Sat., Nov 7 2009, David Chin's Meditation and Training Center, Eastover, NC, USA: In a stunning victory, Henry Gardiner retains the Blaze Cup, defeating a creative Mike Nelson in the best of five fall final match. Gardiner won the annual push hands competition with his fajing technique, besting a field of 13 in a single elimination format.
Grandmaster David Chin and Sifu Chris Heintzman presided with honored guests. Sifu Russell Therrien officiated, with vigorous assistance from the crowd. Former cupholders Charles 'Blaze' Marino and George Pauly competed but did not advance to the final rounds.
Gardiner is a student in Sifu Carlan Steward's martial arts school in Sacramento, CA.
The ISOYA push hands competition was first contested in 2006. It is now an annual event held in conjunction with the ISOYA Fall Intensive.
