On August 17th, 2013, the LAFD Grappling Team once again competed in a Badgefights Charity event. This time it was against a tough and ready Huntington Beach Police Department team.
The event took place in Anaheim at the Phoenix Club in front of more than 1,000 screaming fans that came to support their favorite team. The National Anthem and Amazing Grace were performed by Alexis Hall, accompanied by Lauren Womack on the guitar. After a moment of silence given for those that have gone before us, a Warrior Ethos speech was delivered by Roy Burns (Retired USMC, LA County Sheriff Dept) getting the crowd ready for the night’s exciting match ups.
The rules are easy – two warriors enter the cage and battle for points or a submission to stop the match. Just two rounds, three minutes each. At the weigh-ins earlier in the afternoon, all competitors are given the specific rules as to which moves and holds are legal or not. The idea is to raise money for charities of fallen Police, Fire and Military Families, compete fairly and go back to work the next day.
The first match of LAFD vs HBPD had Benjamin Sample submitting his opponent in the second round. LAFD’s Ellery Beltran defeated his opponent in the next match up. Next Joe Mendoza and Terry Tuzzolino, both from LAFD, had intense matches but were unfortunately defeated.
The Main Event (and deciding match) was Michael Caro (LAFD) vs Mark Wershing (HBPD). Both grapplers had agreed on a catch weight of 205 lbs. At the weigh-in, the HBPD grappler was 215 lbs! Caro was a feisty 195 lbs. Caro was given a few points before the match started as a penalty for the opponent coming in over weight. During the second round the HBPD grappler was injured and unable to continue. Going to the score cards for the decision, Caro was declared the winner as he had scored more points by a takedown and near submission in the first round. That win gave the LAFD team the victory over the Huntington Beach cops. There are already rumors of a rematch . . .
The next match up had Santa Ana PD vs Orange County Fire Authority. All were great battles with the ultimate victors being the charities. That evening OCFA was victorious over SAPD.
Badge Fights is a charity grappling league with more than 65 teams from across the country. If you are interested in forming a team or having an event for your charity contact:
Michael Caro at michaeldcaro@gmail.com
Check out Badgefights.com for upcoming events
By Michael D. Caro
