Grand Master Lee's Tournament: Battle on the Beach 2010

Grand Master Lee is the highest belt rank in the ATA organization and hosts his own tournament every year in Panama City, FL: The Battle on the Beach. Given that this will be the last year he hosts this tournament before retirement, Mason and I wanted to check it out.

It's not difficult to find Grand Master Lee in a packed house – just follow the masses of people. Mason and his friend, Solomon, were two of the lucky ones that were able to get their belts signed before they were called to their rings for competition.

Mason was able to get some practice time in beforehand after spotting an empty ring. His form looked as good as it ever has. Look at that middle stance!

Mason placed 2nd in forms and 2nd in sparring! We'll be using those medals for dinner plates.

Grand Master Lee set up shop in the hallway to give autographs and take photos with the competitors. He's incredibly gracious and signed anything you put in front of him. The next Grand Master has some pretty big shoes to fill.

Who says taekwondo is just a bunch of kids hitting and kicking? I couldn't think of a better place to hold a tournament or a better organization to be a part of.