This year Kyoshi and Tammy traveled to the 2004 US OPEN in Orlando, FL on July 2nd, 3rd, & 4th. Friend
and fellow martial artist, Doug Brauch, joined them there. (We were sorry, his wife Janet, couldn't come too!
To help keep the "boys" in line.)
The US OPEN was held at Disney's Coronado Spring Resort, as in past years. It is a very beautiful resort.
The three of them shared a cabana room, although there were fights over who was sleeping with who. If Tammy had her
way, Red and Doug would have shared a bed, but alas, they took pity on Doug and gave him his own bed. Then the snoring
wars began, it was decided it was a 3-way tie.
While Kyoshi Red attended the Black Belt meeting and lunch on Friday afternoon, Doug and Tammy browsed the display
tables of items for sale and took in the sights around the resort. When competition started later that afternoon, Kyoshi
Red was assigned to judge the youth black belts divisions all weekend. There were many good competitors of all ages,
ranks & styles from all over the world competing.
It was great to see some old friends and meet some new ones. Among some of the people we met up with
are: John Gabriel, Joe Corley, Ken Eubanks, Charlie Lee, Manny Reyes Sr., John Sharkey, & Ms. Veronica.
Besides the traditional, muscial, weapons, forms, self-defense, and point fighting; there was also extreme forms,
breaking, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu divisions. Some of these competitors were incredible to watch. Kyoshi even "suffered"
through judging some musical and extreme divisions.
The "Night of Champions" on Saturday night was exciting to watch. Tammy's "Big Thrill" was meeting and
shaking hands with world famous JOE LEWIS. (She swore she'd never wash that hand again. Ha Ha!!) Unfortunately
for Kyoshi, he wasn't with her at the time. After the Night of Champions, Kyoshi, Doug and Tammy kicked back in the
bar for drinks and socializing. (Who let Tammy have that last drink? Maybe, one too many. Kyoshi and Doug of course,
were picking on her. Now where did Joe go??? Tammy says she wasn't weaving as she walked back to the cabana.)
A great time was had by all!!! We hope others will join us next year.
