The IMAC World ChampionshipTournament took place at the Orleans Hotel in the hot Nevada dessert in Las Vegas.

27^th June and the first person to welcome me is Kaichos personal friend “Judo” Gene LeBell aka “World Strongest Man”. Sensei Gene was very happy for the greetings from Kaicho Bluming and immediately asked me if I would accept his help in my Corner – and YES I would. So the IBK stood strong and I stood with one of the best coaches to have ever walked the face of the earth.

After the sign-in the Grappling tournament started from the morning. In my first match I had a strong US Marine in front of me but Sensei Gene and years of training behind me – no way I could loose this match!!! After only 3 minutes and great lead by points I could win the match with an Ude-Garami. Sensei Gene was happy but at once corrected some mistakes as preparation for my next match in the 6 by 6 meter large fighting-ring.

After 3-4 Minutes in the final I was giving up a backmount simply to grab my opponent from the side with a “cross-face figure-four” grip that dislocated his jaw . The gold was won …… and half of my mission was completed!!

Sunday Morning I was back on the Tatami and more ready than ever (age don’t count when you are inn for some real fun).

Today it was ready for some MMA – The first fight was an almost an easy run as I slammed the opponent against the ring corner and followed with some “light” ground and pound. Hereafter dominating from the side position and finishing off with a straight arm bar.

The Final was a little longer - as I dominated the fight and though gaining many points was not able to finish my opponent before the end of the fight. Result was total dominance and 3 point unanimous referee decision and all 5 referees appointing Tom “Taiyo” Madsen as the fairest fighter in the tournament. GREAT….. 2 Championships in one weekend!

What a great tournament for the IBK and for me and the next days I spend in Los Angeles in the Hayastan Dojo of Sensei Gene and Sensei Gokor as well as in the Dojo of Shihan Mihran Aghvivian who supported me with a place to sleep and his general support. Great to have such friends!!

Thanks to everybody who helped and supported me and great to be part of the IBK –“ show up on the other side of the Globe and our family is also there to welcome us”!!

Osu,

Tom “Taiyo” Madsen 5^th Dan IBK.