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"Goodnight Chesty Puller, Wherever You Are"

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FRIDAY, December 12th, 2003, AT 7:30 PM, PT

So How Popular Is The
IKF Kickboxing TV Show On CSS?

SouthEast USA: Word has it that the IKF Kickboxing TV Show has been a major success on CSS this last few months. So much that CSS has already started talking about re-signing another programming contract for 2004. However there may be a break from new programming after the current 17 week contract season ends on the 26th of December. This hasn't stopped CSS though from airing the program to excited fight fans. The show is so popular CSS has not been showing the show once a week as planned, not twice a week but sometimes as often as "THREE" times a week! Reruns of the show are already scheduled to air after the last scheduled programming date of December 26th.

New programming will depend on Sponsorship for 2004. If you are interested or know anyone interested in becoming a program sponsor to help keep the show going, please contact the IKF TV Programming department at main@ikfkickboxing.com, or you can call the IKF office at (916) 663-2467.

Next week the show schedule is as follows;

  • Tuesday, December 16th at 7:00 PM Eastern and 6:00 PM Central.
  • Thursday, December 18th at 4:00 PM Eastern, 3:00 PM Central.
  • REGULAR TIME: Fridays at 11:PM Eastern and 10:PM Central.

The following week the show will air:

  • Thursday, December 25th at 4:00 PM Eastern, 3:00 PM Central.
  • REGULAR TIME: Fridays at 11:PM Eastern and 10:PM Central.









MORE CSS NEWS...

CSS EXPANDS To "11" States!

CSS programming recently added in regions in the states of Virginia and West Virginia adding another 26,000 households to their sucriber base. This now puts CSS in "11" South East and Eastern seaboard states. If you want to know how to find CSS in your area CLICK HERE for all the regions and channels.

Comcast Sports Southeast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS), a partnership between Comcast Corporation and Charter Communications, launched September 3, 1999 as a 24-hour regional sports network. Currently, CSS has over four million subscribers across 11 Southeastern states. CSS offers a comprehensive mix of live sports programming, sports news and in-depth sports analysis exclusively geared towards fans in the Southeast. Their programming includes:

  • 100+ NCAA football games.
  • Themed-night SEC football game re-airs.
  • 200+ NCAA basketball games.
  • NCAA baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball and gymnastics broadcasts.
  • Minor league baseball, and hockey and arena football.
  • Weekly coach's and preview shows.
  • IKF Kickboxing
  • Boxing.
  • Outdoor shows.
  • Auto racing.
  • ESPNEWS.

How Can you Get CSS In Your Area?

Comcast Sports Southeast is available through Comcast, Charter and other cable providers. CSS is not available throught Dish Network or DirecTV. If your local cable provider does not offer CSS, please e-mail us at css@cablecomcast.com and let us know where you live and your current cable provider. We will work to bring CSS to your market.



THURSDAY, October 9th, 2003, AT 5:15 PM, PT


This Week On The
IKF Kickboxing TV Show!

Due to a lot of e-mailed requests and the fact that former IKF Amateur National Champion Carter Williams (At right in Black with Trainer Gene Fields behind him and Interviewer Johnny Davis at the IKF Headquarters Gym) is fighting in this weekends K-1 in Osaka Japan, (See story lower on this page) we will re-air show number 2 tomorrow at 11:PM on CSS. The show consisted of;

  • FIGHTS
    • Dallas Crowe, South Carolina Vs Nelson Lebron, Virginia: 5 Rounds, FCR Featherweight.
    • Robert Elledge, California Vs Justin Pickett, Georgia, IKF Amateur FCR North American Super Lightweight Title Bout.
  • SEGMENTS
    • Corner Talk:
      • Carter Williams, Former IKF National Amateur Champion & 2003 K-1 North American Champion.
      • Robert Elledge, IKF Amateur FCR Champion
    • Hits & Highlights
    • Final Round

To see the schedule of other past shows and other upcoming programs, CLICK HERE


FRIDAY, September 26th, 2003, AT 6:40 AM, PT


"Good Night Chesty Puller,
Wherever You Are!"
Text from various sites on the web

Those who are able to watch tonights edition of the IKF Kickboxing Show on CSS will hear Co-Host Brooks Mason (Right) say these words at the end of the show. The question many of you will ask is, "Who is Chesty Puller?" A common incantation in the tradition of the Marine Corps is to end one's day with the declaration, "Good night Chesty Puller, wherever you are!" But why?

This is an often-used tribute of supreme respect to the late and legendary Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller USMC. Chesty! Without a doubt was the most outspoken Marine, the most famous Marine, the Marine who really loved to fight, the most decorated Marine in the history of the Corps. He enlisted as a Private. Through incredible fortitude and tenacity he became a living legend. He shouted battle orders in a bellow and stalked battlefields as though impervious to enemy fire as he rose to the rank of Lieutenant General. He displayed an abiding love for the Magnificent Grunts, especially the junior enlisted men who did the majority of the sacrificing and dying, and utter contempt for all staff pogues of whatever rank. During his four wars, he was the only Marine to win the Navy Cross five times for heroism and gallantry in combat. The Marines' Marine!

He was a colorful veteran of the Korean War, four World War II campaigns, and expeditionary service in China, Nicaragua, and Haiti. A Marine officer and enlisted man for 37 years, General Puller served at sea or overseas for all but ten of those years, including a hitch as commander of the "Horse Marines" in China. Excluding medals from foreign governments, he won a total of 14 personal decorations in combat, plus a long list of campaign medals, unit citation ribbons and other awards. In addition to the Navy Crosses, the highest honor the Navy can bestow, he holds its Army equivalent, the Distinguished Service Cross.

No individual soldier in American history has embodied his service's ethos as has the Marine Corps' Chesty Puller. Puller went far beyond; he personally crafted the way the Marine Corps has defined itself since World War II by dint of his own personal example. The Marine tradition of having the officers eat last in common field messes in descending order of rank is a "Pullerism" as is the habit of encouraging officers to lead from the front. Puller was not the only senior Marine of World War II and Korea to put his command post on the front lines, but his stubborn habit of always doing so was unusual even among Marine leaders.

Chesty Puller's real value to the Marine Corps lies not in his unsurpassed record in combat. Rather it resides in the legacy of leadership by example that he set every day of his military life. His uncompromising approach to tough, realistic training and his dedication to taking care of his Marines without coddling them made him a beloved figure among the enlisted personnel of the Corps. That tradition still defines the Marine Corps approach to leadership. To this day, many Marine Corps drill instructors have their troops wish Chesty good night wherever he may be. His 14 personal decorations, excluding those from foreign governments, certainly are part of Puller's enduring lore, but perhaps the stories of his leadership, courage, honor, and fighting ability are his most important legacy. They serve as reminders and inspiration to generations of Marines that leading by example is the most important trait we can possess. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller died in Hampton, Virginia, after a long illness at the age of 73.

Our good friend Brooks was a Marine but there is no "WAS" about it. As the saying goes, "Once a Marine always a Marine." He remembers Puller's accomplishments well. I know Brooks lives up to the leadership of Chesty and I would hope the rest of us in the IKF do the same in our everyday lives knowing that leading by example is the most important trait we can possess...

"Good Night Chesty Puller, Wherever You Are"
Semper Fi

  • Famous Puller Quotes
    • "We're Surrounded... That Simplifies Our Problems"
    • "All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time."










SATURDAY, September 20th, 2003, AT 12:15 PM, PT


CSS To Air IKF Kickboxing Show #1
Again This Sunday!



For those who might have missed it, CSS has informed us here at the IKF they will be airing IKF Kickboxing Show #1 again this Sunday, September 21st at 6:PM EST.

  • 3, 5 ROUND FIGHTS
    • Justin Pickett Georgia vs Joe Surack, Indiana
    • Peyton Russell, Minnesota Vs Shannon Hudson, South Carolina
    • Stephen Thompson, South Carolina Vs Bill Jardine, Wisconsin

  • Rounds & Highlights of 3 IKF Pro World Title Fights:
    • Tommy Kimber Vs Curtis Busch, Lynn, Massachusetts, USA.
    • Dave Marinoble Vs Tommy Kimber, Kuala Limpur, Malaysia.
    • Mike Nagy Vs Anthony Bartanalli, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

  • Corner Talk
    • A sitdown segment with IKF Reporter Johnny Davis and IKF Pro World Champion Dave Marinoble.

  • Hits & Highlights
    • An exciting collection both TV quality footage as well as home video footage of action from past IKF Sanctioned Events. If you have some great Hits & Highlights from an IKF Sanctioned bout or event, send it in to us at:
      • IKF Kickboxing, P. O. Box 1205, Newcastle, CA, 95658.

  • Final Round

    • A quick recap of the program by Brooks Mason.

For the first several programs we did not seek show sponsorship. We want everyone to see how different our program will be as compared to other kickboxing programming of the past. This means all ad spots will be sold and inserted by CSS. After the first few programs, look to see who the sponsors of IKF Kickboxing are and make sure you support them since they are supporting our sport! For those interested in sponsoring or advertising on the program please CLICK HERE.


WEDNESDAY, September 10th, 2003, AT 2:25 PM, PT


CSS To Re-Air
IKF Kickboxing Show #1 This Saturday!
Show #2 Still On Schedule For This Friday At 11:PM!


As several have heard or read, CSS started our first IKF Kickboxing TV program approximately 10 minutes late last week due to a Live Football Game running late. According to CSS the nights master controller (MC) was faced with a decision between the live game and the start time of our program. Usually, when a game runs later, CSS joins the following program in progress. The show is usually produced by CSS so it is not a big deal so when the game went long on Friday, the operator at CSS master control followed regular policy and simply joined our IKF Kickboxing TV program in progress.

He was faced with starting the show in the middle or starting the beginning and cutting something out. Since it was our first show, he opted to keep the opening and cut a segment out, which was our pro segment with an interview and clips of 3 Pro IKF Bouts. On Monday the MC was informed that our show is produced by us here at IKF and was noted to always start our program on time. CSS has assured us that this will not be happening again.

Due to the missing footage the show that aired last Friday as our show Number 1 will re-air this Saturday night at 9:PM Eastern Time. The missing footage on Show Number 1 Was:

  • Rounds & Highlights of 3 IKF Pro World Title Fights:
    • Tommy Kimber Vs Curtis Busch.
    • Dave Marinoble Vs Tommy Kimber.
    • Mike Nagy Vs Anthony Bartanalli.
  • Corner Talk: A sitdown segment with IKF Reporter Johnny Davis and IKF Pro World Champion Dave Marinoble

Our Second Program scheduled for this Friday night (September 12th) at 11:PM on CSS will air on time as usual. Here is an update of what show 2 (Friday at 11:PM) will feature:

  • 2 Great 5 Round IKF Amateur Bouts:
    • Dallas Crowe of South Carolina vs Nelson Lebron of Virginia
    • Robert Elledge of California Vs Justin Pickett of Georgia
  • Hits & Highlights:
    • An exciting collection both TV quality footage as well as home video footage of action from past IKF Sanctioned Events. If you have some great Hits & Highlights from an IKF Sanctioned bout or event, send it in to us at:
      • IKF Kickboxing, P. O. Box 1205, Newcastle, CA, 95658.
  • 2 Great CORNER TALK Segments
    • K-1 North American Champion Carter Williams. Along with this is some great footage of Williams' KO to win the title provided by our friends at K-1 USA.
    • Multi Time IKF Champion Robert Elledge.
  • Final Round: A quick recap of the program by Brooks Mason.

Within the next few weeks we look to have former multi time Pro Woman's Kickboxing Champion Kathy Long (Right) join the program. Our plans for Kathy are many but look to see her starting out with a special segment entitled "Where Are They Now?" Which is a look back at former stars of the sport. Some stars we look to have Kathy sit down with are Don Wilson & Maurice Smith (Who are both still active fighters) Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Peter Cunningham, Paul Biafore, Maurice Smith and many more. Kathy will also be a part of fight commentating and our sit down desk segments in the future too

For the first several programs we did not seek show sponsorship. We want everyone to see how different our program will be as compared to other kickboxing programming of the past. This means all ad spots will be sold and inserted by CSS. After the first few programs, look to see who the sponsors of IKF Kickboxing are and make sure you support them since they are supporting our sport!


Kathy Long


TUESDAY, September 2nd, 2003, AT 10:30 PM, PT


It's In The Mail!

The "TALK" is over everyone and now it's time for the IKF to "Walk The Walk" yet again! At around 6:PM tonight the first IKF Kickboxing TV program was sent off via Express Mail to the CSS (Comcast Sports Southeast) Office in Atlanta Georgia, USA. The first show will air this coming Friday night at 11:PM on CSS in 9 South East states to over 4 million households awaiting to once again see exciting kickboxing action on a weekly basis. Each week we will be sending a new show for the next 17 weeks. When the 17 weeks are up, look for us to move to an earlier timeslot because for the fall, college football rules the airwaves in the southeast! This first program will feature the following segments hosted by IKF President Steve Fossum and IKF World Ambassador Brooks Mason.


  • 3 Great 5 Round IKF Amateur Bouts
    • Justin Pickett of Georgia vs Joe Surack of Indiana
    • Peyton Russell of Minnesota Vs Shannon Hudson of South Carolina
    • Stephen Thompson of South Carolina Vs Bill Jardine of Wisconsin

  • Rounds & Highlights of 3 IKF Pro World Title Fights:
    • Tommy Kimber Vs Curtis Busch
    • Dave Marinoble Vs Tommy Kimber
    • Mike Nagy Vs Anthony Bartanalli

  • Corner Talk
    • A sitdown segment with IKF Reporter Johnny Davis. This week Johnny will sit down with IKF Pro World Champion Dave Marinoble

  • Hits & Highlights
    • An exciting collection both TV quality footage as well as home video footage of action from past IKF events where you will see such IKF Stars as Dave Marinoble, Anthony Bartanalli, Rick Roufus, Paul Biafore, Don Wilson, Tommy Kimber, Trent Tompkins and more!

  • Final Round
    • A quick recap of the program

Since no one has a clue what our program will look like, we did not seek show sponsorship for the first two programs. We want everyone to see how different our program will be as compared to other kickboxing programming of the past. This means all ad spots will be sold and inserted by CSS. After the first two pilot programs, look to see who the sponsors of IKF Kickboxing are and make sure you support them since they are supporting our sport!

We hope those able to view it in the southeast (Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina & North Carolina) will like the show. Keep in mind, we expect to hear some things you want improved, changed etc. on the first few shows and we promise we will listen. Just let us know your thoughts and where you want the show to improve. To do so, send us an e-mail at main@ikfkickboxing.com. However, we still expect to see many of your comments on the message board...For more stories on the show scroll down.


SATURDAY, August 30th, 2003, AT 3:20 PM, PT


IKF... Taking Kickboxing To The World….
And Beyond
IKF Staff Writer Mike Marinoble


If you're here, on the IKF web-site, and you've read thus far, chances are you're a fighter, trainer or promoter with a passion for Kickboxing. Maybe you're a fan or an interested new-comer to this popular but misunderstood sport of ours. The question remains, regardless of your standing in this new American fascination; Why don't we see Kickboxing on TV? How come we, the public at large, never get to hear the resounding SMACK of a well placed kick echoing through the comfort our own living rooms? What MUST be done to make this time-worn new sport popular? Or perhaps the most telling question, "Isn't Kickboxing like that WWE stuff that all the kids love so much?" (Asked by a students mother at a recent Karate event). The answers can be found in statements like those.

Our sport is the misunderstood step-child of every Poorly-dubbed Chinese Cinema export of the 70's. American film and our TV culture has miscast this noble and robust sport as an errant off-shoot of anything Kung Fu.

"You mean HiYa-KiYai?" asked another innocent. NO! Dammit! This is Boxing! With Kicks! We attempt to explain. But to no avail. It's not their fault. Nor is it the fault of Chinese Kung Fu flicks. (Which we all know and love).

Kickboxing is not perceived by the mainstream media as a real sport. That's a sad statement, but true. Take for example a recent call to the Sports Desk Editor of a large metropolitan newspaper. "A local fighters just won the IKF/TKO USA National Tournament! Yes sir! Local Boys at that! You will?!? A photographer AND a story? In the "neighbors" pull-out section of the Thursday edition? Why not the Sports Page? This news is certainly is more exciting than a tennis player demanding higher pay? Isn't it?". It's scenes such as these that play out in our country's media centers everyday. Editors and producers are a timid bunch and not prone to explore new avenues of interest for viewers and readers. And so we read the same old stories of salary caps in Major League Baseball and draft-picks in Football and we watch the Shaquilles and the Kobys collect mad sums of money again and again. So what in Sports is new?

There's an old adage; "If ya want somethin' done right, ya gotta do it yourself." We need to take Kickboxing mainstream. Those very words KICK and BOXING need to be brought in to popular American lexicon and distinguished for it's fresh originality and understood for what it is. Exciting, fast-paced, awe-inspiring, dynamic and indomitable. A "true sport" requiring skill, precision, timing and heart. A viewer friendly activity worthy of its popularity and capable of procuring a huge fan-based income. A true "American sport". So how do we accomplish this glorious feat?

Ask IKF president Steve Fossum. He's got some answers. Just be quiet as you speak because right now, dear reader, the cameras are rolling and it's quiet on the set of "Corner-Talk", an IKF produced segment being filmed for the new and glossy IKF Kickboxing TV program soon to broadcast on CSS (Comcast Sports SouthEast). Production crews bustle busily around the IKF headquarters in Newcastle, CA, USA as IKF reporter, Johnny Davis prepares to interview IKF World Middleweight Champion Dave "Mad-Man" Marinoble (R, ready for interview) and 4 time IKF Lightweight Champion Robert Elledge. The segment is short but concise. Information, routine, "How did you get started", "What do you love about Kickboxing", but it's in the answers that we see Kickboxing's profound nature. "What do I love most about this sport? Having my hands raised in victory." Replies Marinoble, one of Kickboxing's staunchest and earliest proponents.

The interview is over in a few minutes. Nothing spectacular. However it is simply a tiny part of a larger picture being presented to the public. A dose in the cure for the ills of Kickboxing. A small step in the giant leap needed to bring the focus of a mal-informed public to this under-rated sport.

The show can be seen on CSS every Friday night starting this coming Friday, September 5th at 11:PM. Features include both amateur and pro bouts, fighter interviews and more. But of course the staple of the IKF Kickboxing TV program are the fighters doing what they do best. Throwing leather and launching kicks in some of the best fights the IKF has to offer. So trainers, promoters, and yes, you, the un-sung gladiator….Take heart, and lift your eyes to your television screens because...

We're finally going BIG TIME!



COMCAST CABLE PRESENTS
IKF KICKBOXING


Comcast Sports South East (CSS) and the IKF have teamed up to have Kickboxing's own version of "Friday Night Fights!" Starting the first Friday in September (September 5th) CSS will air IKF Kickboxing on a weekly basis at 11:PM to over 4 million households. The agreement is done in sections and this first run will be 17 straight weeks (September 5th, 2003 through December 26th, 2003) of an exciting 1 hour program of IKF Kickboxing! During the run, there is a very good possibility of some "LIVE" event broadcast as well.

What will make this program more exciting than any other past programs for the sport of kickboxing will be the shows format. Not only will the "Weekly" programming be a first for the sport since the 80's, the format will bring more attention to those involved in the sport. The show segments will include things such as fighter profiles, training tips, special guests, gear and product reviews, gym visits and of course, plenty of exciting IKF Kickboxing Fights!

The CSS region includes nine Southeastern states. The only bad news, (for now anyway) is that the IKF Kickboxing program will only be seen in these 9 South East USA states (Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina & North Carolina). However, don't get too discouraged.

The IKF is already in the works with bringing the IKF Kickboxing program to the rest of the USA very soon with affiliates of CSS. The on air team will comprise of Brooks Mason, Johnny Davis, Steve Fossum and starting on the third show, 5 Time World Kickboxing Champion Kathy Long. The IKF is in the process of attaining other kickboxing personalities for various segments of the program as well.

The main goal of the IKF is to create stars of the sport and sometimes, those stars will come from some of the most unlikely places around the globe. Top fighters do not always come from the largest of cities and fight in the largest of events. Our goal is to discover as much talent in our sport as possible and put it on TV! Whether amateur or pro, young or old, small or big. Whether from the small town grass roots locations around the world or the major cities, the fact is,

"Talent comes from EVERYWHERE!"



THURSDAY, August 7th, 2003, AT 4:20 PM, PT


IKF Kickboxing Show Moving Forward


This week the IKF has been busy with shooting several segments of the first two IKF /CSS Kickboxing TV Program On Monday, IKF Champions Dave Marinoble, Carter Williams and Robert Elledge were all filmed and interviewed by Johnny Davis for 3 different segments of "Corner Talk".

IKF World Ambassador Brooks Mason (In the picture sitting on right) was flown to the IKF Headquarters in California late Monday night and Mason and IKF President Steve Fossum (In the picture sitting on left) worked on show scripting all day Tuesday. Yesterday, Mason and Fossum spent the entire day at the programs post production facility (Right at Fresh Air Media with Producer/Director/Editor Dale Kasperson and Production Assistant Eric Maddox) filming the sit-down desk segments (See Right) for the first two shows.

The crew will be very busy at the upcoming IKF/TKO USA National Amateur Tournament getting a lot more interviews with fighters, trainers and other associates of the IKF and not to mention, filming more IKF Kickboxing Action! The Nationals Filming is being coordinated by Tim Bachman of Remote Control Productions out of South Carolina.


SUNDAY, July 27th, 2003, AT 4:20 PM, PT


Kathy Long
Joins IKF/CSS TV Team!

It's official! the IKF is proud to announce the addition of 5 Time World Kickboxing Champion Kathy "The Punisher" Long (Right) to the IKF/CSS Kickboxing Program host commentary team. Long and IKF President Steve Fossum finalized the agreement yesterday. Long will join Brooks Mason (Left) and Fossum as part of the IKF's Studio Team for the upcoming IKF/CSS Kickboxing Program. She will alternate between doing IKF Kickboxing reports around the globe to sitting in with Mason and Fossum as part of the desk segment studio segments.

Kathy began her studies in the martial arts with Aikido and has also studied in arts such as Shorin Ryu Karate & Kung Fu. She currently holds 4 different Black Belts in 4 different styles including a Masters Rank in Kung Fu San Soo. She's been known as the "Queen of Mean", "Princess of Pain" or "The Punisher" among other things as a well conditioned and hardened fighter. A two time Black Belt Hall of Fame Inductee (Woman of the Year 1991 and Full Contact Fighter of the Year 1992), the IKF never got the opportunity to have her fight for an IKF title because she retired from kickboxing before the start of the IKF to concentrate on her boxing and film career. Her work in the movie industry includes stunt work and fight choreography: She was Michelle Pfeiffer's stunt double in "Batman Returns" (1992) and fight choreographer for the "Death Becomes Her" (1992). She has appeared on several television shows, including "Walker, Texas Ranger" with Chuck Norris.

Kathy has also written several monthly columns, titled "Long Shots" for Black Belt Magazine and has also appeared in movies such as Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997), Under the Gun (1995), The Stranger (1995) Natural Born Killers (1994), Knights (1993) and Rage and Honor (1992).

However she has a long list of other accomplishments as well. She has appeared on numerous television shows and in publications ranging from People magazine to a full-color layout in the National Enquire, not to mention being on the cover of over a dozen martial arts magazines. She is also an accomplished musician who plays proficiently musical instruments such as the Harp, Violin and Guitar. She's written a book entitled "No! No! No!: A Woman's Guide to Personal Defense and Street Safety" (R) along with Kickboxing Fitness Videos such as, "Kickboxing for Fun & Fitness" (L) & "Championship Kickboxing with Kathy Long - "Round 1".

Yes, we may remember her as "The Punisher" in the fight ring, but she will always be remembered as Kathy Long to us here at the IKF. A Champion in as well as Out of the ring. welcome to the IKF Team Kathy and we look forward to a successful future. For more info on Kathy Click Here.

IN ADDITION: The IKF is in the process of attaining some other kickboxing personalities for various segments of the program. Due to her current schedule with some projects, Long will not be at the desk for the first 2 programs but will join Mason and Fossum on the third program. While Mason, Long and Fossum will be the program hosts at the desk, other personalities will be the programs roaming reporters. Some of our roaming reporters will include former champions like two time World Champion, Johnny Superfoot Davis.







SATURDAY, July 26th, 2003, AT 10:30 AM, PT


IKF/CSS
TV Program Ready For You!


Starting Friday, September 5th, the IKF/CSS Kickboxing Program will bring Kickboxing action to TV for 17 straight Friday nights in the South East region of the U.S. The region includes 9 states Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina & North Carolina. The viewer subscriber list totals nearly 4 million (See below right) while the viewers are estimated at well over 10 million. Our first program date is approaching fast and we have been extremely busy around the IKF Headquarters here organizing fight footage, editing fight video, writing scripts for the in show segments, meeting with post production programs, talking to potential sponsors and on and on. To say the least, we have been VERY BUSY! Not to mention all the work with our yearly USA National Amateur Tournament.

With all that being said, we are making the first announcement as to where all of you associated with the IKF fit in to the new IKF/CSS Kickboxing Program. In the past there have been several different Kickboxing TV Programs done here and there on TV. Some have been great to watch while others, well, you know what we mean. When these programs were on, what was missing were the faces of the sport. Sure we saw the fights, but who are these people? Adding to this, the fights we did see were only those filmed as a major production. What about the fights we never see on TV such as the "MANY" Great Amateur bouts (Headgear and all) or the pro fights not professionally filmed?

Well, the goal of the IKF is to create stars of the sport and sometimes, those stars will come from some of the most unlikely places around the globe. Top fighters do not always come from the largest of cities and fight in the largest of events. Our goal is to discover as much talent in our sport as possible and put it on TV! Whether amateur or pro, young or old, small or big. Whether from the small town grass roots locations around the world or the major cities, the fact is, "Talent comes from EVERYWHERE!" For this reason we are making this request to EVERY person associated with the IKF ANYWHERE in the World. "We Want To Make You STARS!"

Currently the IKF is working with several post production companies in putting together various segments of the first several programs. These segments will include the opening and closing highlights of the show and various in program segments that will feature fighters and faces from around the IKF world. Where you can help will be two areas.

FIGHT FOOTAGE: The first will be video footage of great bouts, hits, knockdowns, kicks etc. of your fights, fighters and events. The IKF needs as many great hits as you can send them and if you think you have one of the greatest bouts ever fought in the sport, send us the whole bout! All of you have seen shows like "Funniest Home Videos" where viewers send in their personal, sometimes blurry and often unprofessionally filmed footage. Well this is the same concept. Don't get us wrong, if you have professional shot fight footage, this would be even better of course, but we know this is not always the case. This footage could be used in several areas. The opening highlights of the program, the closing highlights or in our special in show segment section called "Hits and Highlights". The "Hits and Highlights" segment will surly turn out to be one of the most popular of the program. This segment will air at the end of the program and have a run time of between 2 and 3 minutes and will be fast action clips of the Best Hits and Highlights we can attain.

As far as what footage and how to send it, we can only use footage from IKF Sanctioned events only. Although legally, IKF owns all fight footage of any IKF Sanctioned events, (See IKF Sanctioning) if we decide to use any of your footage we will want to attain a release form from you for use of the footage. We would need these signed forms from you, the sender and all the individuals who appear on the footage. We will have a page here on the site for you to print out soon, but for now, just send us your footage ASAP so we can get some of it on the first few programs.

When you send in footage, keep in mind we will accept any type of basic video (USA - VHS Format) up to top level Digital or Beta SP, which is the very best. When sending in your video, if you want us to see a certain part, please have that part Q'ed up for us so we do not have to spend time searching for it on the video. Include with your mailing a description of what you want us to focus on so we know what to look for. Also include the names and any fight stats you can of those in the spot you want us to view.

If you want to be a part of any of the first 4 programs, we need you to EXPRESS Mail your footage NOW! We go into the post production studio on August 6th and we will need to review your event prior to selecting it for the program. If you are sending footage from outside the USA make sure the footage has been transferred to USA - VHS Format already.
Send all footage to:

IKF Kickboxing
P. O. Box or 9250 Cypress Street
Newcastle, CA, 95658
USA
(916) 663-2467
Attention IKF/CSS Kickboxing Program

With your assistance, it gives us the opportunity to keep our work closely associated with those associated with the IKF and better yet, it's also a great way for you to make some extra money as well and help the IKF/CSS Kickboxing too. Anyone who brings in program sponsorship will of course be paid a percentage for their work. Who knows, your next calling could be as an advertising agency for IKF Kickboxing around the world. So if you have some connections out there with some South East companies, national companies, or possibly even your own company (Kickboxing clubs in the South East for example) we want to hear from you! For segment rates or other questions please contact the IKF at main@ikfkickboxing.com or by phone at (916) 663-2467 and one of our associates will get back to you ASAP to see where you can help out and again, possibly make some extra cash doing it.

PROGRAM INFO: The IKF/CSS Kickboxing Program will start on the first Friday in September (September 5th) and will air IKF Kickboxing on a weekly basis at 11:PM to nearly 4 million households. Our first series will air for 17 straight weeks and run until December 26th featuring an hour program of IKF Kickboxing! During the run, there is a very good possibility of some "LIVE" event broadcast but most of the programs will feature tape delay of past IKF Kickboxing events. Some of the bouts featured may be IKF Sanctioned action from years ago to remind everyone of some of the great IKF Championship bouts few may have seen. Programming for the first couple of shows will feature the IKF Amateur program and amateur bouts. After the first couple programs we will feature both IKF Pro as well as specially selected IKF Amateur kickboxing bouts from IKF Sanctioned events and of course, IKF Tournament action from around the world.

What will make this program more exciting than any other past programs for the sport of kickboxing will be the shows format. Not only will the "Weekly" programming be a first for the sport since the 80's, the format will bring more attention to those individuals involved in the sport. The show segments will include things such as fighter profiles, training tips, special guests, gear and product reviews, gym visits and of course, plenty of exciting IKF Kickboxing Action!

CSS, a partnership between Comcast Corporation and Charter Communications, launched September 3, 1999 as a 24-hour regional sports network. CSS programming includes live and re-aired NCAA football, basketball and baseball games; weekly coach's and preview shows; minor league hockey and baseball; stock car racing; outdoor shows, ESPN NEWS and now, IKF Kickboxing. Currently, CSS has approximately 3.9 million subscribers across nine Southeastern states.











JULY 15th, 2003

COMCAST CABLE PRESENTS
IKF KICKBOXING


News Source "THE BUSINESS OF BOXING" website:
The International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) recently announce a deal with Philadelphia based cable television giant Comcast that it will televised IKF sanctioned bouts. This deal will be a great one for kickboxing and martial arts fans in the US and Canada. Comcast has realized the recent rebirth of kickboxing in the American society.

Kickboxing has grown from the days of the 1970s Bruce Lee and martial arts film explosion and has seen steady growth in America since. Kickboxing is interwoven in every aspect of society. Today more children than ever are participating in martial art schools for discipline and fitness.You can go to any movie theater and see fight scenes from action adventures to cartoons, laden with martial arts techniques. In the mid 90s Billy Blanks popularized the cardio kickboxing, Tae Bo that is still popular today.

In the last ten years, there has been the growth of new kickboxing sporting competitions that has come to America, Sanshou and Kuoshou. Both forms of Kung Fu/kickboxing with throws and takedowns, sometimes called, Chinese Wrestling. Mixed martial arts are beginning to use more techniques that involves kicking and punching instead of spending most of the time on the mat being kneed, kicked and being subjected to submission techniques. Kickboxers are catching up with wrestlers and Brazilian Ju Jitsu players in the amount of wins in mixed martial arts tournaments.

Mixed martial arts promoters are seeing the value and excitement of punching and kicking by limiting the time fighters are locked up on the ground. Internationally, The K-1 Championship Tournament is the most popular kickboxing tournament in the world, selling out arenas in Europe and Japan and finally getting a foothold in the US. Yes, Comcast Cable has seen the light. Just like UPN And the WB networks had with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Comcast has realized that America has a never-ending thirst for violence and excitement. This is a chance for kickboxing to produce new heroes for the 21st century like football, baseball, basketball and boxing. Hopefully, they will become household names in kickboxing and they will be able to make a living at the sport as TV becomes more involved. There is a new generation of kickboxing fighters, mixed martial artist and martial artists, that are being developed in martial art schools, kickboxing and boxing gyms across the USA. With Comcast providing exposure to the American public, the future shines brightly for kickboxing.



IKF TV IS HERE!
Comcast Sports South East (CSS) And The IKF Team Up!


FRIDAY, June 6th 2003, AT 4:00 PM, PT - IKF Headquarters, Newcastle, California, USA: Well everyone, here it is. The big news you have all been waiting for. At 3:25 PST Today it became official when we here at the IKF Headquarters received back our faxed contract from Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS) General Manager Mike Sheehey. This is a deal that IKF President Steve Fossum and CSS's Chris McKone have been working on for some time now. Today it was confirmed that CSS and the IKF have teamed up to have Kickboxing's own version of "Friday Night Fights!"

Starting the first Friday in September (September 5th, or quite possibly as soon as August 29th, if our production schedule is quicker) CSS will air IKF Kickboxing on a weekly basis at 11:PM to nearly 4 million households. The agreement is done in sections and this first run will be 17 straight weeks (September 5th, 2003 through December 26th, 2003) of an exciting 1 hour program of IKF Kickboxing! During the run, there is a very good possibility of some "LIVE" event broadcast as well. What will make this program more exciting than any other past programs for the sport of kickboxing will be the shows format. Not only will the "Weekly" programming be a first for the sport since the 80's, the format will bring more attention to those involved in the sport. The show segments will include things such as fighter profiles, training tips, special guests, gear and product reviews, gym visits and of course, plenty of exciting IKF Kickboxing Fights!

The CSS region includes (See map at right) nine Southeastern states. The only bad news, (for now anyway) is that the IKF Kickboxing program will only be seen in these 9 South East USA states (Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina & North Carolina). However, don't get too discouraged. The IKF is already in the works with bringing the IKF Kickboxing program to the rest of the USA very soon with affiliates of CSS. There is a pretty good possibility that some of those regions may be confirmed by the September 5th air date.

One thing about the structure of the program is that the shows programming will come from IKF associates and events around the Globe. "Although this program will only air in the South East, we will not limit programming from the South East only." Says IKF President Steve Fossum (Right). "Our goal is to bring attention to as many regions around the world as we can that are associated with IKF Kickboxing. This includes Alby Bimpson's work with IKF Europe. This has been a long time coming for the IKF but an even longer time coming for this great sport. Right now I'm pretty excited for everyone in the IKF. I guess this is where I say 'I'm going to Disneyland!'"
The including of promotions and associates around the IKF World was a very important part in establishing this program for the IKF. They wanted to be assured that they could include as many IKF Promoters, Trainers, Fighters as well as Officials as possible. "There will be no 'One Promoter show' here" continued Fossum. "We have grown as a Team and we will grow more as a TEAM!"

"On behalf of kickboxing we take this opportunity very seriously," Says IKF World Ambassador Brooks Mason (Right). "With the help of the IKF team (trainers, fighters, promoters and our officials) we will make good on this opportunity for the benefit of kickboxing and the kickboxing industry. Our goal in this endeavor is to bring real purses to the professional kickboxing ranks and real futures to up and coming young fighters." Mason will be part of the IKF Commentating Team as well as one of the broadcast reporter on the sit down portion of the program.

"A lot of credit here goes to IKF Promoter Ray Thompson." Says Fossum. Thompson was the person who brought the CSS idea to the IKF when he had them film the 2002 IKF North American Amateur Championships last November. "This is yet another new day for kickboxing." Says Thompson, (Right). "The Comcast IKF Team will surly make for exciting events and future stars of our sport. As a promoter and trainer, I am not just excited for myself and our own program here but for the many other IKF Teams of Trainers and Promoters around the world. This brings something to the table for all of us in the sport and the way the IKF Team plans to organize it, we are sure to see a little of everyone in the IKF on the IKFKickboxing Program soon."

"As I mentioned to someone the other day on the Message Board, never give up and never lose site of the plan!" Says IKF Promoter Johnny Davis (Right). "Several of us have been working for years to close such a deal. We flew from South Carolina to L.A. meeting with TV executives and continued to come up short. Now, the day has come and its up to all of us to help keep it through even better local promotion of your events, fighters and the IKF! Forward March! "

"This is the break we have all wanted to take our sport to that next level we have all strived for." Says IKF Head of Officials Dan Stell (Right). "It is great that CSS, has given us this opportunity and we all need to thank for it by tuning in and making this one of their highest rated programs in the SouthEast. We hope they will not just be pleased with our shows but be proud to have us a part of their programing as well."

So there you have it Kickboxing Fans. For those of you not fighting this weekend, go ahead and relax for a couple of days because come Monday, The work begins AGAIN! Get your game faces on and get ready to "Bring It ON!"

CSS, a partnership between Comcast Corporation and Charter Communications, launched September 3, 1999 as a 24-hour regional sports network. CSS programming includes live and re-aired NCAA football, basketball and baseball games; weekly coach's and preview shows; minor league hockey and baseball; stock car racing; outdoor shows and ESPN NEWS. Currently, CSS has approximately 3.9 million subscribers across nine Southeastern states. For more information, contact CSS Public Relations Manager Kate Whitaker at 865-862-5117 (office) or at kate_whitaker@cable.comcast.com.


FOSSUM


MASON


THOMPSON


DAVIS


STELL



CONTACT INFORMATION
IKF Kickboxing
P. O. Box 1205 or 9250 Cypress Street
Newcastle, CA, 95658, USA
Attention: IKF Kickboxing TV Program
Phone at (916) 663-2467, FAX: (916) 663-4510
main@ikfkickboxing.com



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