The WKA National Tournament started at 10am Saturday morning, and did not end till after 1am the following morning! Over 200 competitors in Muay Thai, Kickboxing and MMA fought tournament style, going toe to e with multiple opponents in one night for the chance to become North American Champion. Team Hybrid was in attendance and fought proudly, some waiting up to 7 hours between bouts for their opportunity to showcase their skills.
Early in the day Hybrid Apprentice Instructors Lisa Cuellar, Melissa Carlton, and 16 year old Will Paxson won their first fights in impressive fashion. The day drug out however, and the adrenaline surge form the first fight began to wear off, as fatigue and pain set in from their first battles.
The long wait played heavily on our fighters. Lisa Cuellar won an impressive first round fight by decision, bringing her record to 3-2. She was unable however to continue in the tournament due to injury ( and the fact that her next fight had not been announced even at 1130pm! She fought her first fight around 1pm.) At 40 years of age, Lisa thirst to continually challenge herself is inspiring to us all and we are proud to have her as an instructor at the HTC.
Melissa Carlton fought and won her fight by unanimous decision, only to fight and loose a competitive decision in the finals at 11pm that night (nearly 7 hours after her first bout.) Melissa is a competitor through and through. her drive and determination stayed fast the entire day during her long wait. In the end, even though she lost, she made herself and us very proud for pushing through and “staying the course.” Look to see Melissa and Lisa teaching our Kids Martial Arts Program at the HTC!
Will Paxson, our youngest Team Hybrid member fought and won an impressive first fight by unanimous decision, displaying the poise and technique of an experienced ring fighter. Though loosing his next match (nearly 6 hours later) Will showed tremendous fortitude and bravery for such a young athlete. He is an inspiration and role model for all of our young martial artist at the HTC. Look for big things in this kids future.
Lee Rahliens, fought a stellar MMA match against a Team Renzo Gracie competitor and lost a close and controversial split decision. His opponent was too damaged to fight on in the tournament and gladly gave his spot to the game and ready Lee Rahleins, however the WKA would not allow it. Lee has impressively signed on to fight in the upcoming Cagefest Extreme 10 fight on Saturday June 26th, merely a week after his battle at the WKA.
John Scamordella lost his fight due to referee stoppage due to an eye injury. Early in the fight, Johnny “Law Dawg” came out swinging and had his opponent in trouble early on. A collision of heads late in the first round caused John to temporarily loose vision, thus a stoppage of the fight for safety reasons. Note that even though he was blind, John wanted to fight! Kru Buck Grant and Coach Chase Walden made the safe decision for him. John is a warrior at heart. he’ll be back to fight another day for sure.
Congrats once again to our Team Hybrid warriors for their performance. They did us all proud once again.
Saturday July 3rd team Hybrid will represent at Modern Gladiators 10 in Chesapeake Virginia. 3 of our upcoming amateur MMA fighters will step into the cage to face the best talent in Hampton Roads. Representing us will be returning amateur veteran Mike “All Night’ Sheetenhelm, newcomer Welterweight Lee “Hulk Hands” Rahrleins, and featherweight Akeimo Rollins making his Team Hybrid debut.
Coach Grant, Matt Schwaner and Scott Horne are interviewed by the Bleacher Report, a nationally published sports journal that covered the NAGA in Hampton this pass weekend. To read the full article 
