Sensei Boggs, I'd like to get this in your local Charleston newspaper, but I don't know who to send it to, or how. I think something such as this needs to be brought to the attention of your local legislators.

 

On March 16, 2006 a caravan of several cars bearing WV license plates traveled the WV Turnpike and exited at Exit 73 in Wytheville, VA.  Each vehicle carried a multiple of passengers, from babies to senior citizens.

 

These travelers, along with others from North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and as far away as New York, checked into various motels close to Exit 73. For two days, restaurants had folks standing in line to eat. Hotels were filled to capacity. These visitors were there to attend a local open martial arts tournament, with over 130 male and female competitors ranging in ages from 5 years to mid 50s, all of whom escaped without injury. The event was held at a local high school where the basketball gymnasium was filled with screaming fans.

 

What I find amazing is that while the state of Virginia benefited from the many visitors who rented motel rooms and ate at least 6 meals each, the state of WV received only the tolls for those cars traveling the WV turnpike, a measly $7.50 per car because this type of tournament is not permitted in West Virginia.  Upon checking with tournament officials, I learned there would be additional tournaments, held monthly or bimonthly, in other states all over the United States.

 

When are your state and/or local politicians going to wake up and allow this type of competition in your state? Why is West Virginia the only state in the union that disallows this type of tournament?  It is safe, it keeps kids off the streets, and it brings travelers and revenue to an impoverished state.

 

A Florida Fan of Mixed Martial Arts