By CHAD HOLCOMB
Valley Press Staff Writer
Now, everyone at Saturday's Dragon Force Nationals, an open karate tournament held at Highland High School, knows the 35year-old pending lawyer pretty well, too.
Moffatt, a former Iowa State University wrestler competing in his first Dragon Force Nationals, dominated the adult grappling competition, winning three matches to walk away with a first-place plaque and ribbon for his weight class as well as grappling's Grand Champion trophy.
"I haven't always been strong, but what has helped me is knowing all about leverage and balance," said Moffatt, who was one of hundreds competing in weapons, kata, grappling and sparring competitions at the annual event. "You need that for this."
Moffatt's touch with the Valley runs in an array of activities. He runs a para-legal service, is CEO of Miracle Star, a women's shelter, is an assistant wrestling coach for Desert High and plays for the Antelope Valley Blackbirds, a semipro football team.
Even though wrestling is his first love, Moffatt enjoys the workout, the competition, but most importantly the focus he gains from the martial arts tournaments he enters.
"I do this to keep in shape," Moffatt said. "There is the self-defense component to it, but there's the mental aspect that keeps me focused. Right now, my focus is to give back to the community."
Moffatt, who has lived in the Valley for 12 years, trains at AV Judo Club.
"What's important with these tournaments is all theses kids are learning discipline," Moffatt said. "It benefits them more if they stay (in martial arts) more than a few years. The longer the better."
Family affair
Leonard Jackson couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with his daughters, all competing at a martial arts tournament.
Jackson, 45, traveled from Los Angeles with his two daughters, Jessica and Michelle, to compete in the event. It's time well spent together, according to Johnson.
"This is great, because we get to spend some time together competing," Jackson said. "This is our first time at this (tournament). So far, so
good."