A note to all breaking competitors:
You DO NOT need to be a USBA/WBA member to compete at a USBA/WBA
Sanctioned event. Membership provides benefits, see
http://www.usbawba.com/Membership_benefits.htm for details.
The Arnold is 2 weeks away! There is
still time to register, but don't delay. We need a count to be
sure we have enough materials for everyone.
***The Arnold Sports Festival- Columbus, OH
The USBA United States Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Sports Festival, March 6, 2010.
This is the USBA/WBA's 7th year at the Arnold. It is a great
venue with so much to see and be a part of. There are many
other Martial Arts competitions, demonstrations, and the
Fitness Expo.
We will be officially recognizing the 2009 USBA/WBA
Competitors of the Year at this event. They are:
John Zurisk-
Male Competitor of the Year
Nancy Foster-Mills-
Female Competitor of the Year
Joseph Stewart-
Junior Male Competitor of the Year
Skylar Pagliuca-
Junior Female Competitor of the Year
There are over 66 available breaking
divisions in Creative, Power, Speed, and High Jump breaking.
There will also be a Tiny Tott and First Time Breakers
division this year. All USBA/WBA members will earn the
following points: 1st place- 4 points, 2nd- 3, 3rd- 2.5,
Officials- 2.
We will also be unveiling a new USBA/WBA
program for members. "The Elite Breaker Program" will provide
more benefits to those members who have consistently competed
at USBA/WBA events in the past and those who plan on doing so
in the future. The program is a way to recognize the efforts
of competitors and show the USBA/WBA's appreciation.
***The USBA Pennsylvania State Breaking
Championships- Blakely, PA- May 15, 2010
This will be
the second year for this event. This is a Breaking Only
event. All USBA/WBA members will earn the following
points: 1st place- 2.5 points, 2nd- 2, 3rd- 1.5,
Officials-1. There are divisions in Creative Wood,
Creative Open, Power Concrete and Wood, Speed and High
Jump, for all ages, ranks, and genders. This was a great
event last year and we are looking forward to 2010!
***USBA/WBA and ISKA North American Breaking
Championships- Fairfield, CT- June 5, 2010
This will be
the 4th year for The USBA/WBA & ISKA North American
Breaking Championships to be held June 5, 2010, at
Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT. This is a
Breaking Only event. There are divisions for all ages
and ranks, both male and female. There will be divisions
in Creative Wood, Creative Open, Power Concrete and
Wood, Speed and High Jump. All USBA/WBA members will
receive the following points: 1st place- 4, 2nd place-
3, 3rd place- 2.5. This is also an ISKA qualifier for
the ISKA World Breaking Championships featured on ESPN2
held at the US Open.
***USBA/WBA World Breaking Championships-
Orlando, FL- July 9-10, 2010
The
USBA/WBA World Breaking Championships will be held
July 9, 2010 at Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney
World, Orlando, FL, part of the US Open World Martial
Arts Championships. For all event information and
registration go to http://www.usopen-karate.com/.
There are divisions for all ages and ranks, both male
and female. All USBA/WBA members will receive the
following points: 1st place- 5, 2nd place- 4, 3rd
place- 3.
Remember, there are 2 separate
breaking competitions at the US Open. The first is the
ISKA World Breaking Championships, which is televised
on ESPN2 and has been one of the premier breaking
events for years. The ISKA event is by invitation only
and for Black Belts only. The second is the USBA/WBA
World Breaking Championships which is run as all of
the other USBA/WBA events and is open to all
competitors. Winners of
select USBA/WBA divisions will be seeded for the ISKA
World Breaking Championships the following day.
***The USBA New York State Breaking Championships-
Albany, NY- July 10, 2010.
The USBA New
York State Breaking Championships will be held Saturday,
July 10, 2010 at the Albany Marriott, Albany, NY, part
of the Northeast Open Martial Arts Tournament. For event
information, please go to- http://www.northeastopen.com/. This
is our 4th year working with Master Adam Grogin of
Albany, NY, who is also the USBA/WBA Regional Director
for New York. The previous three year’s events were some
of the best organized and well run events on the
USBA/WBA circuit. The Northeast Open offers competition
in a variety of disciplines including forms, weapons,
and self-defense. All USBA/WBA members will earn the
following points: 1st place- 2.5 points, 2nd- 2, 3rd-
1.5, Officials- 1.
For those of
you in the Northeastern US, this is a great event to be
part of.
***The WBA/IIMAA International Power Breaking
Championships- Orlando, FL- July 16-18, 2010.
This event will be part of the
IIMAA Training Conference,
www.iimaaconference.net , hosted by USBA/WBA
Co-founder Drew Serrano. This will be a limited
division breaking event for adults only, male and
female, 50 competitors per division. Because it is a
limited event no points will be awarded. There will be
cash awards of $1200 for each of 4 divisions: Men's
light and heavy, and Women's light and heavy. Male
competitors will be breaking concrete, female
competitors will be breaking wood. Competitors will be
required to break in 2 categories- upper body and
lower body. The total from both divisions will
determine the winner. Qualifiers will be held Friday
night with the top 10 competitors from each division
competing for the championship on Saturday morning.
The IIMAA Training Conference will also feature
seminars and certifications by some of the top names
in Martial Arts, and other unique competitions. Please
go to
www.iimaaconference.net for all the details.
If registering use organization
code usbawba1 to receive
discounts for the event. Discounts will only be
honored for current members and will be cross-checked.
August
***The
USBA Michigan State National Breaking Championships-
Battle Creek, MI- August 6-8, 2010- Tentative
This event will be part of the 8th Triennial World Hap
Ki Do Champions,
http://www.ihfusa.com/ . This is the first time
the Hap Ki Do Championships have taken place outside of
South Korea. The USBA/WBA is in the process of
finalizing plans for this groundbreaking event. There
will be divisions in Creative Wood, Creative Open, Power
Concrete and Wood, Speed and some specialty divisions as
well. USBA/WBA members will earn the following points:
1st place- 3 points, 2nd- 2.5, 3rd- 2, Officials- 1.5.
We should have firm details soon.
More events
to follow... Be sure to pass this e-mail on to fellow
competitors and Martial Artists.
Join the
USBA/WBA Facebook Group
We have
finally set up an official USBA/WBA Group on Facebook. We
will use Facebook as another way to reach members and keep
you up to date. The group also allows you to post your
pictures, videos, discussions, etc., so it will be a great
way for everyone to interact and share info. To join the
group go to
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2373072738&gid=314367595115#!/group.php?gid=314367595115 and
sign up! You have to be a member of facebook.
Other
Remember that USBA/WBA members
receive a $10 materials rebate at most USBA/WBA Sanctioned
events. This alone will pay for your membership.
If you are a member please be sure
to check your renewal date so that you will not miss out on our
ratings program, cash prizes for members only, and materials
rebates. You can renew online at
http://www.usbawba.com/HowToJoin_membership.htm .
Thank you for making the
USBA/WBA the leading name in Competitive Breaking!
1/2010
A note to all breaking competitors:
You DO NOT need to be a USBA/WBA member to compete at a USBA/WBA
Sanctioned event. Membership provides benefits, see
http://www.usbawba.com/Membership_benefits.htm for details.
The 2009 USBA/WBA
Competitors of the Year
After a year filled with great
competitions, the USBA/WBA would like to congratulate the 2009
Competitors of the Year:
John
Zurisk-
Male Competitor of the Year
Nancy
Foster-Mills-Female
Competitor of the Year
Joseph
Stewart-Junior
Male Competitor of the Year
Skylar
Pagliuca-Junior
Female Competitor of the Year
The above competitors accrued the
most points over the course of the year (point totals can be
viewed under "Current Ratings" at
www.usbawba.com) and
showed the true "Competitive Spirit" of the Martial Arts.
These individuals will be officially recognized at the USBA
United States Breaking Championships at the Arnold Sports
Festival, March 6, 2010, in Columbus, OH. Please take the time
to congratulate them in the coming months.
Updates
>Still time to register for the
Lonestar Open, the first USBA/WBA event of 2010
***The
Lonestar Open- Austin, TX
The Lonestar Open will
be held January 29-30, 2010 at The Renaissance Hotel,
Austin, Texas.
There are 58 divisions for all ages and ranks, both
male and female. All USBA/WBA members will receive the
following points toward year end ratings: 1st place-
2.5, 2nd place- 2, 3rd place- 1.5. The event also
includes competition in forms, fighting and weapons.
This will be a great event to kick of 2010!
>The
USBA/WBA is confirmed for the Arnold Sports
Festival, March 5-7, 2010. Registration will open by
January 14, 2010...
>Discounted general admission and training vouchers
for the IIMAA Training Conference now through January
31, 2010
***The WBA/IIMAA International Power Breaking
Championships- Orlando, FL- July 16-18, 2010.
This event will be part of the
IIMAA Training Conference,
www.iimaaconference.net , hosted by USBA/WBA
Co-founder Drew Serrano. This will be a limited
division breaking event for adults only, male and
female, 50 competitors per division. Because it is a
limited event no points will be awarded. There will
be cash awards of $1200 for each of 4 divisions:
Men's light and heavy, and Women's light and heavy.
Male competitors will be breaking concrete, female
competitors will be breaking wood. Competitors will
be required to break in 2 categories- upper body and
lower body. The total from both divisions will
determine the winner. Qualifiers will be held Friday
night with the top 10 competitors from each division
competing for the championship on Saturday morning.
The IIMAA Training Conference will also feature
seminars and certifications by some of the top names
in Martial Arts, and other unique competitions.
Please go to
www.iimaaconference.net for all the details.
If registering use
organization code usbawba1 to receive discounts for the event.
Discounts will only be honored for current members
and will be cross-checked.
More
events to follow... Be sure to pass this e-mail on to
fellow competitors and Martial Artists.
Breaking
Supplies
****Official USBA/WBA Breaking Boards
The USBA/WBA uses
standard breaking boards at all USBA/WBA Sanctioned
events. These boards can be purchased through the
USBA/WBA, go to
http://www.usbawba.com/USBA-WBA_boards.htm . If you
are a competitor, practice with the same boards that you
will be using in competition. USBA/WBA members and
promoters receive wholesale pricing!
Advertise with the USBA/WBA
Do you have a
product or service that could be beneficial to
Martial Artists and/or Martial Arts Studios?
Looking for a way to reach customers in the
Martial Arts Industry? Consider advertising with
the USBA/WBA. We will promote your product or
service not only on our website, but through
periodic e-mail blasts and live events. We have a
variety of packages starting at just $50 per
month which include clickable banners ads, photos
and video. If you are ready to reach more Martial
Artists contact us at
info@usbawba.com
for more info.
Other
We will be upgrading our e-mail
process soon, so you will see a new look in 2010.
Also, remember that USBA/WBA
members receive a $10 materials rebate at most USBA/WBA
Sanctioned events. This alone will pay for your membership.
If you are a member please be sure
to check your renewal date so that you will not miss out on
our ratings program, cash prizes for members only, and
materials rebates. You can renew online at
http://www.usbawba.com/HowToJoin_membership.htm .
Thank you
for making the USBA/WBA the leading name in Competitive
Breaking!
12/2009
The USBA/WBA would like to wish you
and your family a safe and happy Holiday Season.
A note to all breaking competitors:
You DO NOT need to be a USBA/WBA member to compete at a USBA/WBA
Sanctioned event. Membership provides benefits, see
http://www.usbawba.com/Membership_benefits.htm for details.
Updates
>Still time to register for the
Lonestar Open, the first USBA/WBA event of 2010
***The Lonestar
Open- Austin, TX
The Lonestar Open will be
held January 29-30, 2010 at The Renaissance Hotel,
Austin, Texas.
There are 58 divisions for all ages and ranks, both male
and female. All USBA/WBA members will receive the
following points toward year end ratings: 1st place-
2.5, 2nd place- 2, 3rd place- 1.5. The event also
includes competition in forms, fighting and weapons.
This will be a great event to kick of 2010!
>The
USBA/WBA is confirmed for the Arnold Sports Festival,
March 5-7, 2010. More info to follow...
>Discounted general admission and training vouchers for
the IIMAA Training Conference now through January 31,
2010
***The WBA/IIMAA International Power Breaking
Championships- Orlando, FL- July 16-18, 2010.
This event will be part of the
IIMAA Training Conference,
www.iimaaconference.net , hosted by USBA/WBA
Co-founder Drew Serrano. This will be a limited
division breaking event for adults only, male and
female, 50 competitors per division. Because it is a
limited event no points will be awarded. There will be
cash awards of $1200 for each of 4 divisions: Men's
light and heavy, and Women's light and heavy. Male
competitors will be breaking concrete, female
competitors will be breaking wood. Competitors will be
required to break in 2 categories- upper body and
lower body. The total from both divisions will
determine the winner. Qualifiers will be held Friday
night with the top 10 competitors from each division
competing for the championship on Saturday morning.
The IIMAA Training Conference will also feature
seminars and certifications by some of the top names
in Martial Arts, and other unique competitions. Please
go to
www.iimaaconference.net for all the details.
If registering use organization
code usbawba1 to receive
discounts for the event. Discounts will only be
honored for current members and will be cross-checked.
More
events to follow... Be sure to pass this e-mail on to
fellow competitors and Martial Artists.
Breaking
Supplies
****The Board Breaker- Board breaking machine
The Board Breaker is the
ultimate board holder, it's ready to practice when you
are! Are you tired of getting your fingers smashed when
your partner misses their break? Then you need
The Board Breaker!
The USBA/WBA uses standard
breking boards at all USBA/WBA Sanctioned events. These
boards can be purchased through the USBA/WBA, go to
http://www.usbawba.com/USBA-WBA_boards.htm . If you
are a competitor, practice with the same boards that you
will be using in competition. USBA/WBA members and
promoters receive wholesale pricing!
Advertise
with the USBA/WBA
Do you have a
product that could be beneficial to Martial Artists
and/or Martial Arts Studios? Looking for a way to
get your event out to more competitors? Consider
advertising with the USBA/WBA. We will promote your
product or event not only on our website, but
through periodic e-mail blasts and live events. We
have a variety of packages which include clickable
banners ads, photos and video. If you are ready to
reach more Martial Artists contact us at
info@usbawba.com
for more info.
Other
We will be upgrading our e-mail
process soon, so you will see a new look in 2010.
Also, remember that USBA/WBA members
receive a $10 materials rebate at most USBA/WBA Sanctioned
events. This alone will pay for your membership.
If you are a member please be sure
to check your renewal date so that you will not miss out on our
ratings program, cash prizes for members only, and materials
rebates. You can renew online at
http://www.usbawba.com/HowToJoin_membership.htm .
Thank you for making the
USBA/WBA the leading name in Competitive Breaking!
12/2009
The USBA/WBA hopes that your Holiday
Season kicked off with friends, family, and good food. We would
like to thank all that competed at the USBA/UTA Pennsylvania
Breaking Championships. It was a great event! If you have not
received your membership packet and signed up at the end of
September until today please accept our apologies for the delay
in receiving your packet. We had a back log and are in the
process of catching up. You should receive your packet within
the next week or so.
A note to all breaking competitors:
You DO NOT need to be a USBA/WBA member to compete at a USBA/WBA
Sanctioned event. Membership provides benefits, see
http://www.usbawba.com/Membership_benefits.htm for details.
We have been working hard on
expanding the USBA/WBA circuit for 2010. Below are some
confirmed and tentative dates to keep in mind for the coming
year:
2010 Event Schedule
January 2010
***The
Lonestar Open- Austin, TX
The Lonestar
Open will be held January 29-30, 2010 at The Renaissance
Hotel, Austin, Texas.
There are 58
divisions for all ages and ranks, both male and female.
All USBA/WBA members will receive the following points
toward year end ratings: 1st place- 2.5, 2nd place- 2,
3rd place- 1.5. The event also includes competition in
forms, fighting and weapons.
***The Arnold Sports Festival- Columbus, OH- Tentative
The USBA United States Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Sports Festival, March 5-7, 2010.
Registration is not open yet, but should be by the beginning
of December upon confirmation from the promoters. This is the
USBA/WBA's 7th year at the Arnold. It is a great venue with so
much to see and be a part of. There are many other Martial
Arts competitions, demonstrations, and the Fitness Expo.
Last year there were 66 available breaking
divisions in Creative, Power, Speed, and High Jump breaking.
This will be the same for 2010. All USBA/WBA members will earn
the following points toward year-end ratings: 1st place- 4
points, 2nd- 3, 3rd- 2.5, Officials- 2. We will also be
recognizing the 2009 Competitors of the Year at this event.
***The USBA/Visionstar Expo Series Breaking Championships-
Orlando, FL- April 16-17, 2010- Tentative
The USBA/WBA is in the process of
finalizing plans for a 3 event deal with Visionstar Event
Productions,
http://www.visionstarinc.com , which will include events
in Orlando, FL; Dallas, TX; and Hartford, CT. This event will
be the first, April 16-17, 2010. There will be divisions in
Creative Wood, Creative Open, Power Concrete and Wood, and
possibly Speed. USBA/WBA members will earn the following
points toward year-end ratings: 1st place- 3 points, 2nd- 2.5,
3rd- 2, Officials- 1.5. These events will be similar to the
Arnold Sports Festival with a Fitness Expo and other events
taking place all weekend long.
We should have firm details by
December 2009.
May
***The USBA Pennsylvania State Breaking
Championships- Blakely, PA- Date to be announced
This event
was held in April 2009 and has been moved to May. This
is a Breaking Only event. All USBA/WBA members will earn
the following points toward year-end ratings: 1st
place- 2.5 points, 2nd- 2, 3rd- 1.5, Officials-1. There
will be divisions in Creative Wood, Creative Open, Power
Concrete and Wood, Speed and High Jump, for all ages,
ranks, and genders. This was a great event last year and
we are looking forward to 2010!
***USBA/WBA and ISKA North American Breaking
Championships- Farifield, CT- Date to be announced
This will be
the 4th year for The USBA/WBA & ISKA North American
Breaking Championships to be held in June 2010, date to
be announced, at Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT.
There are divisions for all ages and ranks, both male
and female. There will be divisions in Creative Wood,
Creative Open, Power Concrete and Wood, Speed and High
Jump. All USBA/WBA members will receive the following
points toward year end ratings: 1st place- 4, 2nd place-
3, 3rd place- 2.5. This is also an ISKA qualifier for
the ISKA World Breaking Championships featured on ESPN2
held at the US Open.
***USBA/WBA World Breaking Championships-
Orlando, FL- July 2-3, 2010
The
USBA/WBA World Breaking Championships will be held
July 2-3, 2010 at Coronado Springs Resort at Walt
Disney World, Orlando, FL, part of the US Open World
Martial Arts Championships. For all event information
and registration go to http://www.usopen-karate.com/.
There are divisions for all ages and ranks, both male
and female. All USBA/WBA members will receive the
following points toward year end ratings: 1st place-
5, 2nd place- 4, 3rd place- 3.
Remember, there are 2 separate
breaking competitions at the US Open. The first is the
ISKA World Breaking Championships, which is televised
on ESPN2 and has been one of the premier breaking
events for years. The ISKA event is by invitation only
and for Black Belts only. The second is the USBA/WBA
World Breaking Championships which is run as all of
the other USBA/WBA events and is open to all
competitors. Winners of
select USBA/WBA divisions will be seeded for the ISKA
World Breaking Championships the following day.
***The USBA New York State Breaking Championships-
Albany, NY- July 10, 2010.
The USBA New
York State Breaking Championships will be held Saturday,
July 10, 2010 at the Albany Marriott, Albany, NY, part
of the Northeast Open Martial Arts Tournament. For event
information, please go to- http://www.northeastopen.com/. This
is our 4th year working with Master Adam Grogin of
Albany, NY, who is also the USBA/WBA Regional Director
for New York. The previous three year’s events were some
of the best organized and well run events on the
USBA/WBA circuit. The Northeast Open offers competition
in a variety of disciplines including forms, weapons,
and self-defense. All USBA/WBA members will earn the
following points toward year-end ratings: 1st place- 2.5
points, 2nd- 2, 3rd- 1.5, Officials- 1.
For those of
you in the Northeastern US, this is a great event to be
part of.
***The WBA/IIMAA International Power Breaking
Championships- Orlando, FL- July 16-18, 2010.
This event will be part of the
IIMAA Training Conference,
www.iimaaconference.net , hosted by USBA/WBA
Co-founder Drew Serrano. This will be a limited
division breaking event for adults only, male and
female, 50 competitors per division. Because it is a
limited event no points will be awarded. There will be
cash awards of $1200 for each of 4 divisions: Men's
light and heavy, and Women's light and heavy. Male
competitors will be breaking concrete, female
competitors will be breaking wood. Competitors will be
required to break in 2 categories- upper body and
lower body. The total from both divisions will
determine the winner. Qualifiers will be held Friday
night with the top 10 competitors from each division
competing for the championship on Saturday morning.
The IIMAA Training Conference will also feature
seminars and certifications by some of the top names
in Martial Arts, and other unique competitions. Please
go to
www.iimaaconference.net for all the details.
If registering and a member of
the USBA/WBA please contact us for the discount
organization code to receive discounts for the event.
Discounts will only be honored for current members and
will be cross-checked.
***The USBA/Visionstar Expo Series Breaking
Championships- Hartford, CT- July 23-24, 2010- Tentative
The USBA/WBA is in the process
of finalizing plans for a 3 event deal with Visionstar
Event Productions,
http://www.visionstarinc.com , which will include
events in Orlando, FL; Dallas, TX; and Hartford, CT. This
event will be the second in the series, July 23-24, 2010.
There will be divisions in Creative Wood, Creative Open,
Power Concrete and Wood, and possibly Speed. USBA/WBA
members will earn the following points toward year-end
ratings: 1st place- 3 points, 2nd- 2.5, 3rd- 2, Officials-
1.5. These events will be similar to the Arnold Sports
Festival with a Fitness Expo and other events taking place
all weekend long.
We should have firm details by
December 2009.
August
***The USBA Michigan State National Breaking
Championships- Battle Creek, MI- August 6-8, 2010-
Tentative
This event will be part of
the 8th Trienniel World Hap Ki Do Champions,
http://www.ihfusa.com/ .
This is the first time the Hap Ki Do Championships have
taken place outside of South Korea. The USBA/WBA is in
the process of finalizing plans for this groundbreaking
event. There will be divisions in Creative Wood,
Creative Open, Power Concrete and Wood, Speed and some
specialty divisions as well. USBA/WBA members will earn
the following points toward year-end ratings: 1st
place- 3 points, 2nd- 2.5, 3rd- 2, Officials- 1.5.
We should have firm details
by December 2009.
***The USBA/Visionstar Expo Series Breaking
Championships- Dallas, TX- August 13-14, 2010- Tentative
The USBA/WBA is in the
process of finalizing plans for a 3 event deal with
Visionstar Event Productions,
http://www.visionstarinc.com , which will include
events in Orlando, FL; Dallas, TX; and Hartford, CT.
This event will be the third in the series, August
13-14, 2010. There will be divisions in Creative Wood,
Creative Open, Power Concrete and Wood, and possibly
Speed. USBA/WBA members will earn the following points
toward year-end ratings: 1st place- 3 points, 2nd- 2.5,
3rd- 2, Officials- 1.5. These events will be similar to
the Arnold Sports Festival with a Fitness Expo and other
events taking place all weekend long.
We should
have firm details by December 2009.
More
events to follow... Be sure to pass this e-mail on to
fellow competitors and Martial Artists.
Breaking
Supplies
****The Board Breaker- Board breaking machine
The Board Breaker is the
ultimate board holder, it's ready to practice when you
are! Are you tired of getting your fingers smashed when
your partner misses their break? Then you need
The Board Breaker!
The USBA/WBA uses standard
breking boards at all USBA/WBA Sanctioned events. These
boards can be purchased through the USBA/WBA, go to
http://www.usbawba.com/USBA-WBA_boards.htm . If you
are a competitor, practice with the same boards that you
will be using in competition. USBA/WBA members and
promoters receive wholesale pricing!
Advertise
with the USBA/WBA
Do you have a
product that could be beneficial to Martial Artists
and/or Martial Arts Studios? Looking for a way to
get your event out to more competitors? Consider
advertising with the USBA/WBA. We will promote your
product or event not only on our website, but
through periodic e-mail blasts and live events. We
have a variety of packages which include clickable
banners ads, photos and video. If you are ready to
reach more Martial Artists contact us at
info@usbawba.com
for more info.
Other
We will be upgrading our e-mail
process soon, so you will see a new look in 2010.
Also, remember that USBA/WBA members
receive a $10 materials rebate at most USBA/WBA Sanctioned
events. This alone will pay for your membership.
If you are a member please be sure
to check your renewal date so that you will not miss out on our
ratings program, cash prizes for members only, and materials
rebates. You can renew online at
http://www.usbawba.com/HowToJoin_membership.htm .
Thank you
for making the USBA/WBA the leading name in Competitive
Breaking!
9/2009
The USBA/UTA
Pennsylavania Breaking Championships- Dalton, PA- 11/7/2009
The next USBA/WBA event will be held
Saturday, November 7, 2009. It will be hosted by the UTA
Karate at UTA Karate Dalton, Dalton, PA. There will be over 50
available divisions for all ages and ranks, both male and
female, in Creative Wood and Open, Power Concrete, and Power
Wood. There will also be a "First Time Breakers" division for
competitors who have never competed in breaking, but would like
to try. This will be a "State Level" event, USBA/WBA members
will earn the following points toward their ratings: 1st- 2.5,
2nd- 2, 3rd- 1.5. $40 for the first division, $10 each
additional. Online registration is now open.
With the great success of the Lonestar Open
(Austin, TX) last month, promoter Greg Beaver has already made
a tentative agreement to host another USBA/WBA event January
29-30, 2010. We look forward to a growing USBA/WBA presence in
Texas and the surrounding area, as well as a growing
relationship with Mr. Beaver. More info on this event will
follow in the coming weeks.
USBA/WBA
Co-founder Bergamo and Female COY Nancy Foster-Mills clean up
at "The Breaking Championships"
The
Breaking Championships (a USBA/WBA Partner Event) was
held in Kennewick, WA August 21-22. Promoter Wesley
Lewallen did an outstanding job of providing a quality
venue for competitors. The event featured divisions in
Creative, Power Concrete, Power Wood, and High Jump, as
well as a special "Elite Breaker" award for both male
and female competitors. The Elite Breaker award was
determined by a point system that accumalated throughout
the various categories, based on a competitors wins. The
Elite Breaker received a special one-of-a-kind award, as
well as a cash prize.
USBA/WBA Co-founder Ralph Bergamo won the men's category
and USBA/WBA 2008 Female Competitor of the Year Nancy
Foster-Mills won the female category by accumalating the
most points throughout the competition. Please be sure
to congratulate them on their big wins!
Advertise with
the USBA/WBA
Do you have a product that could be beneficial to Martial
Artists and/or Martial Arts Studios? Looking for a way to
get your event out to more competitors? Consider
advertising with the USBA/WBA. We will promote your
product or event not only on our website, but through
periodic e-mail blasts and live events. We have a variety
of packages which include clickable banners ads, photos
and video. If you are ready to reach more Martial Artists
contact us at
info@usbawba.com for more info.
Breaking
Supplies
****The Board Breaker- Board breaking machine
The
Board Breaker is the ultimate board holder, it's ready to
practice when you are! Are you tired of getting your fingers
smashed when your partner misses their break? Then you need
The Board Breaker!
- The USBA/UTA
Pennsylvania Breaking Championships, Dalton, PA, USA-
11/7/2009
Information regarding these
events and others will be available soon. Check the USBA/WBA
website under "Sanctioned
Events" for updated information.
8/2009
USBAWBA
Co-founder Ralph Bergamo and 2008 USBA/WBA Female COY Nancy Foster
Mills win big at The Breaking Championships in Kennewick, WA
The Breaking Championships, a USBA/WBA
Partner Event, was held August 21 and 22 in Kennewick, WA. Promoter
Wesley Lewallen, also the 2008 USBA/WBA Male Competitor of the Year,
did an excellent job of providing a quality venue for breakers from
across the US. USBA/WBA Co-founder Ralph Bergamo and 2008 Female
Competitor of the Year Nancy Foster-Mills rose to the top of the
pack, each taking the title of "Elite Breaker". They also walked
away with a majority of the wins and the cash prizes offered.
Congratulations to them and all of the winners at the event!
8/2009
USBAWBA.com has a
new "Home" page
The USBA/WBA website has a new look! A section has been added to
the "Home" page that provides quick access to USBA/WBA
Sanctioned Events and USBA/WBA related products. It also
features a "Photo of the Month" section and "Featured Video"
section that will be updated every month or so. Check it out at
www.USBAWBA.com .
There is still time to register for
The Lonestar Open in Austin, TX. This is sure to be a great event
and we are hoping for a good turnout at this first USBA/WBA
sanctioned event in Texas.
***The Lonestar Open- Austin, TX
The Lonestar
Open will be held August 28-29, 2009 at The Renaissance
Hotel, Austin, Texas.
There are
divisions for all ages and ranks, both male and female. All
USBA/WBA members will receive the following points toward
year end ratings: 1st place- 2.5, 2nd place- 2, 3rd place-
1.5. The event also includes competition in forms, fighting
and weapons.
The USBA/WBA is
looking for event promoters, big and small...
The USBA/WBA is always looking for quality venues to host
USBA/WBA events. Whether you are a promoter of an established
tournament, or want to hold a small first-time event in your
area, we can work with you to create a quality breaking event.
Breaking seminars are also available with some of the top
breakers in the World! A seminar will not only generate income
for your school or organization, but can set the stage for a
future USBA/WBA competition. For more information on hosting a
competition or seminar contact the USBA/WBA at
info@usbawba.com .
Do you have
photos or videos?
As you may know, we post USBA/WBA
member videos and photos on USBAWBA.com. If
you are a member and have video footage of you breaking, either
in competition or other, post it on youtube and send the link to
Drew Serrano at
dserrano@usbawba.com . We will post your video on the "Event
Video" page,
http://www.usbawba.com/Event_videos.htm . Share your
experiences with fellow competitors and the thousands of
visitors to the USBA/WBA website.
If you are a member and have photos from any of the USBA/WBA
events, please e-mail them to us as well. We will add them to
our event photo galleries on the "Event Photos" Page.
Partner Competitions
***The Breaking Championships- Kennewick, WA
The USBA Northwest National
Breaking Championships has been changed to an un-sanctioned
USBA/WBA Partner Event now named "The Breaking Championship".
The event will be held August 21-22, 2009 in Kennewick, WA.
There will be many of the same divisions that are seen at
sanctioned USBA/WBA events. Promoter Wesley LeWallen will also
be offering prize money in a number of divisions.
Partner Event notice: Because
this is a Partner Event the following will apply:
- Partner
Events may not follow the official USBA/WBA guidelines as
required at Sanctioned Competitions.
- Members will not receive points toward their ratings,
results will not be posted on the USBA/WBA
website, and competition records established at a Partner
Event will not be recognized by the USBA/WBA.
- Any
USBA/WBA member related discounts, seeding, etc. will not be
in effect at Partner Events unless otherwise noted.
We encourage
all members and breaking competitors to support this event!
Advertise
with the USBA/WBA
Do you have a product that could be beneficial to Martial
Artists and/or Martial Arts Studios? Looking for a way to
get your event out to more competitors? Consider advertising
with the USBA/WBA. We will promote your product or event not
only on our website, but through periodic e-mail blasts and
live events. We have a variety of packages which include
clickable banners ads, photos and video. If you are ready to
reach more Martial Artists contact us at
info@usbawba.com
for more info.
Breaking
Supplies
****The Board Breaker- Board breaking machine
The
Board Breaker is the ultimate board holder, it's ready to
practice when you are! Are you tired of getting your fingers
smashed when your partner misses their break? Then you need
The Board Breaker!
- The Breaking Championships
(Partner Event), Kennewick, WA, USA -
8/21-8/22/2009
- The Lonestar Open,
Austin, TX, USA- 8/28-8/29/2009
7/2009- USBA/WBA
World Championships and USBA NY State Breaking Championships a great
success- Next event Austin, TX, USA
Thank you
The USBA/WBA would like to thank all of the competitors,
parents, judges, and volunteers who made the USBA/WBA World
Championships at the US Open, and the USBA New York State
Breaking Championships at the Northeast Open both a great
success. It was great to see competitors and members from as far
as Australia, Ireland, and South Africa. The USBA/WBA continues
to grow and is always looking for new directions to enhance our
organization. And it is all thanks to the dedication of the
members and volunteers who make the USBA/WBA strong. Thank you!
Register Today!
***The Lonestar Open- Austin, TX
The Lonestar
Open will be held August 28-29, 2009 at The Renaissance
Hotel, Austin, Texas.
There are
divisions for all ages and ranks, both male and female. All
USBA/WBA members will receive the following points toward
year end ratings: 1st place- 2.5, 2nd place- 2, 3rd place-
1.5. The event also includes competition in forms, fighting
and weapons.
The USBA/WBA would like to welcome Master Adam Grogin of
Albany, NY as a Regional Director for New York. Master Grogin is
the promoter of the Northeast Open Martial Arts Tournament held in
Albany, NY for the last three years. He runs a successful Martial
Arts school in Albany, Pil-Sung Martial Arts. Last weekend, during
his event, USBA/WBA Co-Founders Ralph Bergamo and Drew Serrano
appointed Adam during the finale of his night show in a surprise
presentation.
Master Grogin has been an avid supporter of the USBA/WBA over the
past several years, attending and helping at almost every event.
His daughter Skylar is the 2008 Junior Female Competitor of the
Year. We feel that Adam's organizational and promotional skills
will be an asset to the USBA/WBA and will help it to move forward
in new directions.
Please congratulate Adam on his appointment
when you see him next.
US Open to be
aired on ESPN2
Portions of the 2009 US Open will be aired this Sunday, July 19,
at 1:30pm. Featured will be ISKA World Championship Forms,
Weapons, Synchronized Forms, Demo Teams, Breaking, and
Self-Defense from the Daytime Breaking Venue and the Spectacular
Night of Champions!
USBA/WBA
Co-Founder and Regional Directors win ISKA World Championships
Following the USBA/WBA divisions on Friday at the US Open the
ISKA holds it's own Breaking World Championships which is
filmed for airing on ESPN2. We would like to congratulate the
following USBA/WBA Directors:
USBA/WBA Co-Founder Drew Serrano- ISKA World Champion in
Combat Board Breaking
USBA/WBA Regional Director Larry Fields- ISKA World Champion
Power Wood KIck- Heavyweight and Creative Breaking, and
Ultimate Breaking Champion
USBA/WBA Regional Director Kenneth Yates- ISKA World Champion
Power Concrete- Lightweight
Also, congratulations and thank you to all USBA/WBA members
who represented the USBA/WBA in the ISKA Breaking event.
Do you have
photos or videos?
As you may know, we post USBA/WBA
member videos and photos on USBAWBA.com. If
you are a member and have video footage of you breaking, either
in competition or other, post it on youtube and send the link to
Drew Serrano at
dserrano@usbawba.com . We will post your video on the "Event
Video" page,
http://www.usbawba.com/Event_videos.htm . Share your
experiences with fellow competitors and the thousands of
visitors to the USBA/WBA website.
If you are a member and have photos from any of the USBA/WBA
events, please e-mail them to us as well. We will add them, to
our event photo galleries on the "Event Photos" Page.
Partner Competitions
***The Breaking Championships- Kennewick, WA
The USBA Northwest National
Breaking Championships has been changed to an un-sanctioned
USBA/WBA Partner Event now named "The Breaking Championship".
The event will be held August 21-22, 2009 in Kennewick, WA.
There will be many of the same divisions that are seen at
sanctioned USBA/WBA events. Promoter Wesley LeWallen will also
be offering prize money in a number of divisions.
Partner Event notice: Because
this is a Partner Event the following will apply:
- Partner
Events may not follow the official USBA/WBA guidelines as
required at Sanctioned Competitions.
- Members will not receive points toward their ratings,
results will not be posted on the USBA/WBA
website, and competition records established at a Partner
Event will not be recognized by the USBA/WBA.
- Any
USBA/WBA member related discounts, seeding, etc. will not be
in effect at Partner Events unless otherwise noted.
We encourage
all members and breaking competitors to support this event!
Breaking
Supplies
****The Board Breaker- Board breaking machine
The
Board Breaker is the ultimate board holder, it's ready to
practice when you are! Are you tired of getting your fingers
smashed when your partner misses their break? Then you need
The Board Breaker!
- The Breaking Championships
(Partner Event), Kennewick, WA, USA -
8/21-8/22/2009
- The Lonestar Open,
Austin, TX, USA- 8/28-8/29/2009
Information regarding these
events and others will be available soon. Check the USBA/WBA
website under "Sanctioned
Events" for updated information.
6/2009- USBA/WBA
World Championships- UPDATE
We would like to thank you for
registering for the USBA/WBA World Championships at the US Open in
Orlando, FL this Friday, July 3rd. It is setting up to be an
exciting year and the largest competition thus far. With competitors
from across the US, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean the
competition is sure to be top notch.
Below are some event specifics and
important information that will make your participation at this
year's event run smoothly. Because of the amount of competitors it
will be very important that you are on time the morning of July 3rd.
GETTING INTO VERACRUZ
EXHIBIT HALL FRIDAY MORNING:
The hall opens for general registration
and admission at 9am. Since we will be starting our operations at
7am you will be coming before the crowds. There should be someone at
the doors to let you in. If you have a problem please
call either Drew Serrano at 203-410-9222 or Ralph Bergamo at
203-410-1417.
WHAT TO BRING:
Be sure to bring copies of your
registration forms and materials request forms just in case there is
any discrepancy. This is a good practice for any event you attend.
USBA/WBA AREA:
The USBA/WBA will be located at the back
of the hall, usually to the right. Each Power Breaking competitor,
Wood and Concrete, will have their own section taped off with 3-4
stands and a name sheet (save your sheet). Once you acquire your
materials you should start to set-up your first Power Break. If you
have room, and there are enough spacers, set up your second break as
well. You must have your first power break set-up by 9am. The order
of Power Breaking will be:
Power Wood Hand
Power Wood Elbow
Kids Power Wood Foot
Power Concrete Hand
Power Concrete Elbow
Power Concrete Foot
START TIMES (for
USBA/WBA World Championships Friday, July 3rd):
7:15am: Distribution of materials for
all Power Breaking Competitors, Wood and Concrete
8:00am: Distribution of materials for
all Creative, Speed, High Jump
9:00am: General meeting, group photo,
rules
9-9:30am: Scheduled start time. First
division will be Creative Multi-Direction Wood Breaking
GENERAL ORDER OF
EVENTS:
All Under 17 Creative divisions will go
off first.
Next will be all Adult Creative
divisions. While Adult Creative is running, Under 17 Power Wood Hand
and Elbow will run.
All remaining divisions will be run as
the competitor flow allows.
Good luck to all competitors. Have a
safe trip to Florida and we'll see you all Friday!
6/2009- New Event
added: ***The Lonestar Open- Austin, TX
The Lonestar Open
will be held August 28-29, 2009 at The Renaissance Hotel,
Austin, Texas. There are divisions for all ages and ranks, both
male and female. All USBA/WBA members will receive the following
points toward year end ratings: 1st place- 2.5, 2nd place- 2,
3rd place- 1.5. The event also incudes competition in forms,
fighting and weapons.
6/2009-
Pennsylvania State Breaking Championships video available
Whether
you competed at the Pennsylvania State Breaking Championships or not
you can see all the action. John Zadzura of Pennsylvania caught many
of the competitors on video and has put them together on DVD.
To purchase the DVD e-mail John at
johnp72192@yahoo.com
or call him at 570-280-6308.
Let him know that you are from the
USBA/WBA.
5/2009-
Member News
***The USBA Pennsylvania
State Breaking Championships results will be posted this week as
well as updated ratings.
***USBA/WBA and ISKA North American Breaking Championships-
Register now and save!!!
The USBA/WBA & ISKA North American
Breaking Championships will be held June 6, 2009 at Sacred Heart
University, Fairfield, CT. For all event information and
registration go to
www.NABreaking.com
. There are divisions for all ages and ranks, both male and
female. All USBA/WBA members will receive the following points
toward year end ratings: 1st place- 4, 2nd place- 3, 3rd place-
2.5.
New Divisions: 4 new
children wood breaking divisions have been added for this event-
Power Wood Foot (Stomp). The divisions are set-up similar to Power
Wood Hand and Elbow. Only downward strikes are allowed. Spacers will
be used.
There have also been a number of female divisions added. See the
division list for complete breakdown.
ISKA Qualifiers:There will be 6 ISKA qualifying divisions allowing breakers to
qualify for the ISKA World Championships in Florida (televised on
ESPN2 each year). The divisions are Creative Open- Male and Female,
Power Concrete and Power Wood Foot- Light and Heavy. Winners receive
an official ISKA Championship Belt (There must be 4 registered
competitors per division for the division to run).
Cash Prizes:
Possible...to be announced!
Materials Rebate: All
USBA/WBA members who order $10 or more in materials will receive a
$10 rebate at the event.
***USBA/WBA Co-founder GM Ralph Bergamo to instruct Breaking
Workshop in Albany, NY- June 7, 2009
Master Adam Grogin of Pil-Sung Martial Arts will be hosting a
breaking workshop by USBA/WBA Co-founder Grand Master Ralph
Bergamo on Sunday, June 7th 2009 - 1:00-3:00pm. USBA/WBA
Co-founders GM Bergamo and Master Drew Serrano were featured in
this month's issue of TKD Times along side Hee Il Cho as the best
breakers in the world! GM Bergamo has been on the Letterman and
Leno shows multiple times as well as the Premier episode of Time
Warp on Discover Channel!
Kids and adults welcome, he will be helping improve breaking
techniques, etc. Price includes 16 boards, you can also bring more
of your own or buy more!
***USBA/WBA World Breaking Championships- Registration Open- Order
your materials online
The USBA/WBA World Breaking
Championships will be held July 3-4, 2009 at Coronado Springs
Resort at Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL, part of the US Open
World Martial Arts Championships. For all event information and
registration go to http://www.usopen-karate.com/index.cfm.
There are divisions for all ages and ranks, both male and female.
All USBA/WBA members will receive the following points toward year
end ratings: 1st place- 5, 2nd place- 4, 3rd place- 3.
Remember, there are 2 separate breaking
competitions at the US Open. The first is the ISKA World
Breaking Championships, which is televised on ESPN2 and
has been one of the premier breaking events for years. The
ISKA event is by invitation only and for Black Belts only.
The second is the USBA/WBA World Breaking Championships
which is run as all of the other USBA/WBA events and is open to
all competitors.
New Divisions: 4 new
children wood breaking divisions have been added for this event-
Power Wood Foot (Stomp). The divisions are set-up similar to Power
Wood Hand and Elbow. Only downward strikes are allowed. Spacers will
be used.
There have also been a number of female divisions added. See the
attached division list for complete breakdown.
ISKA Seeds:
Winners of select USBA/WBA Black Belt divisions will be seeded for
the Saturday ISKA breaking event and given a chance to be on ESPN2.
The winner of Male Black Belt Creative Open- CO4, and the male light
and heavy weight competitors who break the most in Power Concrete
Hand or Elbow will be seeded on Saturday.
Starting time will be 10am: All
Power Breakers are to arrive at the breaking rings no later than
7:30am to pick up their materials and an area will be set aside
for all power breaking materials to be staged. All other
competitors are to arrive at the breaking rings no later than
8:30am to pick up their materials.
Divisions will run in the
general following order:
Creative Divisions, Under 17 Speed,
Under 17 Power Wood, Under 17 High Jump, Adult Speed, Adult Power
Wood, Adult High Jump, Power Concrete.We
will be unable to hold any rings if the competitor is not ready
when called. Please be ready.
Materials Rebate:
All USBA/WBA members who order $10 or more
in materials will receive a $10 rebate at the event.
***The USBA New York State Breaking Championships- Registration
Open- Online registration available for Breaking divisions.
The USBA New York State Breaking
Championships will be held Saturday, July 11, 2009 at the Albany
Marriott, Albany, NY, part of the Northeast Open Martial Arts
Tournament. For event information, registration, materials, and
spectator tickets please go to- http://www.northeastopen.com/home.htm. This
is our third year working with Master Adam Grogin of Albany, NY.
The previous two year’s events were some of the best organized
and well run events on the USBA/WBA circuit. The Northeast Open
offers competition in a variety of disciplines including forms,
weapons, and self-defense. All USBA/WBA members will earn the
following points toward year-end ratings: 1st place- 2.5 points,
2nd- 2, 3rd- 1.5, Officials- 1.
For those of you in the Northeastern US, this
is a great event to be part of.
Materials Rebate: All USBA/WBA members
who order $10 or more in materials will receive a $10 rebate at
the event.
***The Breaking Championships- Kennewick, WA
The USBA Northwest National Breaking
Championships has been changed to an un-sanctioned USBA/WBA
Partner Event now named "The Breaking Championship". The event
will be held August 21-22, 2009 in Kennewick, WA. There will be
many of the same divisions that are seen at sanctioned USBA/WBA
events. Promoter Wesley LeWallen will also be offering prize
money in a number of divisions.
Partner Event notice: Because
this is a Partner Event the following will apply:
- Partner
Events may not follow the official USBA/WBA guidelines as
required at Sanctioned Competitions.
- Members will not receive points toward their ratings, results
will not be posted on the USBA/WBA website, and
competition records established at a Partner Event will
not be recognized by the USBA/WBA.
- Any USBA/WBA member related discounts, seeding, etc. will not
be in effect at Partner Events unless otherwise noted.
We encourage
all members and breaking competitors to support this event!
noted
****USBA/WBA Website updates
We have updated the USBA/WBA website
with the following:
We continue to add events to the
USBA/WBA circuit as they become finalized. Currently the following
events are confirmed:
- USBA/WBA
and ISKA North American Breaking Championships at Sacred
Heart University, Fairfield, CT, USA - 6/6/2008
- USBA/WBA
World Breaking Championships at the US Open, Orlando, FL,
USA - 7/3-7/4/2009
- USBA New York State Breaking
Championships at the Northeast Open, Albany, NY, USA -
7/11/2009
- USBA Northwest National
Breaking Championships, Kennewick, WA, USA -
8/21-8/22/2009
Information regarding these events
and others will be available soon. Check the USBA/WBA website under
"Sanctioned
Events" for updated information.
4/2009-
Gary Reho sets new USBA/WBA World Record- 126 boards in 10 seconds
We
would like to congratulate USBA/WBA Member Gary Reho. On
Wed, April 15, 2009, Gary broke 126- 10X12X1" boards in 10 seconds,
with time to spare, setting a new USBA/WBA World Record. The record
was set in front of an audience of hundreds who came out to witness
a breaking demonstration and the World Record. Gary dedicated the
record to Lisa Moray, collecting pledges and donations for each
board broken that will go to the Lisa Moray Scholarship Fund. Lisa
Moray was a Sacred Heart student who passed away as a result of
being a passenger in a car accident.
Pictures and video will be posted on the USBA/WBA
website soon. Be sure to congratulate Gary on this great
achievement!
On another note, if you haven't heard of Susan
Boyle please click the link below. This has nothing to do with
breaking, or maybe it does. It is just a great video.
3/2009-
USBA/WBA Founders featured in Tae Kwon Do Times
The
main focus of the May 2009 issue of Tae Kwon Do Times was Martial Arts
Breaking, and Ralph Bergamo and Drew Serrano were asked for their input on the subject.
Along
with Grandmaster Hee IL Cho, the two originators of the USBA/WBA are
considered true experts in the World of Breaking. Ralph and Drew were interviewed
by the magazine to give their views and experiences concerning breaking.
Click the following links to view the story...
3/2009- USBA/WBA
Promoter receives Ambassador Award
Master
Adam Grogin, promoter of the Northeast Open and USBA NY
State Breaking Championships, was the recipient of the Albany,
New York Ambassador Award for his part in bringing diversity
and recognition to the Albany region. We congratulate Master
Grogin on his accomplishment and encourage others to follow
his lead in community activity and leadership! For the
complete story go to
http://northeastopen.com/award.htm .
3/2009-
New York State Breaking Championships
We
have just confirmed the return of the
New York State Breaking Championships at the
Northeast Open in Albany, NY- July 11, 2009.
The Northeast Open is in it's 3rd year and the USBA/WBA has
been there since the beginning. This event has been touted
by competitors and school owners as one of the best run
events they have ever seen. Adam Grogin and his group do a
great job at keeping everything running smoothly. The
Northeast Open offers divisions in forms, weapons,
self-defense and of course breaking. More information will
be forthcoming. Check out last year's website at
http://www.northeastopen.com/home.htm .
***The USBA Pennsylvania State Breaking Championships-
Registration Now Open!
Registration
for the USBA Pennsylvania State Breaking Championships is
now open. For event information, registration, materials,
and spectator tickets please go to-
www.pabreaking.com . This is a Breaking Only event. All
USBA/WBA members will earn the following points toward
year-end ratings: 1st place- 2.5 points, 2nd- 2, 3rd- 1.5,
Officials- 1.
NEW
DIVISIONS: There are 2 new divisions that
will be introduced on a trial basis at this event. They are
Non-Spaced Power Wood Hand and Non-Spaced Power Wood Elbow.
The name says it all, no spacers allowed!
MATERIALS
REBATE: All USBA/WBA members who order $10
or more in materials will receive a $10 rebate at the event.
CASH
PRIZES: USBA/WBA members will be eligible
for cash prizes for the following:
Most Combined Boards Broken in
the following 3 divisions: Power Wood Hand
(spaced), Power Wood Elbow (spaced), and Power Wood Foot-
Lighweight Men- $100, Heavyweight Men- $100, Female- $50
Most Combined Blocks Broken in
the following 3 divisions: Power Concrete Hand,
Power Concrete Elbow, and Power Concrete Foot- Lightweight
Men- $100, Heavyweight Men- $100, Female- $50
How will it work? You do
not have to enter all divisions to be eligible, but your
chances will be better. The total boards or blocks from the
above mentioned divisions will be combined for a grand
total. Whomever has the greatest number wins the prize!
IMPORTANT: You must be a
USBA/WBA member in good standing by April 10, 2009 to be
eligible for cash prizes!
***The Arnold Sports Festival:
IMPORTANT:
If you are bringing any creative materials, stands or other
props you must bring them in through the regular entrance of
the event.
DO NOT
BRING ITEMS TO THE LOADING DOCK!
You will
be charged if you bring items to the loading dock, this is
the Arnold policy not ours. Please bring all items through
the general entrance. If you have any questions please
contact us.
The USBA United States Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Sports Festival, March 7,
2009, is 2 days away. This is the USBA/WBA's 6th year at the
Arnold. It is a great venue with so much to see and be a
part of. There are many other Martial Arts competitions,
demonstrations, and the Fitness Expo. Online registration is
closed. For more information click the following link
http://usbawba.com/Arnold_2009_registration.htm or go to
"Competitions" under "Sanctioned Events" or click the
"Register for USBA/WBA Events" box on the home page.
UPDATE:
MATERIALS REBATE: All USBA/WBA members
who ordered $10 or more in materials will receive a $10
rebate at the event.
There are 66 available breaking divisions
in Creative, Power, Speed, and High Jump breaking. All
USBA/WBA members will earn the following points toward
year-end ratings: 1st place- 4 points, 2nd- 3, 3rd- 2.5,
Officials- 2. Please
contact the USBA/WBA with any questions regarding this
event. We encourage all members to attend this event.
We will be recognizing the 2008 USBA/WBA
Competitors of the Year at the Arnold. They are:
Wesley Lewallen-
Male Competitor of the Year
Nancy Foster-Mills-
Female Competitor of the Year
Joseph Stewart-
Junior Male Competitor of the Year
Skylar Pagliuca-
Junior Female Competitor of the Year
***New
Benefit For Members
As a USBA/WBA member you will receive at least a $10
materials rebate if you spend $10 or more on materials.
This rebate will be available at almost every USBA/WBA
event and will start this weekend at the US Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Sports Festival. If you are a
regular competitor, the rebate alone will offset the cost
of your USBA/WBA membership! Just one more reason to join
the Largest Breaking Association in the World!
***Other
Upcoming Events
We continue to add events to the USBA/WBA
circuit as they become finalized. Currently the following
events are confirmed:
- USBA Pennsylvania State
Breaking Championships at Spectrum Health and
Racquet, Blakely, PA, USA - 4/18/2009
- USBA/WBA and ISKA North
American Breaking Championships at Sacred Heart
University, Fairfield, CT, USA-6/6/2008
- USBA/WBA World Breaking
Championships at the US Open, Orlando, FL, USA -
7/3-7/4/2009
- USBA New York State Breaking
Championships at the Northeast Open, Albany, NY,
USA - 7/11/2009
- USBA Northwest National
Breaking Championships, Kennewick, WA, USA -
8/21-8/22/2009
Information regarding these events and
others will be available soon. Check the USBA/WBA website
under "Sanctioned
Events" for updated information.
2/2009-
Arnold update
Pre-registration pricing for the USBA US
Breaking Championships at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival
has been extended until February 27. Also, all
material orders must be in by Monday, 2/23/2009.
If you don't have your materials order in we cannot
guarantee that we will have extra materials for you to
purchase.
IMPORTANT: If you are bringing any
creative materials, stands or other props you must bring
them in through the regular entrance of the event. DO NOT BRING ITEMS TO THE LOADING
DOCK! You will be charged if you bring
items to the loading dock, this is the Arnold policy not
ours. Please bring all items through the general entrance.
If you have any questions please contact us.
The USBA Pennsylvania State Breaking Championships
Registration for the USBA Pennsylvania
State Breaking Championships will open Monday, 2/23/2009.
The same registration process as the Arnold will be
available. You will also be able to purchase spectator
tickets as well. This is a Breaking Only event. All USBA/WBA
members will earn the following points toward year-end
ratings: 1st place- 2.5 points, 2nd- 2, 3rd- 1.5, Officials-
1.
NEW DIVISIONS:
There are 2 new divisions that will be introduced on a trial
basis at this event. They are Non-Spaced Power Wood Hand and
Non-Spaced Power Wood Elbow. The name says it all, no
spacers allowed!
The Arnold Sports Festival
The USBA United States Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Sports Festival, March 7,
2009, is 2 weeks away. This is the USBA/WBA's 6th year at
the Arnold. It is a great venue with so much to see and be a
part of. There are many other Martial Arts competitions,
demonstrations, and the Fitness Expo. For more information
and to register click the following link
http://usbawba.com/Arnold_2009_registration.htm or go to
"Competitions" under "Sanctioned Events" or click the
"Register for USBA/WBA Events" box on the home page.
There are 2 ways to register:
Online or By Mail. To expedite the process and make sure
we have all the correct information we would prefer if you
registered online using the form and secure payment
through "PayPal".
There are 66 available breaking divisions
in Creative, Power, Speed, and High Jump breaking. All
USBA/WBA members will earn the following points toward
year-end ratings: 1st place- 4 points, 2nd- 3, 3rd- 2.5,
Officials- 2. Please
contact the
USBA/WBA with any questions regarding this event. We
encourage all members to attend this event.
We will be recognizing the 2008 USBA/WBA
Competitors of the Year at the Arnold. They are:
Wesley Lewallen- Male Competitor of the
Year
Nancy Foster-Mills- Female Competitor
of the Year
Joseph Stewart- Junior Male Competitor
of the Year
Skylar Pagliuca- Junior Female
Competitor of the Year
Other
Upcoming Events
We continue to add events to the USBA/WBA
circuit as the become finalized. Currently the following
events are confirmed:
- USBA United States Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival,
Columbus, OH, USA - 3/6-3/8/2009
- USBA Pennsylvania State
Breaking Championships at Spectrum Health and
Racquet, Blakely, PA, USA - 4/18/2009
- USBA/WBA and ISKA North
American Breaking Championships at Sacred Heart
University, Fairfield, CT, USA - 6/6/2008
- USBA/WBA World Breaking
Championships at the US Open, Orlando, FL, USA -
7/3-7/4/2009
- USBA Northwest National
Breaking Championships, Kennewick, WA, USA -
8/21-8/22/2009
Information regarding these events and
others will be available soon. Check the USBA/WBA website
under "Sanctioned
Events" for updated information.
2/2009-
USBA Northwest National Breaking Championships
The first USBA/WBA event on the US West
Coast will be held in Washington State, August
21-22, 2009. 2008 Male Competitor of the Year
Wesley Lewallen is the promoter of the USBA
Northwest National Breaking Championships.
Although this is the first year for this event, there are
some big plans including prize money for BB men and women
and a "Breaking Grand Champion" division.
Complete information will follow soon.
The Arnold Sports Festival
The USBA United States Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Sports Festival, March 7,
2009, is 3 weeks away. Early registration prices end
February 20. This is the USBA/WBA's 6th year at the Arnold.
It is a great venue with so much to see and be a part of.
There are many other Martial Arts competitions,
demonstrations, and the Fitness Expo. For more information
and to register click the following link
http://usbawba.com/Arnold_2009_registration.htm or go to
"Competitions" under "Sanctioned Events" or click the
"Register for USBA/WBA Events" box on the home page.
There are 2 ways to register:
Online or By Mail. To expedite the process and make sure
we have all the correct information we would prefer if you
registered online using the form and secure payment
through "PayPal".
There are 66 available breaking divisions
in Creative, Power, Speed, and High Jump breaking. All
USBA/WBA members will earn the following points toward
year-end ratings: 1st place- 4 points, 2nd- 3, 3rd- 2.5,
Officials- 2. Please
contact the
USBA/WBA with any questions regarding this event. We
encourage all members to attend this event.
We will be recognizing the 2008 USBA/WBA
Competitors of the Year at the Arnold. They are:
Wesley Lewallen- Male Competitor of the
Year
Nancy Foster-Mills- Female Competitor
of the Year
Joseph Stewart- Junior Male Competitor
of the Year
Skylar Pagliuca- Junior Female
Competitor of the Year
Other Upcoming Events
We continue to add events to the USBA/WBA
circuit as the become finalized. Currently the following
events are confirmed:
- USBA United States Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival,
Columbus, OH, USA - 3/6-3/8/2009
- USBA Pennsylvania State
Breaking Championships at Spectrum Health and
Racquet, Blakely, PA, USA - 4/18/2009
- USBA/WBA and ISKA North
American Breaking Championships at Sacred Heart
University, Fairfield, CT, USA - 6/6/2008
- USBA/WBA World Breaking
Championships at the US Open, Orlando, FL, USA -
7/3-7/4/2009
- USBA Northwest National
Breaking Championships, Kennewick, WA, USA -
8/21-8/22/2009
Information regarding these events and
others will be available soon. Check the USBA/WBA website
under "Sanctioned
Events" for updated information.
2/2009- Arnold
is 4 weeks away!
Dear members and associates,
The Arnold Sports Festival
The
USBA United States Breaking Championships at the Arnold
Sports Festival, March 7, 2009, is 4 weeks away. Early
registration prices end February 20. This is the USBA/WBA's
6th year at the Arnold. It is a great venue with so much to
see and be a part of. There are many other Martial Arts
competitions, demonstrations, and the Fitness Expo. For more
information and to register click the following link
http://usbawba.com/Arnold_2009_registration.htm or go to
"Competitions" under "Sanctioned Events" or click the
"Register for USBA/WBA Events" box on the home page.
There are 2 ways to register:
Online or By Mail. To expedite the process and make sure
we have all the correct information we would prefer if you
registered online using the form and secure payment
through "PayPal".
There are 66 available breaking divisions
in Creative, Power, Speed, and High Jump breaking. All
USBA/WBA members will earn the following points toward
year-end ratings: 1st place- 4 points, 2nd- 3, 3rd- 2.5,
Officials- 2. Please
contact the
USBA/WBA with any questions regarding this event. We
encourage all members to attend this event.
We will be recognizing the 2008 USBA/WBA
Competitors of the Year at the Arnold. They are:
Wesley Lewallen- Male Competitor of the
Year
Nancy Foster-Mills- Female Competitor
of the Year
Joseph Stewart- Junior Male Competitor
of the Year
Skylar Pagliuca- Junior Female
Competitor of the Year
Other Upcoming Events
We continue to add events to the USBA/WBA
circuit as the become finalized. Currently the following
events are confirmed:
- USBA United States Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival,
Columbus, OH - 3/6-3/8/2009
- USBA Pennsylvania State
Breaking Championships at Spectrum Health and
Racquet, Blakely, PA - 4/18/2009
- USBA/WBA and ISKA North
American Breaking Championships at Sacred Heart
University, Fairfield, CT - 6/6/2008
- USBA/WBA World Breaking
Championships at the US Open, Orlando, FL -
7/3-7/4/2009
Information regarding these events and
others will be available soon. Check the USBA/WBA website
under "Sanctioned
Events" for updated information.
Hope to see you all at the Arnold!
1/2009-Registration for the USBA United States Breaking
Championships at the Arnold now open!
Registration for the USBA United States
Breaking Championships at the Arnold Sports Festival is now
open. Please click the following link
http://usbawba.com/Arnold_2009_registration.htm or go to
"Competitions" under "Sanctioned Events".
There are 2 ways to register:
Online or By Mail. To expedite the process and make sure we
have all the correct information we would prefer if you
registered online using the form and secure payment through
"PayPal".
10/2008-USBA/WBA Founders
to be featured on the Discovery Channel
Watch the show
above
10/2008-
Grandmaster Ralph Bergamo of Prospect, CT and Master Drew
Serrano of Waterbury, CT to be featured on Discovery Channel
October 15...When
the producers of the new
Discovery Channel series "Time Warp"were looking for the top Martial Arts Masters in the
World to be part of their premier episode, they turned to
World Martial Arts Champions Ralph Bergamo and Drew Serrano.
Over
the Summer, the duo were contacted by the producers of this
brand new series to display one of their unique Martial Arts'
abilities,
BREAKING! The segment was shot in Boston,
MA. Both Drew and Ralph are known around the World for their
expertise in generating tremendous power in their strikes and
focusing their inner energy, "CHI", enabling them to do what
most think is impossible. They are also the founders of the
United States and World Breaking Association, the largest
Martial Arts Breaking association in the World!
Drew was the main focus of
the episode that will first air on October 15,
2008 at 8pm (EST); the segment will also air
10/16 and 10/19. Surrounded by high-speed camera equipment,
the show captures every reaction of Drew's body as it crushes
concrete and withstands a closet pole to the stomach. Ralph is
captured exploding a coconut with his bare hand. The footage,
the first of its kind, is truly unbelievable! See for yourself
what happens in slow motion.
Ralph Bergamo is the owner
of Team Bergamo, Bergamo’s
Martial Arts of Naugatuck, Cheshire Martial Arts, and
Bergamo’s Personal Training and Wellness Center, located in
Cheshire, CT. Cheshire Martial Arts offers regular Martial
Arts classes weekly, as well as monthly seminars. The Personal
Training and Wellness Center is a semi-private training
facility focused on individual results. The Center also works
with sports teams to help bring out their full potential.
Drew Serrano is the owner
of
East Coast Training Systems (ECTS), a company specializing
in on-location training in the areas of Martial Arts,
Self-Defense, and Fitness. ECTS offers regular Martial Arts
classes at Charland Institute of Karate and Fitness in
Watertown, and at Gym Nation in Waterbury, CT. Strike-Fit™, an
original ECTS fitness program, is offered at Gym Nation,
Waterbury YMCA, and Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT.
Photo 1- Ralph Bergamo,
Time Warp host Jeff Lieberman, and Drew Serrano
3/2008- Breaking Video from Pacific Kicks
Check out Pacific Kicks
Breaking Team, Washington State. Video courtesy of
Nancy Foster-Mills.
USBA/WBA Seminar- Albany,
NY- Saturday, March 15, 2008
The USBA US Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival February
29- March 2, 2008- Columbus, OH-
http://www.arnoldmartialarts.com/
2008 Upcoming Events
USBA/WBA Seminar at Pil-Sung Martial
Arts- Albany, NY: Pil-Sung Martial Arts in Albany, NY, will
be hosting a Breaking Seminar presented by USBA/WBA
Co-Founder Ralph Bergamo and Regional Director Eric Sousa on
Saturday, March 15, 2008. The seminar will cover competitive
breaking for tournaments, types of strikes, multiple
stations, preparation and training. All participants will be
breaking boards. $40 per person. 2 sessions: 1-3pm for
Children, 3-5pm for Adults. To register call Master Adam
Grogin at 518-458-1011. For more information visit the Pil-Sung
Martial Arts website at
http://www.pil-sungmartialarts.com/home.htm
The USBA US Breaking Championships at
the Arnold Martial Arts Festival February 29- March 2, 2008-
Columbus, OH: The USBA United States Breaking Championships
at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival is fast approaching.
This will be the USBA/WBA's 4th year at the event! The
updated divisions and rules are posted. We are working on
materials acquisition and will have standard patios, boards,
and stands available. The materials request form is
attached. IMPORTANT: As many of you know we encourage promoters to
post a "Materials Request" form as part of every tournament
that is USBA/WBA sanctioned. This form is an important part
of bringing better organization to each event and keeping
material cost down. The majority of competitors have
utilized this process and have guarantied that their
materials will be present the day of the event. As the USBA/WBA
grows, we urge competitors to utilize this form and adhere
to the deadlines posted. The availability of materials for
those who do not pre-order will become less frequent,
therefore materials will be distributed first to those who
have pre-ordered.
The Arnold Martial Arts Festival is always a worthwhile
event to attend with non-stop action in a multitude of
disciplines. Competitors should also visit the Arnold
Fitness Expo and the various competitions and demonstrations
that will be going on throughout the weekend. The 2008
Arnold Sports Festival will celebrate the 20th Anniversary
of the Arnold Classic as well as the year of the Olympic
Games. They will also present competitions in 37 sports and
events that involve 17,000 athletes, three competitive
sites, and 12 Olympic sports. Please visit the event website
at http://www.arnoldmartialarts.com. There are 65 available breaking divisions in Creative,
Power, Speed, and High Jump breaking. All USBA/WBA members
will earn the following points toward year-end ratings: 1st
place- 4 points, 2nd- 3, 3rd- 2.5, Officials- 2.
Pre-registration is now open. Please contact the USBA/WBA
with any questions regarding this event. We encourage all
competitors to attend this event.
2008 upcoming events: These events
are confirmed so mark your calander, more info on each event
will follow.
The USBA/WBA and ISKA North
American Breaking Championships- June 7, 2008- CT-
Confirmed - Info to follow
The USBA New York State
Breaking Championships at The Northeast Open- July
11-12, 2008-http://www.northeastopen.com/
- Confirmed - Info to follow
The USBA US East Coast
Breaking Championships at The Twin Towers Classic-
September 5-6, 2008- NY, NY-
http://www.twintowerskarate.com/index.htm -
Confirmed - UPDATE: This event will be a combined USBA/WBA
and ISKA event. Prize money is being considered for some
of the USBA/WBA divisions
The USBA/WBA New England
Regional Breaking Championships (formerly The Mohegan
Sun National Karate Championships)- October 12 2008-
Uncasville, CT - http://www.koba-ryu.com/index.asp?i=1 -
Confirmed - UPDATE: This event is now a MMA and Breaking
only event. Breaking will be held during the day in the
Mohegan Sun Arena.
As the months progress we will keep you
updated on any additional events. If you are promoter and wish
to host a USBA/WBA Sanctioned event please contact Drew Serrano
at
DS_USBA-WBA@comcast.net or Ralph Bergamo at
kuntao4@aol.com .
Thank you for your continued support of
the USBA/WBA,
11/2007- USBA/WBA News
USBA/WBA News
Congratulations to the
2007 USBA/WBA Competitors of the Year
The USBA US Breaking
Championships at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival February
29- March 2, 2008- Columbus, OH-
http://www.arnoldmartialarts.com
2008 possible upcoming
events
2007 USBA/WBA
Competitors of the Year: With the end of the 2007
tournament year we are proud to announce the 2007 USBA/WBA
Competitors of the Year. They are:
Robert Raniolo- 2007 Male
Competitor of the Year
Karen Smith- 2007 Female
Competitor of the Year
Mario Bufalini, Jr.- 2007
Junior Male Competitor of the Year
Olivia Bufalini- 2007 Junior
Female Competitor of the Year
The above competitors have earned the
highest point totals for the 2007 calendar year. Please
congratulate them on their accomplishment. They will be
officially recognized at The USBA US Breaking Championships
at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival in February.
The USBA US
Breaking Championships at the Arnold Martial Arts Festival
February 29- March 2, 2008- Columbus, OH: The
USBA United States Breaking Championships at the Arnold
Martial Arts Festival is fast approaching. This will be the
USBA/WBA's 4th year at the event! The updated divisions and
rules are posted. We are working on materials acquisition
and will have standard patios, boards, and stands available.
IMPORTANT: As many of you know we encourage promoters to
post a "Materials Request" form as part of every tournament
that is USBA/WBA sanctioned. This form is an important part
of bringing better organization to each event and keeping
material cost down. The majority of competitors have
utilized this process and have guarantied that their
materials will be present the day of the event. As the USBA/WBA
grows, we urge competitors to utilize this form and adhere
to the deadlines posted. The availability of materials for
those who do not pre-order will become less frequent,
therefore materials will be distributed first to those who
have pre-ordered.
The Arnold Martial Arts Festival is always a worthwhile
event to attend with non-stop action in a multitude of
disciplines. Competitors should also visit the Arnold
Fitness Expo and the various competitions and demonstrations
that will be going on throughout the weekend. Please visit
the event website at
http://www.arnoldmartialarts.com/
There are 65 available breaking divisions in Creative,
Power, Speed, and High Jump breaking. All USBA/WBA members
will earn the following points toward year-end ratings: 1st
place- 4 points, 2nd- 3, 3rd- 2.5, Officials- 2.
Pre-registration is now open. Please contact the USBA/WBA
with any questions regarding this event. We encourage all
competitors to attend this event.
2008
tentative upcoming events: We are constantly
working to expand the USBA/WBA circuit, but dealings with
the promoters sometimes delay us posting the specifics of
these events on the site. We are currently in the process of
working on setting up the following events:
The North American Breaking
Championships- June 2008- CT- Date TBA
As the months progress we will keep
you updated on any additional events. If you are promoter
and wish to host a USBA/WBA Sanctioned event please contact
Drew Serrano at
DS_USBA-WBA@comcast.net or Ralph Bergamo at
kuntao4@aol.com .
7/2007- The USBA/WBA World Championships from Regional Director
Raphael Velez
On July 7, 2007, many of the
greatest breakers in the world traveled to the Coronado Springs
Resort in Orlando, Florida, right in the heart of Walt Disney
World. The Coronado is a luxurious resort of truly wondrous size
and splendor, and boasts what is surely one of the finest
tournament facilities to be found anywhere in the World. It was
here that these breakers from across the globe would compete at
the USBA/WBA World Championships, part of the World’s most
prestigious Martial Art’s competition, the US Open and ISKA World
Martial Arts Championships.
The USBA/WBA
World Breaking Championships are open to all ages, ranks, and
genders (the ISKA Breaking Divisions held on Saturday require
pre-approval by the ISKA Breaking Director Chris Lee and are for
Black Belts only). For Black Belts, Friday’s USBA/WBA Divisions
offer a chance to be seeded in the Saturday ISKA divisions
televised around the World on ESPN2. The USBA/WBA, founded by
Masters Ralph Bergamo and Drew Serrano, continues to work
closely with the ISKA.
The USBA/WBA World Championships started at around 10:30am,
Friday, July 6, 2007, with many breakers from around the globe
competing in the over 66 available USBA/WBA divisions.As always,
every time I come to this event you can feel the intensity in
the air. The event started with the 12 and under competing in
Creative Wood Divisions. It was obvious that these young kids
were well-prepared, executing breaks beyond what you would think
they were capable of. For the first time, and I am sure many of
the judges felt the same, we saw many young competitors in the
breaking division. These young competitors are breaking into a
sport that used to be dominated by Martial Artists 30 and over.
This spectacular event ended with many kids and adults taking
home trophies ranging up to six feet tall! I had a good laugh
when I saw a kid, no more than 4 feet tall, carrying his six
foot trophy back to his corner where his family was waiting. I
would also like to give recognition to all of the adults that
competed, as well as their families. They were very patient and
really showed how the sport has grown.
I
would like to commend the Black Belt judges, the timers and
scorekeepers, and family members, who kept all of the rings
running smoothly. Last but not least, I want to thank Master
Bergamo and Master Serrano for their support, honor, dignity,
and strength they have given to this sport!
Master Raphael L. Velez
Northeast United States Regional Director
United States Breaking Association/World Breaking Association
7/2007- Letter to editor of BB
Magazine concerning "Breaking" misrepresentation
To: Letters,
Black Belt Communications
Ref:
February 2006 article, “Myths and Misconceptions- 5 More Tall
Tales of the Martial Arts Debunked
Subject:
Breaking misconception misrepresented
I am a long
time reader of Black Belt magazine and have had varied opinions
of articles published, both positive and negative. Many articles
present the views and opinions of the author, and for this
reason I have never been compelled to write in support of or
against any article. Everyone is entitled to their own
viewpoint, even if it is not popular or supportable by facts.
The February
2006 issue of Black Belt featured an article titled “Myths and
Misconceptions- 5 More Tall Tales of the Martial Arts Debunked”.
It starts off simple enough with the myth of pushing the nose
bone into the brain. The author Jonathan Mayberry, who I am
personally not familiar with, seems to support his conclusion
with medical fact, common knowledge, and combative theories. His
conclusion holds true in light of the facts presented.
The second
supposed myth is that “Breaking Is an Important Test of Skill”.
It seems he is making an argument against the importance and
difficulty involved in breaking. I am sure Master Mayberry is a
great Martial Artist, he holds an eighth-degree Black Belt in
Jujutsu and a fifth in Hapkido, and an accomplished author, he
lays claim to over 700 articles and several books, but I believe
his take on breaking is a little off.
I am not sure
of his breaking credentials or his training in the “Art of
Breaking”, but I do believe that if you write an article that
claims to debunk myths, you should either be an expert or
consult someone who is. This article is presented in a way that
the “Myths” debunked are not the opinion of the author, but a
fact.
I am the
cofounder of the United States Breaking Association and World
Breaking Association, an association focusing on Competitive
Breaking and the “Art of Breaking”. I am also a coach for “Team
Bergamo”, the premier competitive breaking team in the World
today, featured on ESPN2, the Discovery Channel, and a variety
of other media outlets. I have been a practitioner of breaking
for over 20 years and have numerous Championships under my belt.
I would like to give Master Mayberry some insight into the
actual World of breaking, what is involved, and how it really is
an important test of skill.
First, his
claim that “breaks anyone can do prove almost nothing” is simply
not true. Breaking, used during testing in some styles, is an
important step toward individual progression. It not only builds
self-confidence by pushing the student to overcome a natural
fear associated with hitting boards or other objects, but also
requires the student to execute whatever technique used with
proper form and force. Even a seemingly simple break, such as
one board, requires proper focus and technique to break. I have
seen Adult Black Belts miss 1-inch board breaks.
To say that
anyone can break a board is not totally true; there are a lot of
variables involved. Most importantly, to do a break properly in
the eyes of an experienced breaker is entirely different than
simply breaking something. It is similar to styles that require
the execution of forms as a rank requirement. Anyone can do a
Form or Kata, only a properly trained student can execute it
properly. So, in fact, all breaks do prove something depending
on the person breaking and the person observing.
Master
Mayberry’s second statement, “a lot of breaking is faked, or at
least fudged, for the sake of entertainment” is simply offensive
to those of us who are true practitioners of the art, and is
generally misleading to the general public. This type of
generalized statement is the exact thing we at the USBA/WBA are
working to change. Every area of society is susceptible to those
that cheat the system and deceive the public. Martial Arts and
Breaking are no different, but this is not the “norm” as Master
Mayberry’s statement would insinuate. There are deceptive
instructors out there who make claims that are simply not true
to gain students or make others think they are something they
are not. Should we also condemn all of Martial Arts by saying,
“Martial Arts training is fake and its instructors are
deceptive”? Of course not!
Ninety-nine
percent of the breakers I have met and seen in competition are
among the most honorable and respectable individuals in all of
Martial Arts. Believe me, these great practitioners would find a
“faked break” against all they believe in. I cannot say enough
about the “Martial” way that a Breaking practitioner or
competitor projects, but it can definitely be seen at any USBA/WBA
event.
Master
Mayberry also makes the claim that spacers are a way of
“fudging” a break. The theory behind spacers is not that simple.
In certain instances spacers can help to increase the amount
broken, but it does not make the break any less difficult
because in most cases a spaced amount is larger than an
un-spaced amount of material. To say that 10 spaced boards is
easy because the top board breaks the next one and so on is just
not true. The force and mechanics behind the strike has to be
focused through the last board in order to execute a successful
break.
The size of
the spacers and the material being spaced has to also be taken
into account. In some instances a larger space between the
materials makes for a harder break. As the space increases, the
shock of the initial strike is not transferred as efficiently.
This means that the duration of the force behind the strike has
to be longer in order to break all the materials in a stack.
I would agree
that un-spaced materials, in general, are harder to break than
spaced materials. For the purpose of Power Breaking
competitions, spacers are used so that a definitive winner can
more easily be determined. It allows for more variation in
amounts that are broken.
Another area
that was not taken into account is material other than the
standard boards or concrete blocks. The technique, focus and
mechanics behind shin kicking a baseball bat, smashing a coconut
with a bare hand, poking a hole through a full can of soda with
a finger, having materials broken over parts of the body, and
numerous other breaking feats which can be witnessed at many
competitions can not be faked, and take years to perfect.
Lastly, Master
Mayberry never mentioned the most important part of successful
breaking, the focus of “Ki” or “Chi”. Some believe in this inner
energy and some do not. I can only offer my belief that it is
real and necessary, as many Breaking practitioners at the
highest levels are well aware. The focus of inner energy
protects the body and helps to project a strike through an
object. I have often been told by spectators that they could
feel the energy radiate from a practitioner during a series of
breaks. I believe that proper training in the Art of Breaking
teaches a practitioner to focus this inner energy. This energy
can then be used in other aspects of Martial Arts training and
in life outside the dojo.
In summary, I
hope that future authors of articles submitted to your magazine
take into account all your readers, both experienced and
inexperienced in the Martial Arts. Everyone is entitled to his
or her own opinion, but it should be presented as such. Articles
with partial and wrong information presented as fact can damage
all we have worked for in the Martial Arts community as a whole.
There are experts in every area, and if an author wants to
maintain the honor and respect that we as Martial Artists
profess it is important that subject matter is explored before
presented as fact.
Master Drew Serrano
Co-founder of the USBA/WBA
Waterbury, CT
7/2007- USBA/WBA Regional Director and Competitor of the Year
featured in article
He harnesses mystical energy to perform 'amazing'
feats
Elton Trower has studied with the Shaolin monks and
is a member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
STEPHEN M. KATZ PHOTOS | THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
In
search of Eastern Enlightenment of the most mystical kind, we
head as far east as one can travel - in Virginia. Across the
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and up Route 13 we go, seeking a
Grandmaster who calls himself a monk and whom others have called
a magician.
The pilgrimage
takes us past farm fields and fireworks stands, through
one-stoplight settlements to Melfa, a speck of a town where the
Grandmaster holds forth in his dojo.
You might have
seen him on the Discovery Channel or ESPN, performing martial
arts feats that have rendered commentators nearly speechless.
"I can't even
wrap my brain around how he does it," said Mike Sawyer, co-owner
of the International Sport Karate Association. "It's amazing."
Grandmaster
Elton Trower welcomes you to his dojo and smiles. It is not
magic, he says. The things he does can be explained. The power
he harnesses flows from within. We've all got it, he will tell
you, if we only believe.
Trower stands
about 5-foot-4 and weighs 185 pounds, with arms like steel
cables, hands like talons and fingers blunted to near-identical
length by decades of striking through wood and concrete. He
appears to be about 60, but ask him his age and he'll tell you
that when people are asked that question in Japan, they'll
change the subject.
So he changes
it.
Within minutes,
he has told you that he is widely known in Japan, where he
studied with the Shaolin monks, that he's in the World Martial
Arts Hall of Fame; that he is a master of the moves known as the
Iron Palm, The Poison Fingers and the "Dim Mak" - or Death
Touch.
World creative breaking champion Karen Smith and her
teacher Grandmaster Elton Trower demonstrate one of
the breaks typical to her routine at the Karate
Warriors Dojo/Gym in Melfa on Wednesday.
He can stop
your heart with a tap, he says. Knowing that, it makes you a
little nervous when Trower takes your hand and offers to
demonstrate a technique. Not to worry; he's merely massaging
your heart, liver and kidneys - through your palm.
"Your hand is
going to get very sensitive," he says. And it does, or at least
you think it does. But is that just because you want to believe
it will?
Trower, who
quotes the Shaolins and the Bible with equal facility, cites
Proverbs: "Whatever a man thinks in his heart, so is he."
Trower is
testament to that philosophy. Born in Jamaica and raised in Cape
Charles, he took up martial arts 35 years ago. He runs a studio,
his "Temple of Shaolin Chi Power," where he teaches Shorin-Ryu
Karate, Tai Chi and meditation therapy. He supplements his
income by pouring concrete driveways.
He has
competed all over the world. On Saturday, he and his star pupil,
Karen Smith, a 45-year-old nurse at Shore Memorial Hospital,
will vie for world titles at the ISKA World Breaking
Championships in Orlando, Fla.
Smith, who
took up martial arts just five years ago, won the world title
last year. Trower finished second, partly because the judges
didn't know quite what to make of his unique breaks.
"He does stuff
the other guys can't do," Sawyer said. "And he does stuff the
other guys won't even try."
Trower holds
his index finger an inch from a soda can and drives it cleanly
through the aluminum, without rearing back and without denting
the can. He breaks a board with a fingertip strike from less
than an inch away.
That missing
men's room door in Trower's dojo? He removed it from its hinges,
took it to Florida and thrust his fingers clean through it
during a competition.
Physics 101
tells us force is mass times acceleration. Trower's gift is that
he's able to accelerate, 0 to 60 mph, in a very short distance.
It's something martial arts legend Bruce Lee was also able to
do.
"Everybody has
this energy," Trower said. "They just don't know how to produce
it."
Trower is a
believer in the power of chi, the Chinese word for the life
force or energy, that he believes is in all living things. By
harnessing that power, he's able to perform breaks few others in
the world can do.
The concept of
focused energy is familiar to anyone with a rudimentary
knowledge of martial arts. It's why even grandmothers can break
boards. Trower has taken it to extreme levels, rarely attained.
"It's not
nearly as mystical as it sounds," Sawyer said. "It involves
contracting all your muscular strength and tension and focusing
it on one point in your body.
"Your body
becomes like a piece of rigid steel. You become the irresistible
force against the immovable object. Over time, you get where
your mind can coordinate all these physical movements at once.
But you really have to believe you can do it."
The belief
part is where Trower excels. It has been built in three decades
of training. Some of the training is physical - toughening his
hands to the point where his fingers can go through a door or
his feet to the point where Smith can smash cinder blocks on his
toes - but most of it is mental.
Karen Smith teaches martial arts to Tevion Morake,
8, (left) and Daiqwain Walker, 9, at Elton Trower's
Karate Warriors Dojo/Gym in Melfa.
The mental
side is what Smith is working on now. She has begun doing some
chi breaks of her own. Last week, she and Trower were planning
the breaks they will do in Orlando, looking for something unique
to catch the eyes of the judges. She plans to stand on a bed of
nails while Trower breaks concrete slabs against her abdomen.
She'll also put her forearm between two slabs, which Trower will
break with a sledgehammer.
She'll also
let Trower break two boards over her head - first in front, then
in back. She offered to demonstrate last week, stepping barefoot
onto the bed of nails.
For someone
about to be whacked in the head with a board, Smith looked
remarkably calm as Trower wound up. He swung like Barry Bonds
aiming for the fences and the board cleaved cleanly across
Smith's skull.
Smith stepped
down, unhurt.
"If you think
it's going to hurt you," Trower said, "it's going to hurt you."
If you refuse
to believe you can be hurt by a mere board, if you believe the
mind is all powerful and can be honed to the point where your
body can withstand anything, if your powers of focus and
discipline and concentration are near-otherworldly, through many
years you become Grandmaster Elton Trower, dispenser of wisdom,
trainer of movie stars - Wesley Snipes is a student - and the
Eastern Shore's own force of nature.
"I go through
Coke cans. I go through doors. I go through anything," Trower
says.
Who are we to
tell him otherwise?
6/2007- USBA New York State Breaking Championships, post event
USBA New York State Breaking Championships
Hosted by the North East Open
On
July 6th, Mr. Alan Stekloff of Bergamo’s Martial
Arts, Ct, and I traveled to the Marriot Hotel in AlbanyNew York.
There we would represent the United States Breaking Association
at the Northeast Open promoted by Master Adam Grogin on July 7th.
As soon as we
arrived we knew that this would be a great event. We were a day
early and Master Grogin and his students and volunteers were
already busy setting up for the event. When we told Master
Grogin of the tasks that we needed to accomplish prior to the
event starting, he informed us that he had already had the tasks
completed!!! Nothing makes an event run smoother than prior
planning and Master Grogin is one of the best at this that I
have ever seen!!
We began the
event on July 7th with the 12 and under creative wood
divisions and it was evident that even the little guys had been
prepared well. We immediately saw intensity and creativity that
would carry these young competitors a long way in the world of
breaking. Kudos to all of their Instructors!! As the day went on
we saw many talented martial artists step up to the plate and
accomplish things that they had never tried before and the
contagiousness was evident.
The day ended with the adult power concrete being watched by
every eye in the large ballroom. This competition revealed some
serious up and coming competitors in the breaking world. We
watched hand strikes through four and five patio blocks and an
elbow through six. As this was there first time doing this type
of breaking, we were greatly impressed. Many of the competitors
could not conceal there excitement and had many questions about
breaking leaving us to believe they are in it for good!
Congratulations to Master Grogin on a great event, we can’t wait
to come back next year!!!
Eric Sousa
Northeast United
States Regional Director
United States
Breaking Association/World Breaking Association
6/2007- WBA Alberta Canada Breaking Championships, post event
WBA Alberta Breaking Championships at the Canadian National Tang
Soo Do Championships.
On
June 9th and 10th I had the honor of being
in CalgaryAlberta as the regional director for Canada.
Representing the World Breaking Association at the annual
Canadian National Tang Soo Do Championships and the Western
Canadian Breaking Championships.
The event was
held at the Quality hotel just outside of Beautiful downtown
Calgary. Day 1 proved to be an exciting day as I saw competitors
from not only Tang Soo discipline but also the local Kung Fu
schools as well. With competitors aging from 5 to 50 this event
was not only a very well run event but also a challenging event
as all of the competitors were there to shine in what ever event
they were in.
Sunday June 9,
2007 was the day of mass destruction in Calgary as I watched as
all the competitors placed there material in every corner of the
banquet hall.
The day saw 20
divisions run very smoothly and had an impressive line up of
breakers. For the first tournament held as a sanctioned event
thru promoter MasterCarlTate I must congratulate him on his
efforts and knowledge in this area.
The breaking
Championships saw 25 competitors line up to smash there way thru
concrete, Wood and bricks to impress not only myself but the
patrons watching the event.
The day started
off with the Creative divisions that prove that the Martial
Artists of CalgaryCanada have very creative minds when it comes
to breaking. I witnessed everything from speed breaks to
simultaneous breaks that brought the degree of difficulty to a
new level. One break was done while the competitor was standing
on his head. While others showed off the talents of 360 degree
kicks to secure a place in the seedlings.
In the open
creative division I saw some new ideas along with some
entertaining ideas as well. From ripping a set of Yellow Pages
in half to breaking Concrete will having a raw egg in the palm.
The other
Division that MasterTate held was the Little Tigers. This was a
crowd pleaser all around as we saw young men and young Ladies
smash thru boards with as much if not more emotion than the
adult divisions. My hats off to the little tigers that gave it
there all and came out and attempted to break boards. This
speaks volumes, as they are the future of not only breaking, but
the Martial Arts.
As a promoter
MasterCarlTate is a very organized and humble man that has
dedicated his life to the promotion of the Martial Arts. It is
not hard to see the type of instructor he is thru his students
as every one of the students I met and dealt with were very
polite and also very well trained. If master Tate’s tournament
is any indication of the calibre of breaking that will be coming
out of Canada then I would say that we are on the right track
with the vision that the World Breaking Association has in
Global competition. As the Regional Director for Canada I look
forward to working with MasterTate and his very talented
students again in the near future.
Congratulations
MasterTate on a job well done and a tournament that was run as
smooth as any tournament I have been at in the 30 years that I
have studied Martial Arts.
Whether
you competed at the Pennsylvania State Breaking Championships or not
you can see all the action. John Zadzura of Pennsylvania caught many
of the competitors on video and has put them together on DVD.
We
would like to congratulate USBA/WBA Member Gary Reho. On
Wed, April 15, 2009, Gary broke 126- 10X12X1" boards in 10 seconds,
with time to spare, setting a new USBA/WBA World Record. The record
was set in front of an audience of hundreds who came out to witness
a breaking demonstration and the World Record. Gary dedicated the
record to Lisa Moray, collecting pledges and donations for each
board broken that will go to the Lisa Moray Scholarship Fund. Lisa
Moray was a Sacred Heart student who passed away as a result of
being a passenger in a car accident.
The
main focus of the May 2009 issue of Tae Kwon Do Times was Martial Arts
Breaking, and Ralph Bergamo and Drew Serrano were asked for their input on the subject.
Along
with Grandmaster Hee IL Cho, the two originators of the USBA/WBA are
considered true experts in the World of Breaking. Ralph and Drew were interviewed
by the magazine to give their views and experiences concerning breaking.
Click the following links to view the story...
Master
Adam Grogin, promoter of the Northeast Open and USBA NY
State Breaking Championships, was the recipient of the Albany,
New York Ambassador Award for his part in bringing diversity
and recognition to the Albany region. We congratulate Master
Grogin on his accomplishment and encourage others to follow
his lead in community activity and leadership! For the
complete story go to
We
have just confirmed the return of the
New York State Breaking Championships at the
Northeast Open in Albany, NY- July 11, 2009.
The Northeast Open is in it's 3rd year and the USBA/WBA has
been there since the beginning. This event has been touted
by competitors and school owners as one of the best run
events they have ever seen. Adam Grogin and his group do a
great job at keeping everything running smoothly. The
Northeast Open offers divisions in forms, weapons,
self-defense and of course breaking. More information will
be forthcoming. Check out last year's website at
IMPORTANT:
If you are bringing any creative materials, stands or other
props you must bring them in through the regular entrance of
the event.
DO NOT
BRING ITEMS TO THE LOADING DOCK!
You will
be charged if you bring items to the loading dock, this is
the Arnold policy not ours. Please bring all items through
the general entrance. If you have any questions please
contact us.
Grandmaster
Elton Trower, USBA/WBA Regional Director for Virginia, was
recently featured on
10/2008-
Grandmaster Ralph Bergamo of Prospect, CT and Master Drew
Serrano of Waterbury, CT to be featured on Discovery Channel
October 15...
Over
the Summer, the duo were contacted by the producers of this
brand new series to display one of their unique Martial Arts'
abilities, 
