Compete Nationals started off Friday with a bang as thousands of talented martial artists from near and far gathered to earn their spot in the Compete Nationals night time finals and for a chance to win the coveted gold medallion. Friday night’s competition demonstrated some amazing extreme techniques. Austin Crain was on hand for his first performance in 2010. It was obvious he's been training in the off season as his tricks were right on. The compete nationals is known for its old faces coming out to support the next generation of competitors. This year was no different. Steve Terada, Mindy Kelly, and mike chat as well as Anis Cheurfa, and Jeremy Marinas (who will be performing at the Grammys next week) were on site as spectators.

By 11 PM, Friday night the competition was complete and young and old where eager to come back and compete on Saturday. Saturday events started on time with packed rings in nearly every youth category. While the youth finished fighting and forms, weapons run off began and then it was time for the heavy hitting adults to compete. With a lot of tough competition in every division the Forms and weapons runoff were certain to be worth sticking around to watch.

Check out the footage from today’s event in the video section at www.kickgen.com. More photos and videos will be added today and be sure to tune in to the re-broadcast of the night time show – the time will be announced soon.

Greg Beaver’s Lone Star Open re-established Texas’ position in the NASKA world tour after this past weekend’s event. It’s been well over ten years since Master Al Garza hosted a NASKA event in the state of Texas. Last year we got a brief taste of the southern hospitality and that Austin could host a first class tournament. But this year we got to see firsthand that the talent attending the NASKA events would be first class and the Lone Star Open would go above and beyond to host a world class event. One thing is for sure; the Lone Star Open has arrived and is here to stay.




This was without question a very interesting weekend. Friday night and Saturday Daytime events were well-run but the addition of a lot of new divisions opened the door for some new faces. Perhaps the talk of the weekend was the return of Rudy Reynon. Taking the men’s extreme weapons division and surprising those in attendance, Reynon walked in with no seed in all of his divisions and, like his mentor, proved the underdog can emerge victorious. In retrospect, it seems that was the message of the weekend, the underdog can emerge victorious.

With a number of upsets in various divisions perhaps the additional divisions and the new 2010 NASKA rules/guidelines were exactly what the competitors were looking for.
It would be hard to name everyone who did a spectacular job this weekend in Austin, Texas. However, the talent of the individuals on stage at the Lone Star Open for the Overall Grand Championships made the night time finals one of the closest and most exciting competitions ever.

To the youth Forms and Weapons competitors, for all putting on spectacular performances that made the judges’ job even harder than usual. To Jennifer Espina for one of the most innovative bo katas to be performed to date. To Will Cornell for performing for something bigger than winning as he is a true martial artists and role model, be sure to check out his post show interview on KICKgen Live. To the Men’s C/M/X weapons division consisting of Kalman Csoka, Jarrett Leiker and Rudy Reynon for continuing to inspire younger individuals to continue to grow as martial artists. Lastly, to Alex Lane and Ross Levine, for fighting it out to the buzzer every time.


If you missed this past weekend you missed more than just the first event of the 2010 World Tour Season, the Live Stream Chat during the Night Time finals, and the astounding talent that we were privileged to see in all the competitors, forms and fighting, that put forth nothing less than 100% effort. If you missed the Lone Star Open you missed history in the making. A chance to be a part of some World Tour Changes that clearly resulted in showcasing the world’s best talent in forms, weapons and fighting .

So be sure not to miss the events on the world tour that are coming up. The Compete Nationals is next and KICKgen LIVE will be there covering the event with photos, videos, updates, and a re-broadcast of the finale. Following the Compete Nationals in the Amerikick Internationals, Ocean State Nationals, Quebec Open, and Gator Nationals. Be sure to mark your calendar to become a part of history in the making and witness firsthand the extraordinary talent in attendance at each of these events.
If you missed the event you can still fill out the survey at NASKANEWS.COM. Your opinion is important and now there is a place to voice it.

It is the first night of the Lone Star Open, and who is here?  EVERYBODY that’s who!!!  Where are you?  So far there is terrific showing of national and regional talent with some bright, new and very talented faces - here to WIN. It is quite clear that these competitors didn’t take much time off during Christmas break because they showed up with their A-GAME and the competition is better than ever.  The divisions are nearing an end now, and the finalists won’t disappoint you on stage tomorrow night. There are many competitors hitting the stage that you have seen before but there are also some great surprises – better stay tuned and watch KICKgen LIVE!



Who says…” there is no I in team.”  Dang… there are a lot of great teams here, and they are competing to WIN! So far I have seen, Team AKA, Pro Rank, AmeriKICK, Team Houston, Florida Sports Martial Arts Academy, Kirage, XMA, Team 100%, Full Circle, Premier, Paul Mitchell, and Team Elite to name a few.



It is great to see that amidst the constant worry that the economy will hurt our sport, that the first tournament of the year is hitting a home run in attendance, competition, and being a really well run event!  Way to go Lone
Star! Maybe it is because they claim everything is bigger in Texas? Don’t know – but we will see you tomorrow night on KICKgen LIVE.
Here are few photos to give you a taste of the action.





Check Out Ricky Morris' Competition tonight!

Ever wondered if you would be as great in front of the camera as you are on stage? Sure you are – and now is your chance to PROVE IT! From now through Tuesday January 26th, enter to win an opportunity to guest host with Lauren Kearney on KICKgen LIVE at the Lonestar Open, January 30th. Not only will you be on camera with Lauren, you will also be presenting one of the awards on stage during the show.

Who is qualified to enter:
1. Registered KICKgen members
2. Anyone ages 10-18 planning to attend Lonestar Open, January 29th in Austin, TX

What do you have to do to enter?
1. Create a 15 second video explaining why you would be awesome in front of the camera with Lauren.
Anyone using any foul languages, photos, or gestures is immediately disqualified.
2. Upload your video to the category Lonestar Contest.

Read more: Guest Host with Lauren Kearney on KICKgen LIVE at Lonestar