Ramtown Karate sent a group of fighters and coaches to the San Francisco Bay Area to compete at the 19th annual World Oyama Karate Fighters Cup. From left are Sensei Mario Leon, Zion Askew, Kalli Ferguson, Senpai Jakob Stoner (kneeling) Mikey Joseph, Dylan Davies, Kaitlyn Hersman and Sensei Fernando Valenzuela. Photo courtesy of Ramtown Karate

DIXON, CA (MPG) - May 3, Ramtown Karate sent a group of fighters and coaches to the San Francisco Bay Area to compete at the 19th annual World Oyama Karate Fighters Cup. The Fighters Cup is a tough knockdown karate tournament that attracts competitors from all over the world.

The Ramtown team has been highly successful at point kumite, where speed, timing and accuracy prevail. Knockdown is Karate's oldest form of competition, where power, effectiveness and the ability to last a long, grueling match define the winners in this sport.

Ramtown students always look forward to competing at the Fighters Cup, and past teams have been very successful. This year's team was no exception and also had a successful day. Mikey Joseph won gold in his division of six competitors and won his second match by quickly scoring two quick head kicks in the final bout. Kalli Ferguson and Zion Askew both had very tough fights and won silver in their respective divisions. Although Kaitlyn Hersman didn't place, she had a very tough division that had eight competitors. Consequently, she had the most fights out of everyone on the team. 

Although Dylan Davies has successfully competed and won gold in past Fighters Cup tournaments, this was his first time fighting in the men's lightweight full knockdown (bare knuckle, bare shin) division.  These matches last a full three minutes if no points are scored. At the end of the match, judges may decide who won or may declare a tie, which forces the competitors to fight a second, two-minute round. Unfortunately, Davies lost his first match by decision but won his second match by scoring a head kick on his opponent. As a result, Davies won third place in the men's lightweight division.

The team was coached by Sensei Mario Leon, Sensei Fernando Valenzuela and Senpai Jakob Stoner, who have all successfully competed in various knockdown tournaments.

To learn more about point kumite or knockdown, call 707-678-4899 and schedule a visit to Ramtown Karate, 1680 N. Lincoln St., or attend the 25th Annual Ryukyukan International Karate and Kobudo Tournament Nov. 7.