Grandmaster Jerry Fast Feet Fontanez reflects on his decades-long career in sport karate, the challenges faced by veteran competitors, and his initiative to create the U Man OG Pro League. He emphasizes respect for martial arts pioneers, the need for professional and fair tournaments, and the importance of trained officials. His mission is to honor past legends while fostering a competitive environment for older athletes.
Grandmaster Jerry Fast Feet Fontanez, a legendary figure in the world of sport karate, opens up about his extensive career, the challenges faced by veteran martial artists, and his efforts to revolutionize the competitive landscape for older athletes. Known affectionately as the "U Man," Fontanez has been a prominent competitor since 1982 and continues to inspire through his dedication and innovation.
Jerry Fontanez began fighting Black Belts in 1982 and won his first grand championship in 1983 at the young age of 17. Over the years, he has accumulated numerous titles, with his most recent grand championship victory occurring in May of the current year. His longevity and success in the sport are a testament to his skill, discipline, and passion.
Despite the abundance of tournaments and promoters, Fontanez noticed a troubling trend: many competitors aged 30 and above were either not participating or not given adequate opportunities to compete meaningfully. This created a catch-22 situation where older athletes wanted to compete but found limited chances to do so effectively.
He also observed a lack of recognition and respect for the pioneers and legends of the sport. Many of these veterans, who had contributed significantly to martial arts, were overlooked or forgotten in favor of younger competitors, especially children under Black Belt categories. This disregard for the sport's history and its foundational figures was disheartening.
Motivated by these observations, Fontanez conceived the idea of creating a tournament dedicated initially to the 40-plus age group, later expanding it to include the 30-plus market. With only three months to organize, he secured the L Pack Center in the Bronx and began promoting the event on Facebook.
His goal was to establish a professional league where older competitors could compete with respect and receive proper recognition. The league, initially called the U Man OG League, evolved into the U Man OG Pro League, emphasizing professionalism and the inclusion of paid competitors.
Fontanez is committed to ensuring that the league operates with integrity. He is actively seeking sponsors and individuals interested in becoming educated officials and judges. Recognizing that judges are often the most abused and underappreciated participants in tournaments, he plans to conduct training sessions via Zoom to certify referees and judges, ensuring they are well-informed and capable of making fair decisions.
He stresses the importance of separating the roles of competitors and officials to maintain fairness and professionalism in the sport.
While Fontanez acknowledges the importance of recognizing past legends, he emphasizes that true impact comes from present actions. He aims to lead by example, continuing to compete and promote the sport actively.
He encourages older athletes, even those in their 70s, to stay active and engaged in martial arts, highlighting that the U Man OG Pro League offers a platform that respects and values their contributions.
Fontanez candidly discusses the challenges faced, including the lack of grand championship prize money in some tournaments, which discouraged him from competing against younger fighters without proper incentives.
His vision is to create a sustainable, respected league that not only honors the legacy of martial arts but also provides a competitive and rewarding environment for veteran athletes.
Grandmaster Jerry Fast Feet Fontanez's journey reflects a deep love for martial arts and a commitment to fostering respect, fairness, and opportunity within the sport. Through the U Man OG Pro League, he is paving the way for older competitors to continue showcasing their skills and passion while ensuring that the sport's history and pioneers receive the recognition they deserve.
His initiative serves as an inspiring example of leadership, dedication, and the enduring spirit of martial arts.
