By Mark Huard
WINSLOW — Nathaniel Lombardi, a long-time student of Huard’s Martial Art, captured the overall Men’s Fighting Grand Championships crown at the Friendship Tournament in Gorham on June 18.
Lombardi, 26, of Winslow, also finished fourth in the weapons divisions for ages 18-29 and third in the kata competition.
Lombardi has achieved a third degree black belt in karate and jujitsu, and is no stranger to the competition scene, including as a veteran member of the Huards Sport Karate Team. He has travelled throughout Maine and New England competing in weapons forms, open hand forms and fighting.
The Friendship Tournament was only the third tournament Lombardi has attended since the pandemic began, which ended the tournament seasons for two years. Local tournaments depend upon volunteer black belts to judge and guide the under belts, and Lombardi did his part by sitting as a corner judge before his own competition.
In the kumite competition – point fighting – the goal is to score 5 points first by landing a kick or a punch on an opponent to specific areas (light contact to the face, side of the head, chest, stomach and sides). Lombardi said that before the event, he visualized throwing and landing his kicks and punches. This is a technique that helps attain focus and grounds competitors.
The division was filled with many men who focus solely on this style of fighting and are extremely fast and agile. Lombardi knew that he needed to bring his A game and win the division in order to have the opportunity to compete in the Grands. He had several fights in the 18-29 division, and managed to capture first in a couple of back and forth battles.
He went on to compete with older age divisions to capture the overall Men’s Fighting Grand Championships. He fought many veteran fighters who have competed for years, and have many tricks of the trade that they used against the younger Lombardi. He displayed his stamina and athleticism throughout the rounds to come out victorious. Lombardi works out consistently in the dojo and additionally in the gym to always stay competition ready.
Lombardi credits his instructors and training partners at Huard’s Martial Arts for his successes and was pleased to demonstrate his skill sets to be a role model for the next generation of martial artists. He is also a first responder who works for Delta Ambulance as an emergency medical technician.
He works long hours and stills finds the time to devote to his training. Those that know Lombardi credit his discipline, integrity and commitment to himself and his team.
