MORE NEWS OF 3-29-02

Hey Full Contact Fighters?
Looking for a Fight?

As the saying goes... "There's something in the air... and full contact style fighting is right smack dab in the middle of it all. We have an article we'll be posting soon (sorry about not having it up this week as previously noted to many) that gives an in-depth look into the sport of kickboxing and when it was the highest rated contact sport on TV. The results may surprise many of you MuayThai fans but it certainly won't surprise the full contact crowd.

Who will be the next heavyweight full contact superstar? Will Dennis Alexio (Left) step into the ring one more time to defend his IKF FCR Heavyweight World Title or will he step down to retire as Champion? Who can fill the big shoes of Alexio? Will Alexio and Rick Roufus ever touch gloves in the middle of the ring? Or will it be the new kids on the block to pick up the strength of Full Contact Rules as far as public perception goes?

FCR is the most popular style behind the scene (IKF USA National Amateur Championships continue to prove this year after year) but to the viewing public, we only see leg kick style fights on TV. When the time comes, who will stand out in the heavyweight full contact ring? Will it be the Heavyweights from North America such as Kevin Hudson of South Carolina, Dan Lucas or Derek Panza of New York, John James of Michigan or Ronald Copeland of North Carolina. Or maybe even Mike McDonald of Canada.

What about across the Atlantic? Will the new star come from across the sea such as Dylan Williams of Wales, Kevin Smiles, Stuart Green, Barrington Patterson or Chris Ballard of England or Achille Roger of France?

We have yet to see. But don't just focus on the big boys, there's a lot of talent in the Full Contact group! Not only seasoned pros such as Marinoble, Regan, (Right) Ambrose, Easdon, Bottone, Jarrett, Nelson, Nagy, Bartinelli, Stewart, Nevitt, Stellwagon, Zbilski, Avtamonov, Ben, Dabolinsh, but also an outstanding crew of new pros such as Reed.

Don't forget those still amateur such as Thompkins, Erickson, Thompson, Sylvia, Lopez, Griffin, Russell, McElroy, Elledge, Madrid, Mayfield and how could we forget McGaughey... just to name a few!

One thing's for sure...It's comin soon...

MORE NEWS OF 3-29-02

Results From England's
"FIGHT NIGHT"
March 24th, 2002 - AMATEUR KICKBOXING & THAI BOXING

From IKF Europe
Here are the quick results from last weekends March 24th, "FIGHT NIGHT" in St Helens, Merseyside England.

1. IKF JUNIOR AMATEUR KICKBOXING
   Jason Connell, Liverpool Hope Kb, Liverpool Vs. Dean Smith, Kirkby Thai Boxing, Liverpool - International Rules 2 X 1 (Age 6yrs) .
   WINNER: Majority Decision Jason Connell.
   
   
2. IKF JUNIOR AMATEUR KICKBOXING
   James Quirk, Merseyside Kickboxing, Liverpool VS Robbie Horton, St Helens Martial Arts - Full Contact 3 X 2 (Age 17yrs) .
   WINNER: Draw.
   
   
3. IKF JUNIOR AMATEUR KICKBOXING
   Ashleigh Lacky, Liverpool Hope Kb, Liverpool VS Becky Higham, Kirkby Thai Boxing, Liverpool - International Rules 3 X 1 ½.
   WINNER: Unanimous Decision Becky Higham.
   
   
4. IKF JUNIOR AMATEUR KICKBOXING
   Thomas Macdonagh, Olivers Gym, Manchester VSLiam Wharton, Panthainarasigh Camp, Liverpool - Thai 3 X 1 ½.
   WINNER: Majority Decision Thomas Macdonagh.
   
   
5. IKF JUNIOR AMATEUR KICKBOXING
   Colin Farricker, Liverpool Hope Kb, Liverpool VS Steve Ibbertson, Blyth Newcastle - Full Contact 3 X 1 ½.
   WINNER: Majority Decision Colin Farricker.
   
   
6. IKF JUNIOR AMATEUR KICKBOXING
   John Gilbert, Merseyside Kickboxing, Liverpool VSChris Mooney, Wolves, Birkenhead - International Rules 3 X 1 ½.
   WINNER: Unanimous Decision - Martin Inglis.
   
   
7. IKF JUNIOR AMATEUR KICKBOXING
   Annaliese Macdonagh, Olivers Gym, Manchester VS Sarah Briggs, Kirkby Thai Boxing, Liverpool - Thai 3 X 1 ½.
   WINNER: Unanimous Decision - New Champion - Adam Dove.
   
   
8. IKF AMATEUR KICKBOXING
   Matty Smith, Chris Wright Thai Boxing VS Kenny Jermyn, Liverpool Kb Academy - Thai 3 X 2.
   WINNER: Unanimous Decision - Matty Smith.
   
   
9. IKF AMATEUR KICKBOXING
   Paul Keeley, Chris Wright Thai Boxing VSThomas Toulcher, Kirkby Thai Boxing, Liverpool - Thai 3x 2.
   WINNER: Unanimous Decision - Thomas Toulcher.
   
   
10. IKF AMATEUR KICKBOXING
    Mark Turner, St Helens Martial Arts VS Simon Barr, Middlesborough - Full Contact 2 X 11/2.
    NO RESULT GIVEN BY IKF Europe.
    
    
11. IKF AMATEUR KICKBOXING
    Karl Burgess, St Helens Martial Arts VS Steve Halligan, Middlesborough - Full Contact 3 X 2.
    WINNER: Stopped 2nd Round 1:13 mins Winner Steve Halligan.
    
    
12. IKF AMATEUR KICKBOXING
    Steven Longworth, Liverpool Kb Academy VS Brian Crichton, Kirkby Thai Boxing, Liverpool - Thai 3 X 2.
    WINNER: Unanimous Decision - Steve Halligan.
    
    

WEDNESDAY, March 27th, 2002, AT 5:45 PM, PT

IKF Unifies
Muay Thai With Other Weight Classes!
Pro MuayThai First To Change, Amateur Rankings to be Changed soon.

For several years now the IKF has had a completely separate weight class structure for the Pro and Amateur MuayThai Rules Rankings. However, as the IKF gets closer and closer to the need to provide a monthly rankings magazine as well as be able to provide top contender rankings to martial arts and kickboxing magazines around the world, the page layout became an issue. Because of this, the IKF made a decision earlier this week to make all weight classes the same for every rule style. This change will make the listing of rankings much easier to follow when posted in a magazine for example as well as make it easier for everyone to learn and remember the weight classes of all the different rule styles. "There was really no need to change the weights in the first place a few years back other than make more weight classes for the smaller muaythai fighters we thought we would see in events." said IKF President Steve Fossum. "However, we haven't seen hardly any smaller fighters under 125 lbs (56.8 kg) over the last 3 years so we elected to unify all the weight classes."

In the IKF Pro MuayThai division it will mean 2 less weightclass, cutting from the previous 19 to the Unified 17. However the "Straw-weight" (110 & Below) was left for amateur Women fighters. What will expand will be the Amateur MuayThai where the weight classes will expand from 12 up to 18. All the Pro MuayThai division have already been changed over in the IKF Rankings both Men and Women's Rankings. The Amateur MuayThai Rankings may take a bit longer to change since there are more Champions in the weight classes but they should be transferred in full soon.

One major change was the strengthening of all the weight classes in all the MuayThai divisions. For example

In the IKF Pro Light Welterweight MuayThai division it too is stacked with World Champion Danny Steele of Los Angeles, CA, USA followed by top contenders Matee Jedeepitak, of Indianapolis, IN, USA, via Ratchaburi, Thailand followed by Melchor Menor, of San Diego, CA, USA, IKF Intercontinental Champion Rich Kostuck, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, Mikhail Chepelenko, of Polotsk, Belarus and Roman Logish, of Minsk, Belarus.

Moving up to the IKF Pro Welterweight MuayThai Division we start off with IKF World Champion Khunpon (Surapon Dechkampu) of Atlanta, Georgia via Thailand followed by IKF Intercontinental Champion Dmitry Shakuta of Minsk, Belarus, IKF North American Champion Jong Sanan Fairtex of San Francisco, CA, USA, via Thailand, IKF European Champion Danny Bryne of Leicester, England and former 2 time IKF International Rules U.S. Champion George Tsutsui of Concord, California USA.

In the IKF Pro Super Welterweight MuayThai Division IKF World Champion Dmitry "The Shock" Shakuta (Also IC in weightclass below) of Minsk, Belarus has held the Top Dog spot for some time now. Shakuta stands alone above top contenders, IKF North American Champion Jason Jillian of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Jeremy Harminson of Lerna, Illinois, USA and Pramuenrit Sithsaeng-a- run of Thailand.

The talent continues to stack more in the IKF Pro Light Middleweight MuayThai Rules division where the depth of the talent is dynamic with the top 5 being World Champion Kongnapa followed by recently crowned K-1 North American Champion Duane Ludwig of Aurora, Colorado, USA, IKF European Champion Ole Laursen who has recently moved to San Diago, California USA from Copenhagen, Denmark and Alex Gong of San Francisco California USA's Fairtex camp.

These weightclass changes will certainly add more excitement in the chase for the MuayThai division Titles. However, the real excitement may becoming from the other side of the coin in the Full Contact Division (FCR). Yes, we said Full Contact, above the waist, American Style kickboxing. We can't tell you everything yet kickboxing fans but what we will tell you is to keep watch of this news page here in the next couple of days. We will be posting an article on the "Resurgence Of Full Contact!" For all you who thought Full Contact Rules was dead, think again. To this day, the highest North American TV ratings to date were all from Full Contact, Above the waist kickboxing bouts/events. Popularity of FCR speaks for itself every year at the IKF USA National Kickboxing Championship Tournament where FCR outnumbers all other styles 2-1.

TUESDAY, March 26th, 2002, AT 11:00 PM, PT

Century To Sponsor
IKF "Point" Kickboxing Event

MORE NEWS OF 3-26-02

Not An IKF Champion...
International Kickboxing Federation

There has been an e-mail sent out today that advertises an event called Fight of the Gladiators 2002, scheduled for May 18th in KNOKKE-HEIST (BELGIUM). On the event, the promoter has 2 fighters fighting for an unknown organizations "European Title.

What caught our attention was the poster, (Right & Below) where it advertised one of these fighters as an IKF World Champion. What was wrong here is that the fighter is NOT an IKF World Champion.

The fight is a Full Contact rules, 72,5 kg bout with Ingolf Nielsen (Newcastle UK) who is an IKF European Champion against a fighter by the name of Wim Nuyens (Superpro) who apparently has claimed to the event promoter that he was or is an IKF World Champion. We can verify that he neither was or is a champion in the IKF at any level. In fact, we've never even heard of him. So early today we sent an e-mail to the promoter asking him why he was advertising a false IKF World Champion.

At about 11:00 AM (PT) he replied;
Dear Sir,
Thanks for your mail, i can not give yoy more information than i myself have received so, please be so kind to ask about this matter to the coach and manager of Wim Nuyens, patrick.vanacker1@pandora.
be, i am shure he will explane the matter to you. Hope i have helped you with this answer.
Best Regards, Paret Guy HTK Club Maldegem/Knokke

So we sent an e-mail to the trainer he referred us to, Mr Patrick Van Acker. Later in the evening at about 10:55 PM (PT) we received a reply from Mr Patrick Van Acker in which he replied;
dear Sir
For this you have to ask the promoter: guy.paret@skynet.be
Patrick Van Acker

So, it appears we have a case of "He Said, She Said". We can only ask that whoever is responsible that they take the time to correct their event posters so we stop getting e-mails from those associated with the IKF asking, "Who is Wim Nuyens? And Why is he claiming to be an IKF World Champion?"

For the record, all "PAST" IKF Champions, both amateur and pro can always be found on our Past IKF Champions page located HERE!

SATURDAY, March 23rd, 2002, AT 8:40 PM, PT

AMATEUR USA KICKBOXERS...
IT'S TIME TO
"WALK THE WALK!"

MORE NEWS OF 3-23-02

Kickboxer Rondeau
Scores 3rd Round TKO In Boxing!
With a rather large contingent of local fans cheering "Rondeau! Rondeau! Rondeau!" professional boxer and kickboxer Christina Rondeau did not disappoint.
Story Courtesy of The WoonsocketCall.com

BOSTON
Determined not to let history repeat itself, the 29-year-old Woonsocket native earned her first career win with a third-round TKO of opponent Koren Pachico at the Roxy last night. Rondeau (Right) used the first two rounds to work on her jab and body punches before going for the kill in the third -- a round in which she sent Pachico to the floor twice with a pair of right-hand uppercuts, the last at 1:40 when the referee put an end to the fight.

Unlike her pro debut -- a technical draw with Dawn Wimer in March 2000 -- when her aggressiveness may have cost her the fight, Rondeau felt a more patient approach would be the answer in coming out on top. It was a game-plan that worked to perfection. "It feels awesome," said Rondeau. "I learned from my mistakes of the first fight. I didn't want that to happen again, so I stayed on the outside, sat down and fed the body. I have about 100 people who came here to see me fight," she continued. "And it worked. My game-plan worked."

Pachico, who was in her professional debut, proved to be a formidable opponent. Although Rondeau was able to connect on nearly twice as many blows throughout the night, Pachico never backed down. In the first round, Rondeau fired a few good jabs to the head of Pachico and then with about 10 seconds left in the round the duo traded body punches until the final bell. Both fighters would exchange a series of blows in the opening minute of the second round, one in which Rondeau appeared to have a definite edge. But with less than 30 seconds to go, Pachico was able to back Rondeau to the corner, against the ropes. The two traded punches, including one good right hand by Pachico to the head of Rondeau. It was then that trainer Charlie Sampalis and Rondeau felt it was time. "She needed the work. The last fight she went in as a boxer. She was winning the fight and they collided heads and it was a tech draw. So now we figured we would slow it up. As long as she had control, we just wanted to keep going" Sampalis said. "(Pachico) hit her with a good right. (Christina) got lazy and relaxed a second. You can't sleep on nobody. I then said 'Go do your job, Double up the jab and dig to the body and the fight should be over.' And that's what she did."

"She was coming in tighter. Her hands were up high. I just dropped down. I just gave a couple of hooks and uppercuts to the solar plexus," Rondeau said. "The minute you get to the solar plexus it buckles them." Once she floored her the first time, Rondeau knew she would not lose the fight. "She was already sucking wind and she was trying to recover" she said. "I just went for the same exact spot."

Although she took a two-year hiatus from her last boxing match, Rondeau expects to get back in the ring soon. "Now that I am in shape I don' t want to take any time off because it takes too much time to get into it," she said. As it appears, she will be plenty busy in the coming months. Sampalis is working on getting his prizefighter a match next month on April 19 at the Roseland Ballroom in Taunton, Mass. Rondeau, who is also a professional kickboxer and is the current U.S. lightweight champion, is also setting her sights on a world title belt in that sport. She hopes to attain a title soon. Tentative plans may have a bout for her in June at the Fore Court Tennis Courts in Cumberland, a place where she is currently employed as a kickboxing instructor. As for a world title belt in boxing? "It' s a legit goal," Rondeau said. "I would like to be a main event on a boxing card. That would be nice. I definitely don' t do it for the money."

Note: Rondeau was best known through the IKF when she fought on the May, 1999 PPV Event that featured Don Wilson, and Rick Roufus among others. On the night, she lost a split decision to Kellie Morse of Brookfield, Mass, USA for the vacant IKF Full Contact Rules Woman's Super Lightrweight United States Title.

THURSDAY, March 21st, 2002, AT 12:40 PM, PT

IKF Events This Weekend...
All In Europe...

IKF
Coventry, England
MARCH 24th, 2002

IKF Promoted by Mr. Mike Fowles & Mr. Steve Donnelly. This event has IKF Pro & Amateur England Bouts scheduled. For more info, contact IKF Europe at phone/ fax: 44 174 473 9043.

MORE IKF ACTION THIS WEEKEND

IKF
Liverpool, England
MARCH 24th 2002

Promoted by Mr. Alby Bimpson This is an IKF Novice Amateur Event. For more info, contact IKF Europe at phone/ fax: 44 174 473 9043.

MORE NEWS OF 3-21-02

"Rumble at the RiverPlex"
EVENT RESULTS...

On March 9th, over 300 fan attended the "Rumble at the RiverPlex" in Peoria, Illinois, USA and watched athletes compete in three differant combat sports; MuayThai Kickboxing, boxing and shootfighting. Here are the quick results from the event.

1. Kickboxing
   Maciej Gullinski won by unanimous decision over Herman Morrison.
   
   
2. Kickboxing
   Jimmy Lyons won by unanimous decision over Hutan Ghojulla.
   
   
3. Kickboxing
   Ben Yelles won by unanimous decision over James Clarida.
   
   
4. Kickboxing
   Lenny Plaza won by unanimous decision over Bruce Erickson.
   
   
5. EXHIBITION BOUT
   Eric Stein and Kyle Greonwold.
   
   
6. Boxing
   Greg Ford won by unanimous decision over JP Becker.
   
   
7. Boxing
   Jmaes Sharpe won by unanimous decision over Chris Bryant.
   
   
8. Boxing
   David Thompson won by unanimous decision over Greg Ford.
   
   
9. Shoot Fighting
   Jimmy Bruketta won by unanimous decision over Bart Palaszewski.
   
   
10. Shoot Fighting
    Derek Noble won by Triangle Choke over Joe Paun.
    
    

Special Thanks again to IKF Referee Dave Rogers and IKF Representative Scott Joffe for a job well done. Special thanks to all of the athletes from Peoria, Milwaukee WI, Marquette MI and Crystal Lake IL who made this event possible. Sincerely Ryan Balckorby event promoter. For more information contact Ryan Blackorby at 309-672-3090 or Phil Johns at 309-668-1705.

WEDNESDAY, March 20th, 2002, AT 12:10 PM, PT

IKF
Point Kickboxing
Next Saturday in San Jose, March 30th!
Register at the Door!

This newest concept of IKF Kickboxing will take the martial arts world by storm! The first event will be held in San Jose, CA, on March 30th! Johnny Davis (IKF Director of Marketing) and the IKF will be hosting this exciting semi-contact continuous sparring event at the Evergreen Community College. Participants from California and the Nevada area have pre-registered on-line and beat the March 15th deadline, saving $10 on registration fees. However, those that missed the pre registration deadline can pay the $35 registration fee at the door!

Most competitors seemed eager to test their skills against diverse competition! The IKF Point Kickboxing Tournament is perhaps one of the first total semi-contact Kickboxing tournaments held in North America. Johnny Davis and The IKF have gone so far as to register the name Point Kickboxing as they prepare to sanction these events nationwide through other promoters just as they do with IKF Full Contact Kickboxing. IKF sanctioning would include a set of guidelines such as weight classes and proper gear for fighter safety.

The IKF is the largest sanctioning body in the world for Kickboxing events and is the host and sponsor of the largest Full Contact Amateur National Kickboxing Championship. "The Nationals" has won prestigious acclaim by recognizing the best Amateur Kickboxers in North America. Last year's two-day event hosted over 220 of North America's best amateur Kickboxers in a variety of styles. It seems only fitting that the IKF would be the leaders in offering another level of quality competition. Steve Fossum, President of the IKF recognizes the potential as well as the importance of offering a semi-contact version of Kickboxing to properly introduce the sport to beginners. He states "The Point Kickboxing competition takes some of the fear out of competing for those looking to break into the fight game and allows participants to enhance their Kickboxing techniques as well." Furthermore, he points out that "IKF Point Kickboxing in the long run will create a pool of fighters for those wishing to go to the next level and compete in full contact Kickboxing." Register at the door for The IKF IKF Point Kickboxing Tournament March 30th in San Jose, CA. For more information about this event, click HERE!

MONDAY, March 18th, 2002, AT 3:25 PM, PT

HUDSON Vs COLLYER
Was "THE WAR"
Of WINTER WARS 2002!
Headden & McHarque Take Home ISCF Titles
While Thompson Adds Another IKF Title!
PHOTOS By Cal Cooper, Graphic Designer, ( 770) 442-3200

Here's a rundown of the rest of the nights action AT WINTER WARS 2002!

1. IKF FCR Kickboxing
   Shannon Hudson of Greer, South Carolina, USA (5-3/2, 165) defeated Phillip Botha of Aurora, Georgia, USA (9-4/2, 162) by unanimous decision, 30-25, 30-25 & 30-25. Although Botha had 11 kicks in round 1 he a point on all 3 of the judges cards in round 2 for not getting his minimum 6 kicks in (only had 3). He had 7 in round 3. He lost another point in round 3 for a low blow. Hudson had little trouble getting his kicks in getting 17 in round 1, 9 in round 2 and 7 in round 3.
   
   
2. IKF FCR Kickboxing
   Terrie Hicks of Augusta Georgia, USA (3-3/1, 147) defeated Andrea Grishman of Slidell Louisiana, USA (1-1/1, 143) by TKO at 58 seconds into the first round. Grishman took a standing 8 count 10 seconds into the fight by referee Gary Brown and another 10 seconds after the 8 count. Brown stopped the fight when Grishman was overwhelmed by Hicks and went down in the corner.
   
   
3. ISCF MMA
   Pee Wee (Walter) McCall of Valdosta, Georgia, USA (3-0, 156) defeated Jake Pruitt of Buford, Georgia, USA (3-3, 155). At 2:40 of round 2, McCall landed a right hand punch that cut open Pruitt's head and dropped him for the KO.
   
   
4. IKF FCR Kickboxing
   Summer Miller of Martinez, Georgia, USA (4-2/1, 132) defeated Penny DeGraw of Atlanta, Georgia, USA (1-3/0, 130) by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 and 30-27. One thing can be said about both ladies, they had plenty of kick action in the bout. Miller had 47 kicks in the 3 rounds to DeGraw's 48.
   
   
5. ISCF MMA
   Gene Silas of Augusta, Georgia, USA (1-0/1, 246) defeated Sean Blanchette of Naylor, Georgia, USA (0-1/0, 214) by TKO at 1:55 of round 2 when Blanchette's corner threw in the towel.
   
   
6. IKF FCR Kickboxing
   Mike Grivas of Atlanta Georgia, USA (1-0/0, 174) defeated Emmanuel Vero of Grovetown, Georgia, USA (4-3/0, 180) by unanimous decision 29-27, 30-27 and 30-27.
   
   
7. ISCF MMA
   Brendan Dumont of Atlanta, Georgia, USA (1-0/0, 174) defeated Joe Jobes of Evans Georgia, USA (0-2/0, 180) by split decision 8-7 Jobes, 10-5 Dumont and 10-5 Dumont.
   
   
8. PRO IKF IKF FCR Kickboxing
   Rory Singer of Athens, Georgia, USA (5-1/0, 195) defeated Clint Wiggins of Augusta Georgia USA (1-2/0, 195) by unanimous decision 48-47, 48-47 and 50-45. Over the 5 rounds Singer threw 54 kicks to Wiggins 52.
   
   
9. ISCF MMA
   PRO SOUTH EAST MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE
   Steve Headden of Atlanta Georgia, USA (7-2-1, 182.5) wasted little time in quickly defeating Shaun Gay of Valdosta, Georgia, USA (9-5, 171). Headden won by submission in only 23 seconds of the opening bell to claim the vacant ISCF Title.
   
   
10. IKF AMATEUR FCR KICKBOXING
    SOUTH EAST LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE
    At last years IKF South East Regional Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 188 lb Ruben Lopez of Atlanta Georgia, USA defeated James Newkirk by KO when Lopez landed a strong right hand on Newkirk's jaw at 1:00 into round 1. The win qualified Lopez for the 2001 National Tournament and also, the Adult Men's FCR Cruiserweight Title for the region.
    
    
11. ISCF
    PRO LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT UNITED STATES TITLE
    Cam McHarque of Griffian Georgia, USA (9-2, 168) has been well known to the South East USA MMA crowd. However, Saturday night he put his name in front of the world when he defeated Todd Carney of Moundsville, West Virginia, USA (10-5, 167) by triangle choke at the 1:16 mark of round 2 to claim the vacant ISCF United States Middleweight Title.
    • This title was previously held by Jay Pages of Mesa, Arizona, USA and was vacated by the ISCF. The reason? When the ISCF contacted Pages trainer Trevor Lally in January, of this year to defend the title against McHargue, he didn't recognize it so the ISCF vacated the title on 2-1-02.

MORE NEWS OF 3-18-02

New York San Shou Tournament
30 Fighters From Across the Country
Standing Room Only
And the Women Steal the Show!

New York, NY, USA: On Saturday, March 16, 2002 the New York Kung-Fu and Kickboxing (43 W 24th Street between 6th avenue and Broadway, #3B (212) 242-2453) hosted the NYC San Shou Tournament, an all amateur event. While San Shou is a growing sport in the United States, it still does not offer as many opportunities to compete as some of the other kickboxing styles. It is especially true for the beginner. For this reason, promoters Steve Ventura and David Ross decided that a small, in house tournament with a particular focus upon the newer athletes might be a good idea. Apparently, it was an excellent idea because 30 fighters from across the country attended and thrilled a sold out audience at the NYKK Gym last Saturday night. The event was also memorable because of the female athletes in attendance. Not only did they fight with intensity and technique, but showed character and unity by making an agreement by which they all got their opportunity to show their stuff. But more on that in a minute!

The tournament followed the basic international format. Fighters fought in full gear including the IWUF chest protector and the winners were determined by the best of three rounds. That is, if you won the first two rounds, you advanced without having to fight a third. However, more than a few of the fights were so close they indeed were decided with third round decisions. David Ross and Boston San Shou trainer Josh Bartholomew served as center referees. Judges in attendance were Kickboxing world champion Tommy "Bee" Bottone, professional San Shou fighter Marvin Perry and Fernando Calderon of Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY.

60 KG DIVISION
In the men's 60 KG division Patrick Yee (Progressive Martial Arts, Queens, NY) faced Hiroaki Morita (City Gym, Boston MA) in a two round war. Morita, a protégé of professional Muay Thai and MMA fighter Jimmy Hattori, was aggressive and moved forward but Yee countered and took every opportunity presented to him. Yee won by decision (2 rounds). Eric Ruiz is Patrick Yee's team mate and thus was conflicted as he watched the match. Obviously, he wanted his team mate to win but knew if he did he would not get to fight. As Yee's hand was held up, the two team mates agreed to share the first place spot.

65 KG DIVISION
In the men's 65 KG division, Jeremy Bellrose (Vision Quest, Queens, NY) faced Richard Ruiz (Progressive Martial Arts). Ruiz hoped to follow in his team mate's winning ways but found that Bellrose was a man determined to win his division. Ruiz won the first round but Bellrose rallied to win the second, forcing a rare third round. Bellrose won by decision (3 rounds). In the finals, Bellrose faced Bradley Souders (Total Martial Arts, York, PA). Bellrose won by decision (2 rounds).

70 KG DIVISION
Mike Norman of Boston San Shou is clearly one of the top fighters in the 70 KG class. Norman holds a record of 11 wins with his only loss by split decision to very tough NY fighter Nardu Debrah. Thus, as the promoters had agreed in advance, Norman was the "seeded" fighter. He would face the winner of the 70 KG division. In the first match in the 70 KG division, Eric Mortorff (Total Martial Arts, York, PA) faced Brian Klingborg (Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY). Mortorff was a tough customer, but Klingborg's record (1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw) didn't tell the whole story. Klingborg has trained a long time and his three fights have all been against top San Shou fighters from "Big 6" teams. Klingborg used his experience to win by decision (2 rounds). Klingborg's team mate, Jean Petit-Homme, also used his experience against top opponent's (Homme fought Boston San Shou fighter Rob McFayen to a draw at one of the New York Showdown events) to win a decision in two rounds over James Battle (NYKK Gym, NY, NY). Homme injured himself in that victory and could not continue. Thus, Klingborg alone was left to face Norman. However, Klingborg's experience was not enough against Norman. Mike Norman wins by decision (2 rounds).

75 KG DIVISION
The first round of the 75 KG division featured two athletes who had never fought but which trained with two of the top San Shou teams in the country. Peter Deluca is trained by Boston San Shou and Josh Beauregard is trained by NYKK. The crowd expected and received a very technical fight, with Josh using a quick side kick and movement to win a decision in two rounds. Probably after viewing Beauregard's first fight, Stanford Tecun (Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY) decided to be aggressive and attempt to fight in close. At the beginning of the first round he was successful, catching Josh's side kick and sweeping him off his feet in a beautiful kick catch. Thus, training and preparation became crucial. NYKK fighters are known for their excellent preparation, use of strategy and ability to adapt. Josh fought Tecun differently than he had Deluca, shifting to heavy punching combination and round kicks with both legs. Beauregard wins by decision (2 rounds).

80 KG DIVISION
In the 80 KG division, Andras Gal (NYKK Gym, NY, NY) faced Christopher Gully (MA). Gal fought more of a power game at first, landing selective but heavy shots in the first round. Gully took advantage, by throwing more kicks and edging Gal on points to win the first round. As Gal sat on his corner in between rounds, his coaches explained to him the need to be more active. The result was a flurry of heavy blows which resulted in a victory by TKO 1:57 or Rd 2. The only other fighter in the 80 KG class was Gal's team mate, Xavior Ross. Gal stepped aside so that Ross could claim the gold.

85 KG DIVISION
The 85 KG division was another class in which seeded fighters competed, one rather unexpectedly. David Whiltshire (Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY) is a local favorite and had just won the national Kuoshu tournament in Maryland. Whiltshire had pre registered and was the likely choice to win the division until a last minute entry. Adam Resnick hadn't fought in a year, having lost to Boston San Shou fighter and US Team member Ray Neves at the "Full Contact War" show in Florida last year. However, Resnick is the NYKK team captain, one of the most experienced amateur San Shou fighters in the country and the 2000 USA WKF National San Shou champion. His decision to enter the tournament, literally a few minutes before the weigh in, changed to whole face of the tournament. For years, New York fans had talked about a possible Resnick vs. Whiltshire match and it finally looked like it might happen. The two fighters were seeded and placed on opposite ends of the brackets. With formidable competition facing them, the regular draw fighters began the 85 KG division.

Bradley Burrick (Bethany Karate, Sterling Heights, MI) faced Derek Szmyt (Boston San Shou). Burrick appeared a strong fighter and it appeared as if Boston San Shou decided the best course of action was to keep it clean and fight with technique. Szmyt won by decision (2 rounds). Denis Molloy (Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY) faced Carl Funkenhauser (Charlestown, MA) in the second match of the first round. Carl came in with a pre existing shoulder injury that became a problem in the clinches. After two incidents of the shoulder popping, the match was called a TKO victory 1:36 Rd 1 for Molloy. Injury also claimed Derek Smyt, who was unable to face Whiltshire. It appeared as if Whiltshire would have an easy road to the finals, and perhaps the gold medal. Who he would face would be decided by a match between Molloy and Resnick. Adam Resnick is known to have KO power in both his hands and his legs. As the first round began, Resnick caught Molloy with a spinning back fist which dropped him to the canvas. Molloy is tough, and rose to his feet to finish the round. But the tone of the match had been set. In the second round, Molloy was tentative. Resnick looked for the opening and dropped Molloy with a cross. Resnick wins by KO, 41 seconds in Round 2. The "dream match" of Whiltshire vs. Resnick was about to happen. But Resnick had a year's worth of ring rust and Whiltshire hadn't yet fought. David Whiltshire, fresh because he did not have to fight to advance to the finals, took early advantage. Resnick's ring rust showed and he has always been a slow starter. The first round went to Whiltshire. Resnick was a bit nervous but his coaches adjusted his strategy and focused him on fighting cleanly and working for points. Resnick also had a trick up his sleeve. In the second round, Resnick used a full floor sweep, a 3 point maneuver which also up ended Whiltshire head over heels. Resnick won the second round on all three judges' cards. The third and final, the championship round, was about to begin. In the third, Whiltshire appeared tired and Resnick used experience to win important points. Resnick wins the division by decision after three rounds and proves he is still a major force in US San Shou.

35 & OLDER
The New York San Shou tournament offered an executive (age 35 or older) division. Only Michael Brown of Boston San Shou registered. He was awarded his medal in the center of the ring while the audience howled its approval to a true warrior. In previous New York Showdown shows, Brown had fought men half his age!

There was a time when women's San Shou competition was unheard of in the United States. Fortunately, that has changed but the women's divisions have certainly not grown as quickly as the men's. At the New York San Shou tournament, five female athletes were in attendance, actually a strong number, especially for a regional event. The problem was the weight difference between them. It could have been a disaster or a circus, but the female athletes got together in a show of unity that the entire kickboxing community should take note of. They also all fought with fierce hearts and great technique! In the end, the women stole the show!

WOMEN'S DIVISION
Three of the women were within an acceptable weight range to conduct a standard tournament. Sohah Iqbal (Boston San Shou) was 126, Nelly Yusupova (Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY) was 122 and Shirley Garcia (Progressive Martial Arts) was 129. Yusupova, the lightest of the group, was given the bye. Training with a "Big 6" San Shou team often is the deciding factor in San Shou events.

Garcia was strong and fought with heart but Iqbal knew how to win the points and how to play to her strengths. She followed her corner's advice to a hard won decision after 2 rounds. Yee's Hung Ga may not considered a member of the "Big 6" (primarily because they have not competed at the USA WKF nationals) but is a strong San Shou team which has faced Boston San Shou many times in New York events. Their experience helped Yusupova counter many of Iqbal's techniques and forced one of the few three round fights of the tournament. Round 1 went to Iqbal but round 2 went to Yusupova. The momentum often goes to the fighter who wins the second round, but Boston San Shou has been in that situation many times before. Good coaching helped Iqbal edge out Yusupova in the final round. Sohah Iqbal by decision (3 rounds).

The women's lightweight division had been relatively straight forward, but what to do with the remaining two female athletes? Alison Moore (NYKK Gym, NY, NY) weighed in at 143 and Sheila Gallagher (Boston San Shou) had weighed in at 172. A decision was made that showed how true athletes behave. Shirley Garcia, only 129, agreed to fight Alison Moore for a middleweight title. In return, Alison Moore agreed to fight Sheila for the heavyweight title. Everyone would get a chance to fight, no one would walk away empty handed. The crowd roared when the situation was explained. These were true champions, regardless of the outcome. Alison Moore (NYKK Gym, NY, NY) defeated Shirley Garcia by decision (2 rounds). Sheila Gallagher (Boston San Shou) defeated Alison Moore by decision (2 rounds).

The New York San Shou Tournament gave the amateurs, especially those new to the sport, their moment in the spot light but the developing professional circuit was still a topic of discussion at the event. A number of the amateurs were asked to participate in under card matches for the "King of San Da: USA". More importantly, it was revealed that a major match which may be used to launch the promotion is already being negotiated. USKBA full contact rules world champion Tommy "Bee" Bottone (Left) will face Jason Yee (Right). Both Bottone and Yee hope one of the sanctioning bodies will offer a world title for this match. More details as we learn them.

FULL RESULTS

• Men 60 KG
  • 1. Tie for first place (same team): Patrick Yee (Progressive Martial Arts) & Eric Ruiz (Progressive Martial Arts)
  • 3. Hiroaki Morita (City Gym)
    
    

• Men 65 KG
  1. Jeremy Bellrose (Vision Quest)
  2. Bradley Sounders (Total Martial Arts)
  3. Richard Ruiz (Progressive Martial Arts)
     
     

• Men 70 KG
  1. Mike Norman (Boston San Shou)
  2. Brian Klingborg (Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY)
  3. Jean Petit-Homme (Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY)
  4. Eric Mortorff (Total Martial Arts) & James Battle (NYKK).
     
     

• Men 75 KG
  1. Josh Beauregard (NYKK Gym, NY, NY)
  2. Stanford Tecun (Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY)
  3. Peter Deluca (Boston San Shou)
     
     
• Men 80 KG
  1. Xavior Ross (NYKK Gym, NY, NY)
  2. Andras Gal (NYKK Gym, NY, NY)
  3. Christopher Gully (Quinpong Yu)
     
     
• Men 85 KG
  1. Adam Resnick (NYKK Gym, NY, NY)
  2. David Whiltshire (YYee's Hung Ga, NY NY)
  3. Denis Molloy (Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY)
  4. Derek Szmyt (Boston San Shou)
  5. Carl Funkenhauser (PPP Gym) & Bradley Burrick (Bethany Karate)
     
     
• Men's Executive (over 35 years)
  1. Michael Brown (Boston San Shou)
     
     
• Women - Lightweight
  1. Sohah Iqbal (Boston San Shou)
  2. Nelly Yusupova (Yee's Hung Ga, NY NY)
  3. Shirley Garcia (Progressive Martial Arts)
     
     
• Women - Middleweight
  1. Alison Moore (NYKK Gym, NY, NY)
  2. Shirley Garcia (Progressive Martial Arts)
     
     
• Women - Heavyweight
  1. Sheila Gallagher (Boston San Shou)
  2. Alison Moore (NYKK Gym, NY, NY)
     
     

The event was co-sanctioned by the
International Kickboxing Federation
(IKF) and the
United States of American Sanshou Kungfu Federation
(USASKF).

MORE NEWS OF 3-18-02

LUDWIG TAKES
K-1 USA
MIDDLEWEIGHT TOURNAMENT

Denver Colorado, USA
Friday night, March 15 was a night to remember. Leonard Garcia became ROF's (Ring Of Fire, Mixed Martial Arts) new Lightweight Champion when he armbared Steve Horton in the first round. Lil' Joe Stevenson became the new ROF Rocky Mountain Champion when he kneebared Cruz Chacon in the first round.

The highlight of the night was the featured K-1 tourney. Duane "BANG!" Ludwig defeated Melvin Murray and Ole Laursen to become the first ever K-1 Middleweight North American Champion. BANG! will advance to the finals in Tokyo on May 3rd, where he will compete for $100,000 and the chance to become the first ever K-1 Middleweight Grand Prix Champion.

Here's the action as described by Mr. Michael Afromowitz of MuayThaimes:
It was one of the most anticipated head-to-head matchups between two fighters billed as the hottest rising stars in martial arts. And when it finally happened during the championship round of K-1's premiere middleweight series qualifier in Denver, Colorado on Friday, May 15th, all of the expected fireworks flew before Duane "Bang" Ludwig finally topped rival Ole Laursen in "sudden death" overtime to advance to Japan's Tokyo Dome.

The result came as a shocking turnaround to a bout in which Laursen nearly closed in the first round. After driving a powerful knee strike into Ludwig's ribs that put him on the canvas for several seconds, though, Muay Thai's self-dubbed "thundercat" went on the receiving end of a complete offense that gave Ludwig the following two rounds. The second saw Ludwig deliver both a sharp, straight right punch and a knee to the head of his opponent that appeared to take its toll.

Ludwig's victory of rounds two and three by a margin of 10-9 in each evened up the judges scorecards' and sent the bout into a three-minute overtime. A well-fought round on the part of both fighters was given to Ludwig as was the bout by unanimous decision. The expectation of the four-fighter tournament finale had been well-built up after Ludwig delivered a second-round knockout of opponent Melvin Murray and Laursen answered with a devastating knockout of Canada's Jason Jillain in the first half of the first round. For his efforts, Ludwig was awarded his dream: the opportunity to compete in the Tokyo Dome where the winner of an eight-man playoff scheduled for May 3rd will take home $100,000. More to follow on this hot story….

Here's ALL the nights results of Ring Of Fire Warriors 4...

1. Kickboxing 150
   Chrisanne Roselip (CO) Defeats Valerie Anthonson (CO) by 3R Decision.
   
   
2. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) 155-170
   Danny Jung (CO) Defeats Sam McFarlin (CO) by 3R Decision.
   
   
3. Kickboxing
   Mark Baier (CO) vs Aaron Williams (CO) by exhibition draw.
   
   
4. MMA 155-170
   Thomas Shulte (NM) Defeats TonyKent (CO) by 1R armbar.
   
   
5. MMA 185-205
   Bobby Johnson (OK) Defeats Mario Horta (CO) by 1R rear naked choke.
   
   
6. K-1 RULES 154
   Duane Ludwig (USA) Defeats Melvin Murray (CAN) by 2R KO (knee).
   
   
7. K-1 RULES 154
   Ole Laursen Defeats (USA) Jason Jillain (CAN) by 1R KO (punch).
   
   
8. MMA 170-185
   John Cronk (CO) Defeats Jeff Lindsey (OK) by 1R submission (punches from mount)
   
   
9. MMA 140-155
   Leonard Garcia (TX) Defeats Steve Horton (IL) by 1R armbar.
   
   
10. MMA 170-185
    Joe Stevenson (CA) Defeats Cruz Chacon (CO) by 1R kneebar.
    
    
11. K-1 RULES 154
    Duane Ludwig Defeats Ole Laursen by 4 round (Extra round) decision.
    
    

For an AMAZING Pictorial Click HERE!

FRIDAY, March 15th, 2002, AT 2:05 PM, PT

Richmond County Investigator
To Be Honored For Courage And Sacrifice
In The Line Of Duty At March 16 Martial Arts Sporting Event

Richmond County Narcotics Investigator James Tredore is scheduled to he honored for his, "courage, sacrifice, and dedication in showing the true spirit and integrity of the martial artist in his service to the community" at WINTER WARS 2002 a kickboxing and mixed martial arts spectators' event to be held on Saturday, March 16, 2002, at the Augusta State University Athletic Complex. Tredore was shot by a suspect in the line of duty on July 12, 2001, while executing a search warrant as part of a "drug raid" on a residence suspected for illegal narcotics activity.

Tredore, an experienced martial artist and student at August Martial Arts Academy, survived the attack and is back at work with the Sheriff's Office. Event organizer Mike Carlson, who is also Tredore's instructor is relieved that his student and friend has recovered and inspired by his sacrifice, "Jim has always been a tremendous student and member of our team here at AMAA. I have enjoyed working with him as a prosecutor as well. In this time of war and heightened awareness of our public servants, it is only too appropriate to honor Jim for his dedication and sacrifice to this community and all of the people in it. This is why every major martial arts organization involved in WINTER WARS 2002 is joining us in publicly recognizing his efforts."

The doors will open for WINTER WARS 2002 at 6:00 PM and the first bouts will begin at 7:00 PM. Inv.Tredore is expected to be honored during an intermission between the matches. For more information, call Augusta Martial Arts Academy at 855-5269.

WEDNESDAY, March 13th, 2002, AT 5:50 PM, PT

NYC
San Shou
Tournament

On Saturday, March 16, 2002 the New York Kung-Fu and Kickboxing (43 W 24th Street between 6th avenue and Broadway, #3B (212) 242-2453) will present the NYC San Shou Tournament, an all amateur event open to all interested athletes.

It will be a unique opportunity for those who either aren't prepared for the "big time" or can't get on a big card to get much needed experience. In the past, these "small" events have featured the future stars of our sport.

It may very well help promoters of the future "King of San Da: USA" events identify possible talent for these high profile shows. The following is an update on the tournament.

1. Late registration begins Saturday morning at 8:30 AM, $35. To be immediately followed by weigh in and physicals.
2. Once brackets are set (following weigh-ins), there will be a rule review meeting. This should clear up any outstanding questions.
3. Event is now IKF sanctioned. All participants will be ranked as a result of competition.
4. Spectators are $10 at the door, first come, first serve.
5. Event is being professionally video taped by Bill Butterworth, videographer for the NYC Golden Gloves. For this reason NO PERSONAL VIDEO TAPING. Tapes will be available to all from Mr Butterworth at only $20. Please cooperate and don't try to video tape, you will only be asked to leave.
6. Please remember, you are responsible for your own groin cup, mouth piece, head gear and shin and instep padding.

Any questions should be directed to (212) 242-2453 or visit www.nykk.org
or Mr. Ross' e-mail by clicking Here.
Thanks and see you all there.

NYC San Shou Tournament
Saturday, March 16, 2002 at NYKK Gym
43 W 24th street between 6th ave and Broadway
Spectators $10, Late registration still open, only $35

The NYC San Shou Tournament would like to thank
The IKF for Sanctioning this Event and their support of San Shou.

MORE NEWS OF 3-13-02

FRANK SHAMROCK
TO ATTEND
WINTER WARS 2002

Mixed martial arts superstar Frank Shamrock (Right) has announced that he will be in attendance in Augusta, Georgia for WINTER WARS 2002, on March 16, 2002.

Event organizer Mike Carlson is proud to have Shamrock in attendance: "I first met Frank in 1996, when he was here with the UFC. When I started traveling in MMA circles more and more, I would cross paths with him frequently. I was not only impressed with his athletic ability, but, watching him train his fighters, saw a dynamic and effective communicator. What I remember most is Frank's congenial and down to earth attitude. If one of our students had spoken with Frank, he would always make an effort to follow up with them, no matter where he was or who he was with. He is a true professional and outstanding ambassador of the sport."

The stars of the martial sports are set to shine at WINTER WARS 2002. Legendary MMA combatant and superstar in his own right Dan "The Beast" Severn will teach an "Ultimate Grappling" seminar on March 16, at the event site, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Two time world kickboxing champion Johnny "Superfoot" Davis will also be in attendance, providing an opportunity to purchase a copy of his newly authored manual, "The Art of Kickboxing."

IKF and ISCF President Steve Fossum will also be in the Garden City for all of the action, as will kickboxing pioneer Joe Corley. (Left) For more information, contact Augusta Martial Arts Academy at (706) 855-5269 or E-mail at amaa@prodigy.net.

MORE WINTER WARS NEWS OF 3-13-02

FORMER US MARINE TO STORM THE RING AT
WINTER WARS 2002

Gene "Mean" Silas of Aiken, SC, spent 4 years in the United States Marine Corps. He will have to pull from the discipline and focus learned there on March 16, 2002, as he faces Valdosta's Sean Blanchette, in a Super Heavyweight, ISCF sanctioned, mixed martial arts bout. Accordingly, Silas' match will incorporate techniques from all martial arts, including punches, kicks, throws and joint locks. Silas sees his military experience as helping prepare him for the demand of competition.

"The Marines teach you to improvise, adapt, and overcome. That is what I am looking to do in my fight," says Silas, who is also a former competitive power lifter, "No matter what the outcome, I sticking with this." Silas trainer and WINTER WARS 2002 organizer, Mike Carlson is impressed with Silas' "team spirit" and work ethic, "Nobody out there is willing to log more hours in training than Gene," notes Carlson, "He really carved out a beneficial niche for himself-and for all of us-here at Augusta Martial Arts Academy."

Silas adds, "I just do not want to let my fight team down." Upon hearing this, Carlson replied, "That's about the last thing Gene needs to worry about." Silas bout will be part of a daylong martial arts sports event on Saturday, March 16, 2002, at the Augusta State University Athletic Complex, including a daytime karate and grappling tournament and an "Ultimate Grappling" seminar, taught by pioneering Mixed martial arts champion Dan "The Beast" Severn (Right) At 6:00pm, the doors will open for the evening kickboxing and mixed martial arts bouts, which will begin at 7:00pm.

For more information, contact Augusta Martial Arts Academy
at (706) 855-5269 or E-mail at amaa@prodigy.net.

Fight card subject to change.

MORE WINTER WARS NEWS OF 3-13-02

Fight Talk ala
The Doctor
And Counter Doctor with Bad Johnny
Editor's Note: The Doctor is an avid fan of the martial sports. A significant player in the passage of the HB 538, which kept mixed martial arts legal in the Peach State, this influential fight enthusiast possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of law, literature, and both the fine and combat arts. As one of his many dedicated female admirers once wrote, "[The Doctor's] capacity for derivative knowledge, his levitational mind speak, set him apart."

MORE WINTER WARS NEWS OF 3-13-02

PHYSICAL THERAPIST AND PATIENT
TO FIGHT SIDE-BY-SIDE AT
WINTER WARS 2002

When Augusta kickboxer "Endless" Summer Miller had shoulder surgery last year, she did not have far to look for a physical therapist. Her teammate, kickboxer Terri "T-Rex" Hicks, was standing ready. "One helpful aspect about going to Terri is that she is a kickboxer as well," says Miller, who will fight Atlanta's Penny DeGraw, "So she understands exactly what my goals are and what I need my body to be able to do." Hicks, a licensed physical therapist, will face Louisiana's Andrea Grishman.

She has been impressed with Miller's progress, "Most people never dream about getting in the ring, period. Summer has worked hard and progressed ahead of schedule, which says a lot for her being ready to fight this time." Miller and Hicks will be part of a 12-bout fight card (7 kickboxing and 5 mixed martial arts bouts), which will comprise the "night show" of WINTER WARS 2002 Organizer Mike Carlson, who trains both Hicks and Miller, sees his dojo as being a catalyst for the development of both of his fighters, "Augusta Martial Arts Academy is about teamwork. Prima donnas and mavericks are not tolerated here. Summer and Terri are dedicated to our program in every respect. No one trains harder than these two ladies. It is a testament to the synergism that AMAA creates that Summer had a physical therapist right here and part of her team."

WINTER WARS 2002 will be an all day event on Saturday, March 16, 2002, at the Augusta State University Athletic Complex. Beginning at 9:30am, a daytime karate and grappling tournament will begin. Later, at the ASU Athletic Complex, from 2-4pm, mixed martial arts legend Dan "The Beast" Severn will conduct an "Ultimate Grappling" seminar. At 6:00pm, the doors will open for the evening kickboxing and mixed martial arts fights, which will begin at 7:00pm. For more information, contact Augusta Martial Arts Academy at (706) 855-5269 or E-mail at amaa@prodigy.net.

Fight card subject to change.

MONDAY, March 11th, 2002, NEW POST ADDED AT 10:20 PM, PT

Fort Gordon Soldier &
Department of Army Civilian
To See Action at...
Winter Wars 2002!

MORE NEWS OF 3-11-02

Robert Coquette Out of K-1 Middleweights!!!
Click HERE To See The K-1 Middleweight Page

MORE NEWS OF 3-11-02

MONDAY, March 11th, 2002, NEW POST ADDED AT 9:30 PM, PT

IKF Wants You!
A Call For "Unity" In The Kickboxing Community
By Johnny Davis IKF Director of Marketing

The International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) is aggressively seeking those interested in joining forces to make the sport of Kickboxing a mainstream attraction. This is our call to the promoters, trainers and organizations to take a serious look at the state of Kickboxing today and where it could be if we work together. Its time to give the fighters their just due. Too many fighters are getting lost in the bowl of alphabet soup, holding the letters of organizations that are not marketing themselves or their champions. When a fighter wins a title but is not recognized for it, it takes the flare out of the winning. The fighter goes back home to a "town of silence" not being recognized for their outstanding achievement. The IKF wants all champions recognized. Therefore, after each fight, no matter where in the world, we post the results on our popular site. We also send out pre and post fight press releases to local media for many of our fights.
Take a look at what you have done for the sport as a "whole" in the past five to ten years. If you only see where you have grown in your own area or region then perhaps you should research how you can become a part of the larger scheme of the Kickboxing community. I know, everybody feels that they have the answers to curing Kickboxing's ills. However, taking the sport of Kickboxing to its deserving magnitude cannot hinge on one or two "good" promoters. It will take hundreds of promoters from around the world working together for a common goal. Working with the IKF would not change much of what you are currently doing. However, your experience could be valuable to us in other areas. Perhaps you know potential big sponsors and or television networks that are ready to support Kickboxing. Furthermore, you may be the bearer of strategies that have worked for you and could be helpful to others.

We invite you to see some of what we have done in the past five years, the numbers are impressive! This should give you an example of how we can further assist you. Today, we sanction fights all around the world and the number of IKF Sanctioned events is growing at a brisk pace! This year alone we anticipate sanctioning over one hundred events worldwide. We have the Largest National Kickboxing Tournament in North America in the IKF Nationals that last year registered 263 fighters from various styles. When this two-day elimination was done, those who walked away as champions, really were! As many of you know, our success on our web site is phenomenal with over one million hits per month now. The IKF keeps an updated and accurate ranking of all fighters listed with the IKF as well as, we make a concerted effort to give just due to the promoters, trainers, fighters, officials, and the sponsors of events. Furthermore, our championship belts are top quality brass and leather and would make anyone proud to wear them!

I'm appalled that for the past twenty years or so, groups are continuing to battle over pennies when there are millions that can be made with proper unity!

So again, I asked each of you for the sake of the sport of Kickboxing and for the prosperity of future generations of fighters, lets come to the table and discuss how we can work together. We will listen to your concerns and issues and will try and negotiate where possible. Finally, many of you come to the table with the words "free sanctioning" at the tips of your tongues because other sanctioning bodies give it for free. We are not "Free" because what we offer has "true" and "honest" value!

Please understand that in order for the IKF to continue to grow, it must receive fees for its work, just as you expect from other professionals hired to do a job. Although we must request fees, this does not mean that the doors are closed for discussion in this area. It does mean that a Barter Deal would have to be of the same value to the IKF. We promise you this, we will work very hard to make sure your events are ran professionally and are successful! We look forward to hearing and working with you! THE IKF WANTS YOU! IN UNITY, THERE IS STRENGTH!

For more information, contact our office at (916) 663-2467.

See the below Excerpts from
Johnny Davis' Autobiographical Kickboxing Training Manual
"The Art of Kickboxing"

The Reconstruction Era of Kickboxing
Ready for the World!

MORE NEWS OF 3-11-02

POSTED AT: 4:20 PM, TODAY, PT

Controversy Surrounds Rules In Mexico...
But Not Who Wins!
Reyes Wins This One Hands Down!

Now to the MAIN EVENT Action...
Although they both used knees, the knees didn't make any difference in the fight except that they allowed Morrow to clinch with Reyes each time he seemed to be in trouble. As we all know, a good referee is vital in any bout and in this bout, the referee made some errors that if not for Reyes sure dominance of the bout, they would have easily cost Morrow the win in a closer fight. Referee Jose Cobian (Licensed as a referee in California with the Athletic Commission) is yet another referee that needs to learn MuayThai refereeing from IKF Head MuayThai referee, Fred Fitzgerald. Cobian made several errors in regards to the "Flash Knockdown Rule" in MuayThai as several southern California referees have been known to do in the past. He also failed to break the fighters enough when the action stopped in the clinch.

In round 1, the two took their time to see what the other had. Reyes easily won the round and was given the nod by 2 of the 3 judges. However the remaining judge gave to Morrow. In round 2, Reyes hit Morrow and knocked him down. Referee Cobian called it a knockdown and gave Morrow a count which simply put, was the wrong call to make. In the end, although Reyes did dominate the round, Morrow was given all 8's to Reyes 10's on all 3 judges cards and found himself in a mathematical hole early in the bout. In round 3, Reyes continued to dominate, knocking Morrow down again with a right cross at the end of the round, where again, Cobian gave Morrow a standing 8 count. This one was needed though. After 3, Reyes led 30-25, 29-26 and 30-25. Mathematically he had to either knock Reyes down in both remaining rounds or knock him out to win.

In round 4, it appeared Reyes was resting. He was no longer aggressive but stayed sharp. However his lack of aggressiveness cost him the round and Morrow took it 10-9 on all 3 judges cards.

In round 5, Reyes picked up where he had left off in round 3. He was aggressive with his leg kicks as well as hand combinations, dropping Morrow again at the 2:30 mark. Morrow stood up to take the count, but had nothing left. In the end, Reyes would win the bout under the modified rules and would take home his first title with a unanimous decision win, 49-43, 48-44 and 49-43. Reyes won the vacant IKF Pro International Rules, (Leg Kick) North American Super Welterweight Title.

SEMI-MAIN EVENT
In the nights Semi-Main event, Jose Guardado of Ensenada Mexico (12-0/9) ensured he would stay in the top title contending spot as he remained undefeated with a strong win over Jose Luis Rodrigues of Tecate Mexico (6-2/4). Guardado dominated the entire bout winning all 4 rounds and went to work to finish in the 5th when he had Rodrigues staggering around the ring. Seeing the opportunity to finish him off with some excitement, Guardado did a spinning hook kick to Rodrigues' head at 1:16 of round 5 that put an end to the bout.

In a special women's exhibition bout, Pro fighter Jackie Nava of Tijuana Mexico and Amateur Claudia Vidaurri of La Mirada, California, USA sparred with great aggressiveness to thrill the crowd. On the exhibition scorecards, Nava won all 5 rounds. We hope to see Vidaurri at the "Big Show" this year, the 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Championships.

Here's how the other action came out on the night.

• Raul Ruelas (1-0) of Ensenada Mexico defeated Jose Ibarra (1-1) of Tijuana, Mexico by unanimous decision 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27 in his pro debut.
• Octaviano Rodriguez (1-0) of Tijuana, Mexico (Serrano Gym) defeated Juan Cervantes (1-2) of Tijuana Mexico (Reyes Gym) by split decision 29-28, 28-29 and 30-27 in his pro debut as well.
  
  
• Mario Mendoza (7-2) of Tijuana, Mexico defeated Rafael Parra (3-2) of Tecate, Baja CA, Mexico by TKO at 1:07 of round 2.
  
  

• David Serrano of Mexico was scheduled to fight but his opponent, Eddie Ruiz of Silverio Ramaro's Gym in Tijuana Mexico was a no show at the weigh-ins.
  
  
• Also, Jose Fernandez of Tijuana, Mexico was left without a fight as well when his opponent, Marc Zavala of George Valdez' Gym was also a no show at weigh-ins.
  
  

Promoter Eduardo Cano says he is already planning his next IKF Kickboxing event in Tijuana Mexico for July 6th, 2002. For more info on this event, please contact Mr. Eduardo Cano at 011 52 664 686 0380 or e-mail at aztek@telnor.net.

We'd like to Thank the Tijuana Mexico Athletic Commission for another great job! Special thanks goes out to Mr. Saul Armas, the commissioner of Kickboxing for Tijuana. As well, to Mr. Sergio Fernandez and Mr. Ricardo Franco, Director. These guys have done a great job improving kickboxing in Tijuana.

RESULTS FROM
England and Peoria Illinois coming later in the week...

MORE "KICKBOXING" RESULTS

As a special request from some of the fighters known to the IKF, here are the results to the recent (non IKF sanctioned) event in San Jose, California, USA, this last Saturday night;

• Justin Brockway defeated Haider Tawil by a 3 round split decision.
• Stephanie McClellan defeated Reenah Anthony by unanimous decision, 3 rounds.
• Maurice Hooks defeated Ryan Joiner by unanimous decision, 3 rounds.
• Bebe Etizer defeated Mike Spielgalhalter by TKO in Round 2.
• Naveen Contreras defeated Patti Teran by split decision, 4 rounds.
• Aaron Weiss defeated Tom Fowlie by TKO in Round 2.
• John Elcessior and Jason Strout fought to a draw
• Mark Tabuso defeated David Barrios by unanimous decision, 4 rounds.
• Steve Del Fiero and Tristin Wit fought to a draw
• Brian Schwartz defeated Paul Gardner by second round TKO.
• Jerome Turcan defeated Darren Walters by 3rd round TKO.
• George Tsutsui defeated Peter Kaljevic by unanimous decision, 4 rounds.
• Jean Claude Leuyer defeated Paul LaLonde by 4th round TKO.

THURSDAY, March 7th, 2002, AT 7:15 PM, PT

This Weekends IKF Action...

MEXICO
VS
USA!

MORE NEWS OF 3-7-02

"RUMBLE at the RIVERPLEX!"
IKF & ISCF Action In The Heart Of America.
Peroia Illinois!

Sports fans in Peoria, IL are bracing themselves for an exciting weekend. Peoria is hosting the Illinois State Boys Basketball tournament for the seventh consecutive year. There is also a new sports tradition that is quickly being established in the Peoria area. Kickboxing promoter Ryan Blackorby has hosted six events in the last two years.Canton, Illinois, USA based Mixed Martial Arts promoter, Phil Johns has thrown nine promotions in the last three years.

This Saturday night, March 9th, these two combat sports enthusiasts will team up to co-promote the
"RUMBLE AT THE RIVERPLEX."

This event is being held in the newly opened RiverPlex Arena located at 600 Water Street, Peoria, Illinois, USA. This 26 million dollar facility is not only a great venue, but it also brings added public attraction to the areas Sporting events. Phil and Ryan are very excited to show-case both kickboxing and mixed martial arts in this state of the art facility.

Featured bouts on the night will include, IKF Amateur MuayThai with Herman Morrison Vs Maciej Gulinski. ISCF Amateur MMA Featuring Jimmy Berketta Vs Bart Palaszeweski. Other featured fighters will include Jim Lyons, Greg Ford, Greg Little, Jason Stransky, Todd Stephens, Dave Flurry, Hutan Ghojulla, Brian Szhor, Steve Merideth and Sean Mahin.

Gates open at 5:30 PM and the fights begin at 6:30 PM. Tickets in advance are $10 bleacher $15 reserved seat $25 ringside seat. At the door prices are $15 bleacher, $ 20 reserved seat, $30 ringside seat. TICKET LOCATIONS Are: Peoria Athletic Club: 672-3090, Shandi's 647-9434, The Dungeon: 494-9138, Viano's: 647-6705, Phil Johns: 668-1705.

For more information contact Ryan Blackorby at 309-672-3090 or Phil Johns at 309-668-1705.

MORE NEWS OF 3-7-02

Coventry
England

This Sunday night, March 10th, IKF Promoters Mike Fowles and Steve Donnelly will host IKF Pro and Amateur kickboxing in Coventry England. For more information please contact Mr. Alby Bimpson or Jacqui Thompson of IKF Europe at (Phone/ Fax) 44 174 473 9043.

WEDNESDAY, March 6th, 2002, AT 11:30 PM, PT

The IKF Steps UP to Support San Shou...
AGAIN!

New York, NY: Whether you do American kickboxing, International Rules, Muay Thai or San Shou you probably know the legends of our sport. People like Maurice Smith, Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Rick Roufus, Duke Roufus, and a host of other great athletes who became great champions. What most people seem to forget is that everyone of these legends once had to step into the ring for the first time. Fortunately for us, someone gave them a shot, someone believed in them and someone supported them. All amateur shows, especially for raw beginners, don't have "big names" and often don't draw the big crowds, but they are an integral part of our sport. Often, sanctioning bodies ignore these small shows. Then there are those who think about the future.

On Saturday, March 16, 2002 the NYKK Gym will present the NYC San Shou Tournament, an all amateur event open to all interested athletes. It will be a unique opportunity for those who either aren't prepared for the "big time" or can't get on a big card to get much needed experience. In the past, these "small" events have featured the future stars of our sport. It may very well help promoters of the future "King of San Da: USA" events identify possible talent for these high profile shows. So the NYC San Shou Tournament isn't just any show and that's why the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) has stepped up to sanction an event which otherwise would have gone ignored by a lot of others. The sanctioning not only gives the event a little more opportunity to be known, it will also help each and every athlete directly. All participants will be listed in the IKF Rankings as a result of their participation.

The NYC San Shou Tournament would like to thank the IKF for supporting it and San Shou.

NYC San Shou Tournament
Saturday, March 16, 2002
Starting at 10 AM at NYKK Gym
43 W 24th street between 6th ave and Broadway
For Info, Call: (212) 242-2453
or Mr. Ross' e-mail by clicking Here.
Spectators $10, Late registration still open, only $35

MORE NEWS OF 3-6-02

MuayThai Instructor Needed In New York!
MUAY THAIMES IS LOOKING FOR A MUAY THAI TRAINER
From Muay Thaimes

We are currently seeking a top-notch, experienced Muay Thai trainer to serve as head Muay Thai trainer at a gym located in Brooklyn, New York.
We are looking for candidates with professional fight experience overseas. Candidates should be proficient with all of Muay Thai's weapons, including exceptional western boxing skills. Experience in the competitive boxing ring is a plus. Candidates should already have experience training groups of students in Muay Thai. Salary is negotiable.
The facility is located in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, New York. It is a beautiful, spacious, two-floor center with a fully-equipped fitness center and locker rooms with showers.
If you meet the above criteria and would like to be considered for the position, please contact Mike Afromowitz at muaythaimes@aol.com or call 917-566-7292. Also feel free to send bio/resume, video, and any other relevant information to:
Mike Afromowitz, c/o TEK, 30 Haven Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY, 10550, USA

TUESDAY, March 4th, 2002, AT 9:00 AM, PT

"Point" Kickboxing...
The First Step For Beginners Towards Full Contact Fighting...
IKF Point Kickboxing, March 30th in San Jose, CA...Register before March 15th and Save $10!

Evergreen Community College will host what very well could be California's first "total" semi contact (continuous sparring) Point Kickboxing Event. The elimination tournament will feature men, women and junior fighters from the West Coast. They will compete in two divisions, American Style - above the waist Kickboxing and "more" from the Orient: Muay Thai Kickboxing. Both division are looking like they will be packed with great competition! First, second and third place trophies will be awarded for those out-pointing the competition on this day!

The fights are totally judged on points, for a two minute time period and no knockouts are allowed. Full safety gear is mandatory! It's a great way for beginner kickboxers to get started without too much fear of being knockout! They will be able to focus on proper techniques which will keep the spectators at the edge of their seats! Spectators will pay only $5.00 dollars at the door to see a full day of exciting Kickboxing competition!

The Event will have some of the top referees of Boxing and Kickboxing. As seen on HBO Boxing and ESPN boxing and Kickboxing events, Jon Schorle II, (Left) who was the first ever IKF Referee, and former kickboxing Champion himself Dan "Bam Bam" Stell, (Right) will run their rings together with a the group of highly skilled officials. Master Instructor and long time promoter of continuous sparring divisions in his Point Karate tournaments, Mr. Carlos Navarro and his outstanding daughter and "take charge" black belt instructor Ruby Navarro will operate the four floor rings with Stell and Schorle for the entire event!

Additionally, Meet and get your autograph from IKF World Middleweight Champion

Dave "The Madman" Marinoble
and see his beautiful world championship belt!

Also, this event is your opportunity to purchase the all new Johnny Davis Kickboxing Training Manual, the Official IKF Kickboxing Training Manual. Its loaded with pointers and techniques that will last a life time

Instructors and trainers, if you're thinking about entering your school or gym, do it now and save! The entry fee after the 15th will be $35 which isn't bad but why not save money if you can!! Register By clicking HERE!

Johnny Davis, Steve Fossum and the IKF team... ask the question..

"DO YOU KNOW THE WAY TO SAN JOSE... BRING IT ON!"

March 30th... Evergreen Community College
For more information call (916) 663-2467 or (408) 482-7082.
Register Now! Register Now! Register Now! See event Page for registration form!

MORE ON POINT KICKBOXING...

The following is an article written by Johnny Davis (Left) and featured in his Kickboxing Training Manual "The Art of Kickboxing", The Official IKF Training Manual Now Available!

IKF Point Kickboxing is exciting and fun! IKF Point Kickboxing is derived from "full contact" Kickboxing and Point Karate tournament style competition. Point- meaning the entire match is judged on points. Punches and kicks must land in designated striking areas. If the attacker knocks out his opponent, he/she will be disqualified. There are few exceptions to this rule. Judges must be conscious of faking by the offended, the final decision will be up to the three judges. The Kickboxing portion of the name is derived from the "style" of fighting used. Meaning, use of boxing and karate type kicks. Participants wear headgear, 10 to 16 oz gloves, foot pads (for regular and Muay Thai styles), mouthpiece, groin and breast protectors, etc. The action is continuous for one, two, or three minute rounds depending on age group.

The focus is on punches and kicks landing in designated areas and technique rather than hard hitting. Its more like Olympic Style Boxing without the knockouts. In the end, the decision will be left to the judges. (See Judging...Getting the Point on the Johnny Davis Page) There have been Kickboxing "divisions" in Point competition for some time. However, in reviewing some of these matches, they were unorganized and quickly became full contact bouts. The competitors were literally trying to knock each other out and showed very little control. The judges and referees were ill equipped to rule in such matches, therefore it often led to many injuries and discouraged potential competitors. The spectators were also confused to whether they were watching a "full contact" bout in a point semi-contact tournament. IKF Point Kickboxing will be organized with strict rules on contact! With workouts like Billy Blank's Tae Bo and other Martial Arts aerobic workouts in such demand, its only a matter of time before participants in these classes want to take it to the next level. IKF Point Kickboxing is the next level out of the gym! IKF Point Kickboxing will decrease fear of being knocked out and will give participants an outlet to practice Kickboxing techniques in a more realistic manner.

When I was competing, I constantly switched from a Point Karate tournament one weekend to a Full Contact match within a couple of weeks. I must admit, it took more concentration to do this. Of course, I didn't want to think full contact in a semi-contact event or vice versa. Both scenarios could be dangerous. If IKF Point Kickboxing were available then, I believe it would have only enhanced my skills as a full contact fighter because my techniques would have been the same. Hence, only adding to my accuracy and fluency in combinations.

Now that we have IKF Point Kickboxing trainers will have a tool to keep their fighters in shape between amateur fights as well as, introduce their beginner fighters to the sport of Kickboxing. IKF Point Kickboxing done correctly will become one of the biggest divisions in tournaments to hit the Martial Arts scene. Winners will receive trophies and in some cases cash. Men, women, and children will be eager to participate! Spectator appeal for Kickboxing will greatly increase! Enrollment for Kickboxing Classes will double!

Register now for The IKF Point Kickboxing Tournament.
March 30th in San Jose, CA, USA.
See the Point Kickboxing Page HERE for more information on rules and registration.

To order Mr. Davis' New IKF Kickboxing Training Manual, CLICK HERE!

SUNDAY, March 3rd, 2002, AT 11:00 AM, PT

"HOWARD JACKSON... A MARTIAL ARTS HERO"
Press Release from WorldBlackBelt.com

MORE NEWS OF 3-3-02

Event Results From Last Night...
IKF Radford, Coventry, England Event!
From IKF Europe Office

1. Junior Amateur
   Ben Dunning, Cannock Vs. Lee Kelly, Radford Coventry - Full Contact 3 X 1/2 Result - Unanimous Decision Ben Dunning.
   
   
2. Amateur Demonstration
   Lisa Beaney, Northampton Vs. Gemma Murray, Radford Coventry.
   
   
3. IKF Junior Amateur Midland Area Title - Full Contact 42kg
   Joshua Wainwright, Cannock Vs. Cameron Pringle Jones, Radford Coventry 4 X 1/2 Result - Majority Decision Joshua Wainwright - New Champion.
   
   
4. Amateur
   Jay Bimpson, Merseyside Vs. Brett Healey, Radford Coventry - Full Contact 3 X 2, Result - Unanimous Decision Brett Healey.
   
   
5. Amateur
   Chris Witton, Cannock Vs. Ian Spears, Liverpool - Full Contact 3 X 2 Result, Referee Stopped Fight 2nd Round Winner Chris Witton.
   
   
6. Amateur Memorial Bout
   Ian Cullen, Liverpool Vs. Martin Inglis, Radford Coventry, Full Contact 3 X 2 Result, TKO 1 Min 32 Sec 1st Round Winner - Martin Inglis.
   
   
7. IKF Pro Midland Area Full Contact Title 80KG
   Adam Dove, Northampton Vs. Michael Bogusz, Radford Coventry, Full Contact 5 X 2 Result, Unanimous Decision - New Champion - Adam Dove.
   
   
8. Amateur
   Steve Bowler, Coventry Vs. Patrick O'Grady, Radford Coventry, Full Contact 3 X 2 Result - KO 1st Round - Winner Patrick O'Grady.
   
   
9. Amateur
   Craig Price, Derby Vs. Mark Wilson, Radford Coventry, Full Contact 3x 2, Result: TKO 1st Round - Winner - Craig Price.
   
   
10. Amateur Demonstration
    John James, Radford Coventry Vs. Craig Harris, Radford Coventry.
    
    
11. IKF Pro Midland Area Full Contact Title 88.7kg.
    Shane Owen, Northampton Vs. Tyrone Mcnamara, Radford Coventry, Full Contact 5 X 2, Result: TKO 3rd Round 1 Min 59 Sec - New Champion - Tyrone Mcnamara.
    
    

A full event report will follow later this week. For more info about this event which was promoted by IKF Promoter Tom Morris, please contact Mr. Alby Bimpson or Jacqui Thompson of IKF Europe at (Phone - Fax) 44 174 473 9043.

FRIDAY, March 1st, 2002, AT 4:25 PM, PT

THIS WEEKENDS EVENTS

IKF
Coventry, England

IKF Amateur event is promoted by IKF England Promoter Tom Morris. For more information please contact Mr. Alby Bimpson or Jacqui Thompson of IKF Europe at (Phone/ Fax) 44 174 473 9043, Or by e-mail by clicking HERE!

MORE NEWS OF 3-1-02

Titles & Regulations
There's more to ANY Sanctioning Body than just the Letters... At least one would Hope So..