RAPID CITY- Saturday's 2008 Martial Arts Open kicked off a new season, with a twist for devotes of the ancient arts of defense and self-discipline.

Martial arts tournaments are nothing new to the area, but added this year is a points system for a three-event series hosted by Dynamic Martial Arts of Rapid City. Competitors accrue points according to their finishes in each of the three events, with Youth, Teen and Adult participants with the most

points receiving a "competitor of the year" award.

"We wanted to add a little more value to each tournament to keep people coming back and maintain the interest," said event director Josh Usera.

Saturday's event saw about 100 competitors showing off their skills at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

"It was a good turnout," said Usera. "We knew we would be down a little bit because of the Easter weekend, but it was still a good day for us."

In sparring, Justin Nelson of Rapid City Taekwondo put on an exhibition in winning the men's

black belt grand championship.

Nelson used his quickness and national level experience to defeat Shawn Kistler in the final.

"I just try to stay relaxed, and look for the openings," said Nelson.

Jason Lind of Rapid City won the Men's Under Black Belt title, and Stephen Black won the teen boys championship.

A mother-daughter team from Piedmont took home grand champion trophies.

Melanie Horst out-pointed Hayley Friedt for the Teen girls championship, and mom Anne Horst had to battle back from an early deficit to down Toni Johnson of Lead for the combined 18-35 and 35-above womens' title.

"It was very close. She's very good. I was down and had to come back," said Anne Horst, representing Rapid City Taekwondo.

Grand champions winners in grappling included Sara Hamilton (girls), Haley Derr (boys) and Ives Chinea (mens).

No-Gi grappling champions were Rachel Cox (girls) Kyle Barbula (boys) and Mike DeWandeler (mens).

Overall winners of the Forms division, a solo demonstration of skills, included Teale Dodd (youth), D.J. Hayden (teen), Travis Glace (adult).

Remaining events in the series include a Summer Slam set for July 12 and the series will end with the Martial Arts Championships on Nov. 22, also at the civic center.