Tae Kwon Do Times — January 2018

26 January 2018 / taekwondotimes.com

Hour by hour, between classes and during lunch breaks, it’s

easy to connect with artists from all over the world.

I’m reminded of the universal language we share and how

it transcends race, gender, creed and color. The virtual

stranger that you held in a devastating joint lock twenty

minutes ago is now laughing with you over a sandwich.

This is the collective fellowship and unity Professor Guerra

treasures and the culture UMAHoF encourages.

The tournament was held on the final day. As an artist who has

participated in many tournaments, I must say that this was one

of the best I ever attended. The event moved like clockwork

and the divisions made sense. The entry forms were simple

and the costs were fair. The trophies and medals were unique

and attractive, and regardless of your discipline, age and skill

level, you were judged impartially. In other words, no politics!

It’s easy to attribute this success to Professor Guerra and the

UMAHoF Board of Directors. It’s not their first rodeo, and

it shows. They surely know how to run a terrific tournament.

The final day also marks the induction banquet. After

being in uniform for days, I enjoyed dressing to the nines

with my fellow artists. This year, twenty-three artists were

inducted, seven were recognized, and three hard-working

youths were also recognized. Following a delicious dinner

and the ceremony, the music turned up and we were invited

to dance and continue the fellowship.

Master Erik Buenaflor (in the red shirt) of

Siete Pares Eskrima Stickfighting

brings his team from San Antonio, TX.

First place winner in

the Multi-Weapon

Stickfighting Division,

Sam Manders strikes

a pose with

Inductee Alumni

Sensei H.V. “Skip” Parr

Just a few of the Inductees:

Rick Ramirez is inducted

for Master of the Year

in Tae Kwon Do.

With GM Mike Fillmore,

Prof. Guerra and

Prof. Daryl K. Stewart

Jarrod E. Oden is

inducted for Outstanding

Contributions

to Shorin Ryu Karate.

With GM Jose Luis Hinojosa,

Prof. Guerra and

Prof. Daryl K. Stewart

Steve Jimerfield is

inducted for

Law Enforcement

Seminar of the Year.

With GM Jose Luis Hinojosa,

Prof. Guerra and

Dr. Jimmy Steger

Much to his surprise,

Prof. Guerra was recognized

and awarded this stunning

belt by Hector Molina.

Molina was inducted for his

Outstanding Contributions

to International MMA. He

spoke of the collaborative

efforts with Prof. Guerra that

bridged the gap between

the U.S. and Mexico in

the world of MMA.