The thump of fists on flesh mixed with shrill shouts at Cascade Middle School on Saturday, at the first-ever United States Karate Alliance Oregon State Martial Arts Championships.

Mark Colgan, organizer of the event and owner of Victory Martial Arts in Bend, said the USKA didn’t have much of a presence in the state when he moved up from California a little over three years ago. He took it upon himself to create a foothold for the country’s oldest karate organization, an effort that culminated with Saturday’s tournament.

“I’m hoping we made a good impression, because this is not only the first state tournament, it’s also going to be the first annual,” he said.

Karra Colgan, Mark Colgan’s wife and co-owner of the karate school, said Saturday’s tournament drew roughly 120 competitors from all corners of the state, from 4 years old up to 67.

Entrants faced off in three different events — forms, a series of choreographed moves performed solo; weapons, a similar event performed with a staff or other weapon; and one-on-one sparring.

Dan Bluhm, owner of Quantum Martial Arts in Eagle Point performed a frenzied weapons routine, swinging and chopping away at the air with 12-pound battle ax.

Bluhm said he had to modify his performance on the fly when he realized spectators were sitting a little too near the path of his ax swings.

“You want to have a fun environment, instead of being the big, ugly Viking that kills some kid,” Bluhm said.

Evan Case, 11, from Trail, won medals in each of the three categories, including first place in sparring. A karate student for the last 3 1/2 years, Evan said he wasn’t interested in competing when he was first introduced to the sport.

“I got into it because I needed self-defense, because there are a lot of bullies at my school,” he said.

Saturday’s event served as a fundraiser for Sparrow Clubs, a Bend-based organization that provides supports to the families of children with serious illnesses.

Mark Colgan said he’s looking to keep growing the tournament over the coming years.

“We’ll host it in Bend every year,” he said. “Everybody wants to come to Bend.”