What an honor! Today I am very pleased to have been in the company of some very amazing and very respected legends in the Pacific Island Arts. Even better, when the tournament came to a close, all the Grand Masters and tournament judges came together to vote and decide on one person who would be "Top Dog!" To qualify, they chose only those placing first in every one of their entries.
I placed 1st in Forms, 1st in Stick Fighting, and 1st in Knife Fighting.
And, against all odds, the only female in the entire tournament- THEY PICKED ME!
The prize was priceless and I will treasure it always! Grand Master Tortal presented me with his personal sword! OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Girls! Remember when I posted a few months back and encouraged you to come and test your mettle here? This is why. This tournament is a small yet very clean and very fair event. If you can compete, YOU CAN COMPETE.
Thanks Guru John- For the invite. Thanks to all the judges and to Grand Master Tortal and to Grand Master Bandalan for believing in me. I had an amazing time and I am honored to have spent the day with you.
Very Special Thanks to my Grand Master, Bong Jornales- for sharing your love of the Philippine Martial arts, your wisdom, knowledge, and guidance with me. It is because of you that I am who I am today.
Me with Grand Master Tortal
Being presented with the Top Dog Award which was Grand Master Tortal's personal Sword!
Me with Grand Master Bandalan and Grand Master Tortal
2 comments:
Congratulations!
Mariah you rock!! It was great meeting you. at the tournament in Chicago. You are an inspiration to the very few of us female eskrimadoras. My daughter and I are just beginning our eskrima voyage while we have been practicing taekwondo for a few years, this is entirely different and exciting as was meeting you. It is interesting that in a sport with so few females both you and our trainer, Edie Mesina are both world champions. Rock on gurlfren!! Hope to see you at another event soon!
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