Don Nagle’s fighters again distinguished themselves in the Doug King All Kumite Karate Championship held in Andover at Newton High School. This karate competition is for fighting only, and has been held for over 25 years. The senior instructors at this school were at one time competitors and also champions at this event.
This tournament is based on traditional non-contact rules, ensuring the safety of all competitors. Recognized senior instructors from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania support this event, as they were also competitors years go and enter their beginner children and adult students.
This tournament was a non-contact competition, and the rules stated no face contact, and controlled contact to the body. There were no injuries. This tournament exhibited good sportsmanship, and the fighting spirit was excellent.
Marco Rodriguez, an eight year old green belt, again eliminated all competitors. On his last match, he gave an outstanding performance of his kicking ability against a very skilled fighter. Marco’s opponent was warned twice for contact and uncontrolled and blind techniques. Marco scored four points and was awarded first place in the free style fighting.
Diane Tonne, a brown belt, fought in the women’s free style fighting event, eliminating all opponents. Her aggressive kicking and punching earned her first place in women’s free style fighting.
Laura DeGulis, a green belt, fought in a mixed division of green and brown belts in the women’s division and was awarded second place.
Samantha Pellegrini, a junior black belt, fought in the girls’ black belt division and was awarded second place. Samantha is one of this school’s fighting champions. She was just one of those shy little girls who started at six years old and now is an assistant fighting instructor.
Erik Ordyke, a 12 year old green belt, fought in a large division of intermediate ranked fighters, and aggressively attacked each opponent to earn him second place in free style fighting. A student of one year, Erik has shown remarkable fighting talent.
Jessie Cupo, a 10 year old yellow belt and a first time competitor, fought and gave an excellent account of her fighting ability and was awarded second place.
All of the fighters are students of Don Nagle’s Karate for Kids, and train under the direction of Hanshi Ralph D. Passero, Ninth Dan Isshinryu. The senior and head instructor of this school is Shihan Frank Casavecchia, a Seventh Dan, and is accompanied by Shihan Meade Rubenstein, Seventh Dan, Shihan Tom Ballweg, Seventh Dan, Dr. John Franconeri, Fourth Dan, Sensei Jefferson Sterling, Third Dan, and Sensei Mauro Iasparri.
Hanshi Passero gives credit to his group of instructors and also World Champion Joe Mazza, as they are responsible for the development of these students. Each time a student competes, they represent the name of Don Nagle, keeping his legend alive.