Sweep the Leg III Spotlight: Dan Santillo

Representing: Old Town Martial Arts

Division: Heavyweight (250 lbs) | Rank: 5th Dan

Justin Hagen (JH): We’re here with a true veteran of the mats. As a 5th Degree Black Belt, you’ve seen the evolution of the striking arts over decades. What was it about the Sweep the Leg challenge—and the specific grit of this tournament—that called a practitioner of your caliber out of the dojo and into the brackets?

Dan Santillo (DS): I was really drawn by the camaraderie and the sheer toughness of the fighters here.

JH: Shotokan is known for its explosive "one-strike" lethality, but this tournament is a war of attrition where the lower body takes a relentless beating. How has a 250lb Shotokan stylist conditioned his base to survive the "low-kick" gauntlet we’ve prepared?

DS: No secrets there—simply regular hard sparring.

JH: In the heat of the exchange, when the technique fades and you’re standing in the "pocket" taking heavy fire, most men look for the exit. What is the internal dialogue of a 5th Dan in that moment? What keeps you planted?

DS: Honestly? My only thought is: "This is fun!"

JH: Our tournament name, Sweep the Leg, is a nod to that "No Mercy" era of martial arts. When the referee gives the command—Hajime!—how much of that uncompromising aggression are you bringing to the mat?

DS: I’m going to push as hard as humanly possible without injuries.

JH: The crowd is going to be bracing for those heavy leg kicks, especially in this format. But behind the kicks, what’s the "hidden" weapon that the rest of this bracket is completely underestimating?

DS: In a single word: "Punches."

JH: Thank you very much for time Sensei and we greatly look forward to seeing you in the ring on May 30th, Osu!

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ABOUT THE EVENT:

The Sweep the Leg Challenge is the ultimate close quarters full contact Knock Down event where fighters compete using strikes, clinches & sweeps with NO HEAD CONTACT to encourage close quarters fighting!

Stop fighting for grainy cell-phone footage and get a Pro Fight Style Experience! Level up your fight resume with professional 4K footage and perks while putting on a show for US Veterans!

Each event we donate 125 tickets to US Veterans through VET TIX. With your registration you help fund and make these events possible so that we can continue to put on the best shows for true American heroes.

WHEN: May 30th

WHERE: ParkView Inn & Conference Center, Allentown, PA

TIME: 9:30am-1:30pm

Sign up today or come on out as a spectator by getting tickets HERE