The World Kickboxing Association US National Team dominated at the WKA World Championships in Karlsruhe, Germany. Nearly two thousand competitors from about sixty countries filled the Europahalle, along with coaches, teammates, friends, and family. Officials had their work cut out for them with non-stop action on the mats and in the ring from morning until evening. Most competitors had multiple bouts to work their way to the top, and US team members gave it their all.
This year’s team consisted of fighters in the Thai Boxing, MMA, Full Contact and Original WKA Kickboxing (K-1) divisions as well as the brand new Gi and No Gi Submission Grappling divisions. Notable, first, was the willingness of many of the competitors to step up and compete in multiple divisions. In addition, the 2010 team was exceptional in that it included a number of amazing coaches who gave the team their full dedication.
Here’s the most exceptional thing about this year’s team: EVERY TEAM MEMBER BROUGHT HOME A MEDAL! Team WKA USA had nine golds, eight silvers, and five bronze medals from the toughest, highest-level amateur competition in the world. The team includes Chris Torres of Krav Maga, DC, who won his first MMA match by KO within thirty seconds of the first round with a vicious left hook.
“I couldn’t have done it without Jess,” said Torres, who been a patient at Martial Arts & Sports Physical Therapy since January 2011. Now he holds the World Kickboxing Association Lightweight World Champion title in MMA and no gi grappling. Congratulations, Chris!