Close Combat Magazine

10/19/2025

10/19/2025

10/19/2025

South Texas Karate League – Battle of the Rio Grande Tournament

Laredo, TX – The South Texas Karate League hosted its annual Battle of the Rio Grande Karate Tournament this past weekend in Laredo, Texas, drawing a large and energetic crowd for an all-day celebration of martial arts.

Participants of all ages and ranks from across the region competed in a variety of events, showcasing their skills in traditional karate forms (kata), weapons demonstrations, and sparring (kumite). The tournament served as both a competitive platform and a community gathering, highlighting the discipline, respect, and athleticism central to the martial arts.

The event featured intense matchups, impressive technique, and spirited performances, with many athletes earning championship rings and recognition for their dedication and talent. Family members, coaches, and spectators filled the venue, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated the legacy and growth of karate in South Texas.

The South Texas Karate League continues to promote martial arts excellence and sportsmanship through events like the Battle of the Rio Grande, further cementing Laredo as a hub for karate in the region.

photos by Raul Garcia Jr.

Gonzalez Karate Academy South Texas Karate League Saldana's Kajukenbo -Karate- Mercedes, Texas Armando Saldana

10/12/2025

complete at the Diamond Nationals! According to Coach Rodrigues, JPM now holds a record 104 Diamond Rings over the 47-year history of the event!

Haley Glass took home rings for Women’s CMX Forms, CMX Weapons, and Traditional Weapons, tying the record for most Diamond Rings all-time with eight. She shares this record with teammates Caitlin Dechelle and Sammy Smith.

Jake Presley achieved an impressive record as well, celebrating his 10th anniversary on Team Paul Mitchell with his 5th consecutive Diamond Ring in Men’s Traditional Weapons. The only other athlete to achieve this feat was JPM alumnus Chelsey Nash, who won 5 straight Women’s Sparring rings from 2008-2012. Jake’s sister Averi also had a great weekend, using her CMX bo form to win the SKZ Ultimate Grand Championship in which overall grands winners compete against each other!

Ki’Tana Everett won her fifth career Diamond Ring in Women’s Sparring, tying Nash for the 2nd-most all-time in that division. She and Katie Herman also remained undefeated in Women’s Team Sparring! Katie took home the open weight title too!

Esteban Tremblay claimed his 4th career Diamond Ring by winning all the Men’s CMX Forms divisions during the eliminations. He also won the synchronzied weapons title with Ben Jones.

Kameren Ali and Enrique Letona each claimed their second career Diamond Ring in the Heavyweight and Lightweight Overall Grand Championships, respectively.

Congratulations are also in order for Reid Presley, who was the 20th JPM member inducted into the Diamonds Hall of Fame.

Last but certainly not least, Ben Jones won his first Diamond Ring in the Men’s CMX Weapons division. He and his teammates Esteban Tremblay, Phillip Brumme, and Dawson Holt put on a spectacular show that will be remembered for years to come. The way his teammates embraced Ben after the division was a beautiful demonstration of what this team is all about… FAMILY!

Team totals for the weekend:
9 Diamond Rings
17 Grand Championships

08/26/2025