Don Rodrigues Karate to host 35th annual Ocean State Grand Nationals

Matt Metcalf, Sports Editor
Posted 4/7/15

Don Rodrigues’ Karate Academy will host the 35th annual Ocean State Grand Nationals at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick this weekend.

Over the years, Rodrigues has hosted the event at a number of …

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Don Rodrigues Karate to host 35th annual Ocean State Grand Nationals

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Don Rodrigues’ Karate Academy will host the 35th annual Ocean State Grand Nationals at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick this weekend.

Over the years, Rodrigues has hosted the event at a number of different venues, starting out at Warwick Vets in 1981. Since then, the Grand Nationals has been featured at the West Warwick Civic Center, Rocky Point Palladium and the Providence Convention Center, where it was held for 10 years.

But the Grand Nationals found a new home at the Crowne Plaza, which worked out well for Rodrigues, who wanted to keep the event present in Warwick.

They rent out all of the ballrooms and have a three-day tournament that is set for April 10, 11 and 12.

The three-day event makes for a long weekend, but Rodrigues says it’s much better than the one-day format that they used to use. And, those who come to compete, have enjoyed the venue of the Crowne Plaza.

“The competitors seem to like it because they can stay in the hotel,” Rodrigues said. “It’s much better than staying at a hotel then having to bus everyone somewhere else for the competition. As far as the economy goes, people are sleeping here, eating here and being entertained here, so it’s good for the city. We bring the best talent in the world to Warwick.”

In-particular, Rodrigues’ Paul Mitchell team, which is sponsored by Paul Mitchell hair products, will compete at the event. Rodrigues claimed that his team possesses some of the best fighters in the world, with two impressive fighters from Budapest, Hungary on the team.

In addition to featuring some of the best in the sport from around the world, Rodrigues has also set up appearances from two Martial Arts legends – Kevin Thompson and Pat Johnson.

Johnson is well-known for his fight choreography and stunt coordination in some big time martial arts movies.

Thompson, on the other hand, was one of the best fighters around, but was unfortunately diagnosed with ALS three years ago.

Last year, Rodrigues raised enough money at the event to buy Thompson, who is now in a wheelchair, an all-accessible van for his use.

This year, Rodrigues hopes to do something special for Thompson once again.

He hopes to raise more money so that Thompson can make his house handicap accessible, but also wants to do something else.

Rodrigues will look to spark an ALS awareness action among karate schools around the country – something well-known like the ice bucket challenge that swept the country in recent months.

He’s hoping to spark a board-breaking challenge. At the nighttime show, Rodrigues will kick off the challenge with Thompson breaking the first board. From there, he’s hoping that it will catch on through the internet.

That’s just a couple of things going on in addition to the great competition that will be on display this weekend – with divisions ranging from ages 3-70.

Competitors will represent 20 states across the country, as well as other various countries such as Hungary, Venezuela and Canada.

Rodrigues believed that more would commit to compete last minute, in addition to the wide field that has already pledged to partake.

“The talent level at this tournament is really something,” Rodrigues said.

Anyone interested in purchasing tickets can contact the Don Rodrigues Karate Academy at 401-737-2809.

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