the thing I was the most nervous about by the way. I had a game plan to stick with what I’ve been taught and what was confirmed at the sparring clinic I went to in January–Block effectively and immediately counter, watch the mid-section for when and where the attack is coming and not the eyes, and to spar smart.
As my luck would have it–I was chosen to go first yet again. I was paired with a guy who was about 4 inches taller than me. The Center Judge started the match and he came in and scored with a Round Kick–Score 0-1. I thought to myself, “You’re really going to let someone score on you with a Round Kick?!?!” I decided to concentrate on my game plan and try not let it happen again.
We started again and he came at me with another Round Kick. I blocked and countered with a punch to his chest–Score 1-1. Alright I thought, let’s keep this going!!
We started again and he came at me with another Round Kick. MISTAKE!! I blocked and countered with another punch to his chest–Score 2-1.
We started again and he was a little more cautious. I faked like I was going to kick. He fell for it and I was able to land another punch to his chest–Score 3-1.
We started again and he came at me with punches. We both were throwing punches and the Judges yelled “Break”. He was awarded the point–Score 3-2.
This seemed to give him more confidence. When we started again, he came at me with another Round Kick. MISTAKE!! I blocked and countered with punches. He was expecting the punches, but I threw a flurry of them and connected with a hook (my favorite and most effective punch)–Score 4-2.
We started again and he was more cautious. He hadn’t seen any kicks from me yet, so I threw a few Round Kicks, careful to make sure he couldn’t block and counter on me. They didn’t land and he threw a Round Kick to my head that I blocked. I wasn’t able to counter with punches so I threw a Round Kick/Side Kick combo. He blocked it but it threw him off balance. I immediately came in with punches and heard that awesome word–BREAK!!! I had scored. It was 5-2 and I was the victor. WOW!! I wasn’t expecting that.
Me in that match:
In my next match, I had to go up against the 2008 California State Sparring Champ. I was really nervous and let the fact that he was the current State Champ get in my head. I did really well though–he won, but the score was 4-5. He only beat me by 1 point!! Thinking back on it now, I’m a little mad at myself for being overly cautious just because he’s the current State Sparring Champ. I feel like I could’ve won the match. I do feel like it was a victory though, seriously–I rang up 4 points on the current State Sparring Champ!!! How cool is that!!
When all was said and done, I got 3rd Place in Sparring in my division. The medal is pretty cool and bigger than the pic makes it look. It’s about 4″ wide, 6″ long and weighs about a pound!!
I was surprised to say the least. I have been nervous about this tournament for the last few weeks. I was especially nervous about the Sparring. Walking away with a 3rd place AND dropping 4 points on a State Sparring Champ is awesome validation for the hard work I’ve been putting into my sparring.
As is usual with the human condition, I was super nervous about going, not sure if it was a good idea. Now that I’m home and reflecting back on a fun and successful weekend, I’m bummed it’s over.
The whole weekend was really fun and Tonya and I are already making plans to attend next year’s Spring Nationals! Next up–my Instructor Certification Camp on April 4th!! Until next time, seek your bliss and plant new seeds.
Ride lots…
