PAST IKF NEWS
This Page Includes Past IKF News for

JULY, 2008

HOME - NEWS - EVENTS - RANKINGS - SANCTIONING - JOINING - RULES & REGULATIONS - MERCHANDISE - ISCF - MMA

SUNDAY, July 27th, 2008, AT 1:55 PM/PST

2008
IKF World Classic
RESULTS!

Slowly but surly the final results of the 2008 IKF World Classic are being entered into the 2008 results page. So far all the Junior and Women's results have been posted and we are working on the Adult Men's results.

This was a record breaking year in a lot of areas for the Annual IKF Tournament. We will have loads of stats for you when Mr. Fossum returns from their East Coast tour along with photos and stories. So for now, keep checking the results page for the 2008 IKF World Classic as we continue to update all the results.

The 2008 RESULTS PAGE can be found by clicking
HERE!

MORE FIGHT NEWS

Don "The Dragon" Wilson
Meets Turkish Fans
Turkish Daily News

For those who have attended the IKF World Classic in the past, you may know there have always been some internal bumps along the way. However, from the outside looking in, the the only thing two things those attending actually saw were some late starts and late nights. Although expected, the IKF didn't take the two late starts lightly. "The first unexpected bump was that the IKF Point Kickboxing (PKB) was more of a success than planned." Said IKF President Steve Fossum. "We thought we would start the bouts around 9 and be done by 11. However, with all the 'at event' registrations, this part of the tournament was an unexpected as well as exciting success." The extended PKB Tournament delayed the start of the regular tournament out of courtesy to several trainers who had fighters participating in the PKB. In addition, several regular IKF Officials were assisting with the expanded PKB Tournament.

This was in addition to what the majority of the attendees did not see. computer issues through the night kept IKF President Steve Fossum, Head of Officials Dan Stell and several staff up the entire night. This meat they had not slept since around 7:AM Friday morning. The computer issues delayed the posting of the fight brackets to about 9:AM Saturday morning, but this was just the beginning of a long weekend...

IKF PKB was an exhibition sport at the 2007 IKF World Classic but this year it was a fully scheduled event. "I can't be more excited for the PKB at this years event." Said IKF PKB President and two time professional kickboxing World Champion Johnny "Superfoot" Davis. "If this was any indication of the future for PKB we need to look into getting more space reserved for the future."

The success of this part of the tournament this year has indeed forced the IKF to start thinking about how much more room they will need in 2009 at the The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort. At this years event the IKF utilized over 37,000 square feet of space for the event. The main portion of the Grand Ballroom (Around 12,000 sq. ft.) housed the main event area with the two rings, spectators and merchandise vendor booths. (This is something else that grew a lot and could easily double if nit triple in 2009). Directly attached next to the main event area was the two main fighter dressing room and warm-up areas. This was another space of over 6,000 sq. ft. in size. The PKB venue was next door with again, over 6,000 sq. ft. Adding to this was another semi private fighter warm-up area that was another 12,000 sq. ft. in size. Fighters had plenty of room to spread their wings.

Having fighter room was great, however at about 11:AM on Saturday, the IKF was officially informed by the Marriott staff that the main venue room was now at, and we will quote, "Standing room only". Yes everyone, this was the first time the IKF Tournament had a "Crowd!" This was again, another unexpected "Bump" in the tournament that was quickly fixed by the excellent Marriott Staff by adding in more chairs.

Once the main tournament started on Saturday, which was just after 12 noon, the prelim bouts were loaded with tons of exciting action. However, the next unexpected bump came from a previous successful decision. Earlier in the registration stages the IKF decided to expand their fighter brackets past 8 fighters. Great for the many brackets that filled far past 8, but bad for the unexpected timing of the Saturday portion of the event.

With quite a few fights to go in their Saturday schedule, the IKF choose to air on the side of safety and stopped the competition around 10:PM with the plan to pick-up Saturdays schedule first thing in the morning. It was a decision that was applauded by nearly everyone and those who questioned it Saturday night made a point to thank the IKF Staff and inform them that they were thankful for the rest.

With the excitement of a planned earlier start time on Sunday to accommodate the extra bouts, it was that never ending attempt to please everyone that jinxed Sunday's schedule as well. In total, 19 fighters had asked for changes in their fight schedule so that they could make their scheduled plane flights. Eleven of those were made as the event was trying to start and the remainder kept coming throughout the day.

The changes caused internal problems mainly unnoticed to those in attendance, but frustrating for the IKF Staff which was forced to move entire divisions to accommodate one fighter. In doing so, they needed to attain approval from every fighter and trainer in the division of the requested change... Still, the IKF Officials kept moving forward to still try and "Please everyone", and by the time Championship Sunday ended around 8:PM, it was clear that had pretty much accomplished that duty... Again!

In the end, of the 241 fighters (Not counting the IKF PKB) still scheduled to show up at the event, 229 did. Of them, two did not make weight and one transferred to the IKF PKB. The final number of 227 did not break the 240 record set in 2005 at the Wyndham Palace in Orlando Florida but it clearly made a statement with a strong second to the 220 from 2004, again, at the Wyndham Palace in Orlando Florida.

Along with the 229 fighters, 110 additional trainers, staff and officials made up the 339 attendees to the special IKF Welcome Banquet dinner on Friday night. "This was something we received a lot of thanks for and turned out a lot better than expected for us all." Said Fossum. "It was suppose to only be something special for our 10 year anniversary but we are now considering it as an included part of the tournament from here forward."

As many know, Don "The Dragon" Wilson was the Tournament's Special Guest. However he and Johnny Davis were not the only superstars in the house over the weekend. Legendary World Champion Mike Bell was in attendance as well as two other legends in the sport of Kickboxing and Martial Arts. Both Joe Lewis and Bill Wallace dropped in to be a part of the action on Saturday and see the amateur fighters from around the world, "Walk the Walk!" Lewis had such a great time he was back on Sunday supporting the sport. It was simply the place to be for Kickboxing!

In all, 43 IKF World Classic Champions were crowned this past weekend. That number seems less because the division brackets were expanded in regards to weight and there were less "Two fighter" brackets as in the past. This was a SOLID event that saw thousands of dollars in awards go home around the world. Over and over again there was a phrase the IKF Staff heard from those in attendance, "Past the hype talking and the politics, the bottom line is, Nothing else comes close to the quality of the IKF World Classic!" This "IS THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR AMATEUR KICKBOXING!"

RESULTS?
Right now the IKF Staff is traveling up the East Coast to a conference in Vermont and will not be back in the IKF Offices until late next week. Because of this there will be a little delay in posting the Official Tournament Results.

PLAN AHEAD...
However, instead of waiting for them, you may want to start planning ahead for the 2009 IKF World Classic which will be held on July 24th, 25th and 26th at the The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort. For those planning WAAAAY ahead, we look forward to seeing you on August 6th, 7th and 8th, 2010, once again at at the The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort.

Drop the Gauntlet!
& Bring It ON!

Truly tired from the final prep work by everyone here at the IKF, IKF Photographer and International Fight Belts director Glenn Berg (Left) and IKF President Steve Fossum know they have a mission to do "For Everyone!" In a few short hours they will be leaving IKF Headquarters, Excited about the Journey ahead. A 3,000 mile plus Journey from IKF Headquarters in Newcastle, California to the

10th Annual
IKF WORLD CLASSIC
Amateur Kickboxing Championship Tournament
At the Largest Marriott In The World
The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort.

This year they have added a new addition to their travel crew, the new International Fight Sports (IFS - www.IFightSports.com) trailer. It will be hard to miss them flying down the highway. The trailer is plastered with 6 different logos. The International Fight Sports logo along with the IKF Kickboxing logo, IKF Muay Thai, IKF Point Kickboxing, ISCF MMA and the IBL, International Battle League logo!

IFS is the parent company that Fossum is President and CEO of that oversees several fight sport companies from Sanctioning to Equipment, Promotion to Awards. To learn more about IFS go to www.IFightSports.com

Now that you know what they will look like driving back, if you see them, give them a wave and a honk! If you can catch them stopped or flag them down, who knows, maybe you can get a free hat or one of the new IKF Beanies!

As we post every year for this event, we try to educate those asking that yearly question... "Why drive?" Well, lets just say this trip is.. "For The TEAM!"

For those who know the story, feel free to skip down. For those who don't know it, a little history... At the 2000 IKF Tournament, the event official shipping sponsor, UPS (United Parcel Service) was anything but... Official. They "LOST" ALL of the the IKF National Championship belts (Shown at left, before they left IKF Headquarters......) for the tournament. Although UPS found them... 3 weeks later, and did help us ship them out to all the Champions, it just took a lot of the excitement out of winning the title that year.

For example, it's common practice for ALL Tournament Champions to wear their IKF Championship Belt

Throughout the Entire Day on Championship Sunday

after winning it. Heck, it's a TRADITION that NO ONE Questions!

It's also not uncommon for all the fighters to wear their championship medals throughout the weekend as well, even if a fighter loses his or her first bout, the medal alone is a sign of "I made the trip, and Walked the Walk against the BEST Amateur Kickboxers in the World!"

At the 2000 Tournament, the IKF had to borrow one of the 1999 Tournament Champions IKF Title belt (Right) and just presented it over and over again, but still... No Champion was able to proudly wear their belt home. With this yearly drive, this will never happen again!

There was nothing worse that year than seeing all those Champions walk away from the ring with a "BORROWED" IKF USA National Title Belt knowing they had to give it back after a quick picture. So, from those thoughts, we have what we call here... "THE RoadTrip!"

Although it's called the "World Classic" now, many still refer to the yearly tournament as "The Nationals". It's a marathon weekend for the IKF staff and assisting officials, and a long weekend for all others involved as well. We can't speak for others but we know the direct IKF Staff will be lucky if they get 8 hours sleep from Thursday night to Sunday night. However the excitement of everyone there gives them more energy than they will experience throughout the year. It's been the "Who's Who" of Amateur kickboxing in America and North America and now the WORLD! It is indeed "THE TRUE" elite AMATEUR Kickboxing event in the World for "AMATEURS ONLY!"

This year the Tournament will feature IKF Point Kickboxing ( PKB ) as an actual tournament rule style. Registration for this style is open until 5:PM Friday, July 18th (Registration day) and there are no late fees for this style. PKB bouts will take place Saturday morning before the beginning of the full contact Tournament. Since it's still new, we expect this first official year to be only a little bigger than last years "Exhibition Year". IKF Point Kickboxing is an exciting addition to the already prestigious event. There will be no Pro's fighting as amateurs like in some of the European Tournaments here. This is a TRUE AMATEUR ONLY Kickboxing Tournament and with those outlines, it's the Largest AMATEUR ONLY Kickboxing Tournament in the World!

Next weekend those in attendance will be surrounded by some of the greatest Fighters and Trainers in the world. Their presence will humble us all. "THEY" are the Champions on this weekend. Their desires make us all proud just to work hard and make things happen. The many officials and staff that will be volunteering their time to help, what can be said of them other than "THANK YOU!!" Without them, this event couldn't happen.

If you have ever been to this event, you know what we are talking about... This event will change your life in so many ways. The trainers who give their time, effort and knowledge to their fighters with no financial compensation in return. Their sacrifices they make is rewarded when their fighters proudly enter the ring of battle to "Walk The Walk!"

In addition to the many great amateur fighters, we will be surrounded by many great current and past Pro fighters and trainers as well. Some of them include Special Guest of Honor and Former 11 Time World Champion Kickboxer Don "The Dragon" Wilson who will be surrounded by others such as Steve Shepard, Chuck Wolfe, Dan Stell, Elliott Cooper, Ray Thompson, Gary Brown, Johnny Davis, Mitz Bandiera, Eric Marshall, Colin Payne, Rudi Ott, Trevor Smandych, JP Perelmutter, Ben Kiker, Danny Dring, David Cummings, Steve Ventura, Jonathan Border, Ray Sarkine, Joe Sampieri, Greg Ardon, Craig Monyelle, Dominique Simmons, Dan Rawlings, Mark and John Greubel, Leon Ramsey, Eddie Monger, Ken Hudson, Jennifer Han, just to name a few. Many more will be coming to see these great amateurs in action who have either won the title at this great tournament or somehow been a part of it as a trainer, official or fight fan that will be coming to talk about the past "9 Years" of this event!

As of today, there are 97 Registered Trainers and 245 Fighters prepared to "Walk The Walk!"

While in their presence, we are sure to be humbled greatly by what they have accomplished in their lives. Their work, dedication, determination and persistence to accomplish their goals cannot be measured in just words for their greatness is far too much to type here tonight.

For those who will be in attendance at this years IKF World Classic Tournament, make sure you make the most of the event. Win or lose, stop and look around at who surrounds you. Many of the greatest Amateur fighters and their trainers and officials the World has to offer. This will, as always be a Journey where we all find ourselves again. A Journey where we all gather together to see what our sport is all about. A house of our Peers.

As Ol Duke (Roufus, below left with one of the first ever IKF Tournament Champions, Jason Johnson at the very first IKF Tournament, the 1999 IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Amateur Kickboxing Championships in Council Bluffs, Iowa.) use to say in the early years of the tournament, "It's all about filling the spaces between the places, the grass roots of America."

Now this work extends outside of America as the event grows. This Journey will humble us all who won't be fighting in it. It will show us how great Amateur Kickboxers are today and give us a chance to think about when we fought as they did and with the same desires but far less the rewards. We will share stories, laughs as well as ideas and in the end, this weekend will truly change us all as we will become someone different than we arrived as, and hopefully a better person than we were at the beginning of the weekend. We will be stronger both mentally and physically from having experienced it. We will be wiser and we will take this wisdom we gained from the others and move forward to make next year even better for those who will "Walk The Walk" again. As trainers we will learn new ideas, new techniques on how to advance our fighters skills. As fighters, we will learn from others by watching their every move and eventually making some of those exciting moves our own.

When were among our peers for these days, it's as if nothing else around the world matters other than what's happening inside the Grand Ballroom at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida on July 18th, 19th and 20th. There may not be 10,000 spectators in the stands, but those watching are our peers, and they are the only "Critics" we care to have. Those who know what it is like to train hard and "Walk The Walk!" These are the people who will be there this weekend.

So as we say Goodnight to many of you who will be sleeping in a few hours, Steve and Glenn are soon to depart on their "Journey" or as we called it, . "THE Roadtrip," where they will find Gold at the end... or, could it be something different this year, for the "10th Anniversary Year?" Who knows for now, but in a week, EVERYONE will be so pumped and excited about this years awards, they may not get much sleep before day one...

Enough "Talkin" everyone... time is running out before we ALL...

Drop the Gauntlet!
& Bring It ON!

See You At The FIGHTS... or On the ROAD!

We have all been doing a lot of "Talking"over the past few weeks and months. Talking promises, ability, hopes and dreams... Through it all, you have been "Dared To Dream of becoming a Champion!" However, the question is, "Can we all "Walk Our Talk?"
The IKF is committed to following through with what we have promised all of you. We WILL "Walk our Talk!"
You are one of 250 Amateur Kickboxers who will have an opportunity to back up what you have been talking about for weeks and months. Now it's your turn to "Walk your Talk" At This Years 2008 IKF World Classic!
It's your turn to "Live your Dash!'
And to keep you on the Right Path...Click HERE!

To keep you Motivated... Click HERE!

With one more day to go, everyone reading this needs to take a deep breath and remind yourselves... "Kickboxing is NOT DEAD!"

Funny to say that, but with all the hype for MMA, take a look at how many amateur kickboxers are preparing to travel to Orlando Florida next week to "Walk The Walk" and Bring it ON! How many faced critics that said "Don't go to Orlando, go to another tournament." It was the critics who voiced such an opinion. But who made them experts? Themselves!

The IKF World Classic has faced it's so called critics and walked through them as if they were not even there. Faced it's challengers who are far from being a contending tournament and walked right on by. Over the years the IKF has "Defended" itself to these critics who make up stories to try to discredit the factual results of the IKF. But in the end, those made up rumors and lies fall away and the truth comes out, that the IKF World Classic "Is What It Is..." The Best opportunity and rewards any Amateur kickboxer can experience, year after year for the last 9 years.

Lets be brutally honest here... The IKF World Classic is not about the IKF. The IKF World Classic has become bigger than the IKF. The IKF has been overshadowed as simply the host and organizer for the Greatest Amateur Kickboxers in the World to meet up and "Walk The Walk" to find out who is the BEST! The IKF Can't take credit for this. However, YOU CAN! You the fighter who "Dares to Dream!" you the trainer who day in and day out, shows up to train those who dare to dream. you the officials who make sure those dreams are attained safely and fairly. YOU are the reasons for the success of the IKF World Classic. Not the IKF.

The IKF is PROUD to be a part of this great event. Proud to invest the thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours in time to assure everyone attending will have a first class venue with first class rewards, win or lose. It will be an experience that will indeed change you from that moment on. Everyone will become a greater and more humble person after the 2008 IKF World Classic. Not by desire... it just happens. To be in a room with ALL your peers, or at least the only ones who truly count, to see you in action. The greatest trainers, promoters, officials and of course, the greatest Amateur Kickboxers in the world. Yes, the IKF may have it's name on everything and is proud to witness it all unfold every year. But come July 18th, remember, it's YOU that makes the IKF World Classic a success... and don't you EVER forget it!

CHECK YOUR DETAILS...
It's time all you fighters and trainers check your listing to make sure you don't have any RED listings by your name. If so, you stand to pay dearly after days end tomorrow. Late fees of course can all be paid at the event, but those birth certificates and photos should ALL be in by end of day tomorrow. As of this point we have 238 Registered Fighters and if you add in the 4 drops, we officially registered 242 fighters this year. This number is good enough for an overall fighter registration placement of 5th in the 10 years of the tournament. however, we could attain a second place finish if a minimum of 221 of the 238 fighters show up to "Walk The Walk" in Orlando.

In fact, if we register a few more fighters tomorrow and a minimum of 240 show up, the 2008 IKF World Classic could very well field the HIGHEST number of fighters in the 10 year history of the tournament since the current record of fighters who showed up to fight is 240 set in 2005 when the Tournament was at the Wyndham Palace in Orlando Florida.

Even if we don't reach that magical record number, somewhere in the 200's will be a number to be proud of since no other amateur kickboxing tournament has even cracked the 200 registered fighters mark, let alone a "Show-up" total of near 200.

As we come to a close for fighter registrations for the 2008 IKF World Classic, we can see that we have already broken "8" long standing records. Not bad for a tournament that some thought would have trouble drawing 150 fighters this year due to the other tournament competition. Lets take a look at the records broken in 2008 and the records that are close to being broken if more register tomorrow.

1. Overall Record for Adult Men Fighters, 117 (2005, Orlando, Florida).
   Last Year 91 (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).
   Today 148 still coming of the 152 Registered.
   
   
2. Overall Record for Adult Women Fighters, 34 (2001, Olathe Kansas).
   Last Year 31.
   Today 37 and all are still coming.
   
   
3. Overall Record for Adult Men's Muay Thai Rules Fighters, 42 (2005, Orlando, Florida).
   Last Year 33 (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).
   Today 76 still coming of the 78 Registered.
   
   
4. Overall Record for Adult Women Muay Thai Rules Fighters, 13, (2001, Olathe Kansas).
   Last Year 9.
   Today 23, and all are still coming.
   
   
5. Overall Record for Adult Men's bouts, 90 (2005, Orlando, Florida).
   Last Year 65 (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).
   Today 126.
   
   
6. Overall Record for Adult Women's bouts, 26 (2004, Orlando, Florida).
   Last Year 19.
   Today 28.
   
   
7. Overall Record for Junior Boys Muay Thai Rules Fighters, 8 (2006, Cedar Rapids Iowa & 2007, Orlando, Florida ).
   Last Year 8 (Orlando, Florida).
   Today 10.
   
   
8. Overall Record for Junior Girls Muay Thai Rules Fighters, 2 (2005, Orlando, Florida).
   Last Year 0.
   Today 5, and all are still coming.
   
   

However, numbers are not everything. The BIG Importance will be the individuals themselves that will show up to "Walk The Walk' to become the BEST Amateur Kickboxers in the WORLD!

Second to the individuals will be the thousands of dollars in incredible awards. As a surprise, we have decided to not show everyone two awards. The Adult Title Belts and the additional awards for the Full Contact & International Rule Champions. Although we already showed the additional awards for the Muay Thai Champions (Above Right) and the Junior Belts, we ASSURE YOU Full Contact & International Rule Champions will not be disappointed!! As for the Adult title belts, we can say they weigh twice as much as ANY previous years belt and cost about $60 more than any other years belts, but that's the only hint we are giving you.

Going back to the Junior Belts, we had a change here... The center plate shown on the Awards Page is the same, but the side plates were changed to be more like the Adult Champion Belts...

Also, going back to those special Muay Thai awards, we made some changes on them too. They will have a larger wood base on them so we can place an engraved IKF World Classic Muay Thai Champion plaque on them.

Additional awards will include Glass Plaques, Autograph Gloves, and for EVERY fighter, Medals and Full Colored Embossed IKF Certificates. Not to mention the free gifts every fighter will receive.

DEADLINES
FIGHTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 9th is the **FINAL DAY FOR ALL REGISTRATIONS!

POINT KICKBOXING DEADLINES
(**) Except for POINT Kickboxing.
Point Kickboxers may register on Registration Day, Friday, July 18th between 2:PM and 6:PM at the Point Kickboxing Registration Table. HOWEVER, NO MAIL in registrations for Point Kickboxing accepted after July 9th. After July 9th, all Point Kickboxing Fighters will need to register at the event on Registration Day, Friday, July 18th between 2:PM and 6:PM at the Point Kickboxing Registration Table. This is because we will be packing up to leave the IKF Headquarters on Saturday, July 12th and will be on the road until we arrive in Orlando sometime Monday or early Tuesday, July 15th.

PHOTO DEADLINES
SPECIAL NOTE: If you are a Point Kickboxer and you plan to register at the event, keep in mind you will be required to pay a $25 PHOTO ID PASS Fee if you have not already sent in your Photo and registration Form as of Thursday, July 10th. (CLICK HERE)

JUNIOR MUAY THAI - CHEST PROTECTORS

• MUST BE SUPPLIED BY FIGHTER
  1. Not required for any Adult Men's or Women's divisions.
  2. WOMEN: ALL Women must wear a minimum of a Sports Bra with Padding.
     • Molded Chest Protectors are acceptable.
     • "TRAINING" Chest Protectors are "NOT" allowed.
  3. JUNIORS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD: It is MANDATORY For ALL Junior Muay Thai fighters (Boys & Girls) to wear a Chest Protector Approved by the IKF.
     • Here are 3 of the Approved IKF Brands Below:
       • WENDY
       • FAIRTEX
       • TWINS
     • If you have a chest protector not on the list above, you can either e-mail the IKF a link that shows the chest protector you wish to use or show it to an IKF Ring Official (Dan Stell, Mike Storm, Chuck Wolfe or Steve Fossum) at registrations for approval. If not approved, the IKF will have chest protectors for you to use.
     • Century Martial Arts Gear is not allowed for ANY Full Contact Fighting. None of their products are FULL CONTACT Approved. ONLY approved for Semi Contact, Point Kickboxing.

WE ARE RE-POSTING
THE TRAINER ISSUES AGAIN...
Here is why...

Several registered trainers or trainers who try to register on registration day may be a little embarrassed when they discover they will not be granted an official Trainers pass for the entire weekend. We have already informed several who have attempted to register family and friends as cornermen or cornerwomen to get a free dinner and a cheaper ticket to watch the event. Ladies and Gentlemen, this just isn't right...

To assure we will be able to afford future IKF Tournaments, PLEASE do not register your friends and or family as trainers and cornermen/women. PLEASE be honorable and inform us that they are not trained cornermen or women and if you have already registered them, or are one of these individuals we are talking about, ask us to put your $10 fee towards your event pass and just buy your dinner ticket at registrations at the dinner ticket table for $25.00.

You know who you are, whether we have already spoken to you or not. PLEASE do not come and try to register as a trainer or cornerman/women or pick up your pass when you know you will either be questioned or denied. We have done our best to provide a low fee for the TRUE and REAL trainers and cornermen/women and also provide a free meal for them and the fighters and officials of this tournament. This is more than ANY OTHER Tournament has done or will ever do for you. Please allow us to have a positive experience. Please be honest and honorable. "What we do in life echoes in eternity."

TRAINERS & CORNERMEN

Trainers and Cornermen of this years 2008 IKF World Classic, your registration DEADLINE is this
Thursday, July 3rd.

• After July 3rd:
  • UP TO JULY 9th: Your Trainer/Cornerman Registration Fee Is $25.00!
  • AT THE EVENT - Your Trainer/Cornerman Registration Fee Is $35.00!
    Keep in mind, we will need to have your FORM, FEE & PHOTO here NO LATER THEN WEDNESDAY, JULY 9th! If we do not have ALL THREE OF THESE THINGS, you will be charged a higher fee at Registrations ($35.00) to receive your Trainer/Cornerman pass. If you do not see your info up on the website (Registered Trainers) by Thursday, July 10th, it means we do not have it and you better bring it all with you to the event.
    • The reason for this is because we CLOSE UP the IKF Office here and start packing everything for the 3,000 mile journey to Orlando. We will depart here on Saturday, July 12th.
      • IKF OFFICES CLOSED
        • As a reminder, once closed on July 12th, IKF HQ will not re-open here at IKF HQ until August 11th, so if you need to reach us, you will need to do so via e-mail at main@ikfkickboxing.com
  • You Will Pay $25 For Your Dinner.
    If we do not have ALL THREE of the above items here by Thursday, July 3rd, you will have to pay for your Welcome Banquet Dinner ticket. The hotel needs the FINAL headcount for those attending the Welcome Banquet Dinner by this Wednesday. Because of this, all added plates will cost us for the change, so those registering late will need to pay $25 for a Welcome Banquet Dinner ticket.
    • In addition to this, keep in mind this Dinner is Free to ONLY
      • Registered Fighters.
      • Registered Officials.
      • Registered Trainers.
        • IF YOU ARE LISTED AS THE Chief Trainer with a fighters registration on the fighters registration page, your cornerman pass, if received with ALL THREE items needed above, you will be approved as a Trainer for the tournament.
        • If you are an individual seeking a trainer/cornermans pass and are not listed as the chief trainer, and are not known to the IKF, you will be asked to take a general Cornerman/Trainers Test... Yes, A TEST. On the test will be general info about training and cornering a fighter. If you do not answer all the questions correctly, you will not be granted a Trainer/Cornermans pass for the tournament.
          • If the IKF WC Tournament staff determines you are NOT a TRUE TRAINED Cornerman, you will NOT BE given your Tournament Cornerman's pass at Registration. in addition, you will need to pay for your own Welcome Banquet Dinner ($25).
        • The reason for this is we have been getting A LOT of Trainer Registrations from family and friends looking to cash in on the free dinner and only pay $10 for an all access ticket for the weekend. The dinner is costing more than double the Trainer/Cornerman registration fee. Due to tournament expenses (As noted in a previous article), ticket sales are very important to the success of the tournament. The low cost and Free dinner is being done as an appreciation to the Trainers and Cornermen who work with these fighters daily.
        • If you are NOT a true cornerman, PLEASE DO NOT send in a trainers registration. Even if you are located on the Registered Trainers page, you may still be denied your trainer/cornerman pass if it is determined you are not a true trainer or cornerman. In other words, "PLEASE DO NOT Abuse what the IKF is doing as an Appreciation to the TRUE Trainers along with the Fighters & Officials." Thank You.

This years IKF World Classic Fighters will be fighting with all New Gloves provided by Combat Sports International. They will be supplying both Red and Blue Wendy Fight Gloves along with Combat Sports Shin Pads for the fighters who need them.

CSI will also be giving the IKF a special deal on two new ring canvas' for the event. One will feature the main IKF Kickboxing logo and the other will have the new IKF Muay Thai logo. CSI will also donate Handwraps for every fighter in the tournament.

Additional gifts will be announced later next week.
As for the Adults Title Belt???
Well, we decided to surprise you all with this years Belt which means you are just going to have to wait until weigh-ins everyone...
The side plates on the Junior Belts for this year have also been changed and we may revel them later next week too.

At 5:10 PM today it was Official! Despite Ringside and Combat Sports International merchandise catalogs making an error that left several IKF World Classic Tournament ads out of their sales catalogs this past year, the IKF World Classic Tournament held it's own name in proving it can still exceed without a major marketing campaign. Imagine what the numbers would be if there were an actual advertising budget for this event!

Today the tournament officially surpassed the total Registration numbers from last years 2007, IKF World Classic Tournament. The record to break was 201 "Registered Fighters". Currently, with still 8 days to go until the final registration Deadline, this years 2008 IKF World Classic Tournament is at 202 fighters, 203 if you count the one fighter who had to drop out due to passport issues. The margin of victory is officially 2, but the IKF is not stopping there. "This is the first year we have allowed brackets over 8 fighters." Said IKF President Steve Fossum. "We felt bad turning fighters away in the past, not because of potential fees lost, but because those fighters were forced to either fight where they didn't want to or not attend."

Several weightclasses have either reached or surpassed the old limit of 8 fighters. Those with more than 8 fighters will see the division champion having to fight twice on Sunday before being crowned the 2008 IKF World Classic Tournament Champion. those divisions with 8 or more include;

• Adult Men's Muay Thai Rules Lightweight (130.1 lbs. - 140 lbs. - 59.10 kg - 63.63 kg) Division: Currently has 8 registered fighters.
  1. Roman Shakhmauov, Orlando, Florida, USA
  2. Seth Grabinsky, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  3. Nathan Rutowski, Waukeska, Wisconsin, USA
  4. Anson Dias, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
  5. Omar Ahmed, Sunnyside, New York, USA
  6. Homer Dulay, Markham, Ontario, Canada
  7. Abraham Estacio, Deltona, Florida, USA
  8. George Poulos, Aventura, Florida, USA
     
     
• Adult Men's Muay Thai Rules Welterweight (140.1 lbs. to 150 lbs. 62.31 kg - 68.18 kg ) Division: Currently has 8 registered fighters.
  1. Juan Delgado, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
  2. Rick Porter, Orlando, Florida, USA
  3. Michael Musto, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  4. Benjamin Culbertson, Polo, Illinois, USA
  5. Chris Kwiatowski, New York, New York, USA
  6. Romiro Alcantara, San Juan, Puerto Rico
  7. Eric Dunston, 2007 CHAMPION, Orlando, Florida, USA
  8. Kevin Mahecha, Aventura, Florida, USA
     
     
• Adult Men's Full Contact Rules Light Heavyweight (170.1 lbs to 180 lbs. - 77.31 kg - 81.81 kg ) Division: Currently has 8 registered fighters.
  1. Christopher Jamison, High Point, North Carolina, USA
  2. Jonathan Ryan, Howell Mauldin, South Carolina, USA
  3. Harry Maxwell, Accra, Ghana
  4. Ashley Collins, Rainham, Kent, England
  5. Jeff Brabant, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
  6. Tryone Brisby, Florida, USA
  7. Travis Mason, Wanship, Utah, USA
  8. Luis Garcia, Miami, Florida, USA
     
     
• Adult Men's Full Contact Rules Welterweight (140.1 lbs. to 150 lbs. 62.31 kg - 68.18 kg ) Division: Currently has 10 registered fighters.
  1. Jesse Arias, Mauldin, South Carolina, USA
  2. Tom Cunningham, Rainham, Kent, England
  3. Neil Wyborn, Rainham, Kent, England
  4. Daniel Chubb, Rainham, Kent, England
  5. Herman Taylor, Morrison, Tennessee, USA
  6. Brad Taylor, Warrenville, South Carolina, USA
  7. Rolando Luna, Dalton, Georgia, USA
  8. Mitchell Whiley, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
  9. Cody Maiden, Marietta, Georgia, USA
  10. Joshua Torres, San Antonio, Texas, USA
      
      
• Adult Men's Muay Thai Rules Middleweight (160.1 lbs to 170 lbs. 72.77 kg - 77.27 kg ) Division: Currently has 12 registered fighters.
  1. Amir Dadovic, Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA
  2. David Heifant, Rockport, Massachusetts, USA
  3. Michael Mendoza, Orlando, Florida, USA
  4. Casey Stevens, Orlando, Florida, USA
  5. Douglas C. Metrish, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
  6. Sean McKinnon, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  7. Dan Churilov, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA
  8. Josh Spencer, Conway, Arkansas, USA
  9. Randolph Hull, Oak Park, Michigan, USA
  10. Joe Miller, Davie, Florida, USA
  11. Brandon Howie, Tampa, Florida, USA
  12. Theodore Dehnert, Orlando, Florida, USA
      
      
• Adult Men's Muay Thai Rules Light Middleweight (150.1 lbs to 160 lbs. 68.22 kg - 72.72 kg ) Division: Currently has 16 registered fighters.
  THIS DIVISION IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED
  Any more fighters would mean someone may have to fight 3 times in 1 day, which we cannot allow.
  1. Joshua Hill, Apopka, Florida, USA
  2. Bryan Padilla, San Jose, California, USA
  3. Richard Edmonds, Orlando, Florida, USA
  4. Ulysses Carrion, Orlando, Florida, USA
  5. Robert Mosier, Orlando, Florida, USA
  6. Adam Moss, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
  7. Anthony Naples, Canton, Georgia, USA
  8. Kevin Felker, New York, New York, USA
  9. Telly Wells, Brooksville, Florida, USA
  10. Torey Paul, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  11. Robert Matthiessen, Sterling, Illinois, USA
  12. Harry Gibson, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  13. Ray Aninzo, Conroe, Texas, USA
  14. Lindsay Austin, Markham, Ontario, Canada
  15. Clayton White, Orlando, Florida, USA
  16. Landon Simmons, Detroit, Michigan, USA
      
      

The top Adult Women's division is the Adult Women's Muay Thai Rules Bantamweight (110.1 - 120 lbs. - 50.04 kg - 54.54kg ) Division which currently has 7 registered fighters;

1. Melissa Reaume, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
2. Trisha Sowders, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
3. Katrin Gebhard, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA
4. Marisol Garcia, Winter Springs, Florida, USA
5. Marisela Badilla, San Jose, California, USA
6. Jenny Foster, Astoria, New York, USA
7. Tara Moore, Brooksville, Florida, USA

The Women's Bantamweight above is followed closely by the Adult Women's Muay Thai Rules Featherweight (120.1 lbs. - 130 lbs. 54.59 kg - 59.09 kg ) Division which currently has 6 registered fighters;

1. Sara Lomonaco, Orlando, Florida, USA
2. Catherine Aboyme, Kissimmee, Florida, USA
3. Jessica Gladstone, Ardrie, Alberta, Canada
4. Allison Stokes, Tampa, Florida, USA
5. Jennifer Schwarz, Texarkana, Texas, USA
6. Laura Bock, Dixon, illinois, USA

Rounding out the most popular Women's divisions is the Adult Women's Full Contact Rules Bantamweight (110.1 - 120 lbs. - 50.04 kg - 54.54kg ) Division which currently has 5 registered fighters;

1. Carla Jessup, Rainham, Kent, England
2. April Simon, Acworth, Georgia, USA
3. Lisa Wells, Beloit, Wisconsin, USA
4. Stacy Chung, 2007 Champion, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
5. Brenda Harrison, Roswell, Georgia, USA

Tops in the Junior Divisions is the Junior Boys Muay Thai Rules Light Middleweight (50.1 lbs to 160 lbs. 68.22 kg - 72.72 kg ) Division which currently has 4 registered fighters;

1. Mike Almanza, Altamonte Springs, Florida, USA
2. Kwang Hyung Lee, Milpitis, California, USA
3. Eric Ingram, Eads, Tennessee, USA
4. Steven Cristini, Markham, Ontario, Canada

Tops in Girls Junior Divisions is the Junior Girls Muay Thai Rules Light Flyweight (110.1 lbs. - 120 lbs. - 50.04 Kg - 54.54 Kg ) Division which currently has 3 registered fighters;

1. Pricsilla Primero, Apopka, Florida, USA
2. Abbi Folk, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA
3. Hanna Wilson, Byhalia, Mississippi, USA

SPEAKING OF MUAY THAI...

From a marketing standpoint, we have had a lot of Muay Thai fighters and trainers ask us if we could start promoting IKF Muay Thai more. This became an issue during the IKF Jamaica Muay Thai event (Which we are still awaiting photos on so we can post our article...) Many there asked us if we had IKF Muay Thai Gear? IKF Gear that said just "Muay Thai" on it. Well IKF Muay Thai fighters, trainers and fans, your wishes have been answered. We present to you an additional web address that will bring you to the main IKF Kickboxing site, but also focus on your sport of MUAY THAI. We present to you

www.IKFMuayThai.com

This is not a different web site, just a different address. This way, when our Muay Thai Fighters & Fans want to promote Muay Thai, they can do so with the IKF. We will have IKFMuayThai.com items at this years IKF World Classic. Hope you like it!

BELOW POSTED ON TUESDAY AT 1:45 PM/PST

IKF WORLD CLASSIC UPDATE
DEADLINES & MORE INFO!

TRAINERS & CORNERMEN

Trainers and Cornermen of this years 2008 IKF World Classic, your registration DEADLINE is this
Thursday, July 3rd.

• After July 3rd:
  • UP TO JULY 9th: Your Trainer/Cornerman Registration Fee Is $25.00!
  • AT THE EVENT - Your Trainer/Cornerman Registration Fee Is $35.00!
    Keep in mind, we will need to have your FORM, FEE & PHOTO here NO LATER THEN WEDNESDAY, JULY 9th! If we do not have ALL THREE OF THESE THINGS, you will be charged a higher fee at Registrations ($35.00) to receive your Trainer/Cornerman pass. If you do not see your info up on the website (Registered Trainers) by Thursday, July 10th, it means we do not have it and you better bring it all with you to the event.
    • The reason for this is because we CLOSE UP the IKF Office here and start packing everything for the 3,000 mile journey to Orlando. We will depart here on Saturday, July 12th.
      • IKF OFFICES CLOSED
        • As a reminder, once closed on July 12th, IKF HQ will not re-open here at IKF HQ until August 11th, so if you need to reach us, you will need to do so via e-mail at main@ikfkickboxing.com
  • You Will Pay $25 For Your Dinner.
    If we do not have ALL THREE of the above items here by Thursday, July 3rd, you will have to pay for your Welcome Banquet Dinner ticket. The hotel needs the FINAL headcount for those attending the Welcome Banquet Dinner by this Wednesday. Because of this, all added plates will cost us for the change, so those registering late will need to pay $25 for a Welcome Banquet Dinner ticket.
    • In addition to this, keep in mind this Dinner is Free to ONLY
      • Registered Fighters.
      • Registered Officials.
      • Registered Trainers.
        • IF YOU ARE LISTED AS THE Chief Trainer with a fighters registration on the fighters registration page, your cornerman pass, if received with ALL THREE items needed above, you will be approved as a Trainer for the tournament.
        • If you are an individual seeking a trainer/cornermans pass and are not listed as the chief trainer, and are not known to the IKF, you will be asked to take a general Cornerman/Trainers Test... Yes, A TEST. On the test will be general info about training and cornering a fighter. If you do not answer all the questions correctly, you will not be granted a Trainer/Cornermans pass for the tournament.
          • If the IKF WC Tournament staff determines you are NOT a TRUE TRAINED Cornerman, you will NOT BE given your Tournament Cornerman's pass at Registration. in addition, you will need to pay for your own Welcome Banquet Dinner ($25).
        • The reason for this is we have been getting A LOT of Trainer Registrations from family and friends looking to cash in on the free dinner and only pay $10 for an all access ticket for the weekend. The dinner is costing more than double the Trainer/Cornerman registration fee. Due to tournament expenses (As noted in a previous article), ticket sales are very important to the success of the tournament. The low cost and Free dinner is being done as an appreciation to the Trainers and Cornermen who work with these fighters daily.
        • If you are NOT a true cornerman, PLEASE DO NOT send in a trainers registration. Even if you are located on the Registered Trainers page, you may still be denied your trainer/cornerman pass if it is determined you are not a true trainer or cornerman. In other words, "PLEASE DO NOT Abuse what the IKF is doing as an Appreciation to the TRUE Trainers along with the Fighters & Officials." Thank You.

FIGHTERS
Be Aware of The Deadlines Below

1. 3rd DEADLINE
   REGISTRATIONS Received After July 3rd, 2008
   will be charged a $50 Late Fee "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all.
   This Late Fee May Be Paid At the Finals Weigh-ins PRIOR to your weigh-in.
   Regional Seeding DOES NOT APPLY for any fighter registering Late - After the first deadline
   
   
2. 4th DEADLINE
   REGISTRATIONS Received After July 7th, 2008
   will be charged a $60 Late Fee "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all.
   This Late Fee Must be paid along with your registration.
   Regional Seeding DOES NOT APPLY for any fighter registering Late - After the first deadline
   
   
3. 5th DEADLINE
   REGISTRATIONS Received After July 9th, 2008
   will be charged a $125.00 "TOTAL" Registration Fee "IF" Your Registration is accepted at all.
   This Late Fee Must be paid along with your registration.
   Regional Seeding DOES NOT APPLY for any fighter registering Late - After the first deadline
   
   
4. FINAL DEADLINE
   NO REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED AFTER July 9th 2008

CALLERS...
If you have questions in regards to the 2008 IKF World Classic Tournament, PLEASE make e-mail your first priority ( main@ikfkickboxing.com ). If calling, please make use of our staff by asking us any questions you may have. Please do not think you need to speak to Mr. Fossum only. He is available to talk to you and will, however, the issue would be when. He has been swamped with calls along with everyone else here so it may be awhile before he gets back to you. All of us answer the phones when we can so we are not "Screening his calls". In fact, he may even pick up your initial call. However if not, chances are he's on another call. So again, please direct your questions to our staff or by e-mail at main@ikfkickboxing.com - Thank You.

MATCHMAKING
Starting later today, you may see a note by your name asking you to move to another weightclass or rule style to create your tournament Bracket. The goal is to have a "Minimum" of 4 fighters in EVERY Fighter Bracket. This may not be possible in some cases where there just isn't anyone else to match you up with. In these extreme cases, we may have a Division with less then 4 fighters. As noted above, when you answer these requests, it is far better to do so via e-mail. This way we both have record of the changes agreed on.

DIVISION/BRACKET CHANGE REQUESTS
Every year we have new fighters or trainers that are not aware of the reasons behind our requirements to switch a fighters fighting division after already being registered. The reason is simple. In the past, some fighters saw too much competition in their bracket division, so they asked to be moved where they may have less or easier fights to win their title. Because of this, we have created the following rule for Bracket change requests

1. You can only move to another bracket that has the same number or more fighters in it.
2. The bracket you move to must have equal or tougher competition.
3. Your reasons for change must be approved by the IKF. You can't just change because you want to, there needs to be a justified reason.
4. IF your request is approved, you will be placed at the BOTTOM of the bracket that you move to regardless of WHEN you registered.

FALSE OR MISSING INFO
We urge EVERYONE to look at their Fighter Registration info.

• ADULT MEN
• ADULT WOMEN
• JUNIORS

If you are missing info or we later discover you have not given us your TRUE info (Such as height or more so, fight record) you will be dropped from the tournament. This includes your fight record in other fighting styles such as Boxing and or Mixed Martial Arts. We need you to inform us of this info NOW, BEFORE July 9th, NOT LATER via e-mail at main@ikfkickboxing.com - Thank You.

PHOTOS
If you are a Registered Fighter for the IKF World Classic and have the words "NEED PHOTO" listed after your name in the registered Fighters Brackets, you only have TWO Days to get your photo to us to avoid paying a $25 Photo Fee at Registrations. Keep in mind this fee is a "Deterrent" so that all photos are in and we do not have long lines with People needing photos taken and passes made. If you still have the words NEED PHOTO by your name, you can either express mail your 2" x 2" headshot photo to us or e-mail one to us in a jpg file or refer us to a web page on the internet that may have your photo where we can copy your photo from.

WHY
ALL Photos are placed on your Tournament ID PASS. without it, you will have to pay a spectator ticket fee to enter the Tournament. The photo is to prevent someone using your ID Pass if you should lose it or have it stolen...

TRAINERS...
As noted on your Trainers Registration Page if you have not sent in your Trainers Registration Form you will be paying $35.00 at Registration whether you have a photo of yourself or not.

FAXES & CREDIT CARDS

• FAXING IN REGISTRATION FORMS
  Just faxing in your form DOES NOT REGISTER YOU! You need to call in with a credit card number and still get us your photo. If we do not have your photo (either by regular mail or e-mail) by Wednesday, July 9th, you will have an additional Photo Fee of $25 at Registrations, whether you bring us a photo or not at Registrations.
  
  
• CREDIT CARD CHARGES:
  All Credit Card charges have been charged through our Graphics Department (since this is where we have our charge Card Account) and will appear as Foster Graphics on your statement. DO NOT DENY this charge, or you will have an additional fees.

PAST IKF NEWS CLICK HERE!

HOME - NEWS - RANKINGS - SANCTIONING - JOINING - RULES & REGULATIONS - MERCHANDISE - ISCF-MMA