10th ANNUAL IKF
WORLD CLASSIC


TOURNAMENT NEWS

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT OF TOURNAMENT LISTED FIRST
AND
FOLLOWED IN ORDER OF DATE ANNOUNCED FROM IKF NEWS PAGE

MOST RECENT ARTICLE IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th, 2007, AT 11:50 PM, PT

Planning Ahead To
Bring It ON!
The Location for The 10th Anniversary of The IKF Tournament Is Announced!

"A World Class Venue for a World Class event." Those were the words several said when discussing this years 2007 IKF World Classic venue in Orlando Florida. Special guest and former 11 time kickboxing World Champion Don "The Dragon" Wilson said it was not only the nicest resort hotel he has ever seen, but the 2007 IKF World Classic was the most impressive and most organized Kickboxing Tournament he has ever attended, and Wilson has truly travelled the World. Don has already accepted to once again be a special guest at the 2008 IKF World Classic.

Over the last month we have been sorting through nearly 100 location proposals and speaking with many more locations that were in the running for the 10th Anniversary, 2008 IKF World Classic Tournament. In keeping with past years, we wanted to top the location of this years event or at the very least, one that would equal it. Well, you may have guessed by now that it just didn't happen...

Although the Midwest is central to us here in the USA, and a much shorter drive for us here at the IKF (1,500 miles shorter), our future is to assure the IKF World Classic is indeed, a Prestigious "WORLD" Championship event. As the saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibility." The purpose is to assure one does not abuse that power. Our Power is within the massive Team effort that it takes to host this event for what will be in 2008, it's 10th straight year. The Responsibility comes in assuring it stays a World Class event for Amateur kickboxing, as it has been for the last 9 years.

As many know, the IKF World Classic (Many refer to it still as 'The Nationals') has become a "Who's Who of Amateur kickboxing in America and North America and now the WORLD! As the last three years have proven, it's also been a place that former World Champions like to go to help support the sport they love. it's not uncommon at all to see many World Champions in attendance, many who are given the honor and privilege of awarding the Champions awards at the end of some of the Championship bouts. It IKF World Classic is indeed "THE TRUE" elite amateur kickboxing event in the World for "AMATEURS ONLY!"

Starting as a special exhibition sport at this years Classic, IKF Point Kickboxing will be a full tournament rule style in 2008 and it will surly be an exciting addition to this already prestigious event. This is a TRUE AMATEUR Kickboxing Tournament and with those outlines, it's the Largest AMATEUR ONLY Kickboxing tournament today for "REAL" Kickboxers!

So without any more delays, click the poster below for the winning location of the 10th Anniversary of the IKF World Classic Amateur Kickboxing Championships, we hope to see you all there because it's going to be a Glorious Event!

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th, 2007, AT 4:00 PM, PT

Getting A Jump On
IKF World Classic PKB Registrations!
Registration Now Open For 2008 IKF World Classic Point Kickboxing Tournament!
Early registration is requested

September 24, 2007: IKF World Classic Point Kickboxing registration is now open. The event will be held on July 18th, 19th & 20th, 2008 in Orlando, Florida at the outstanding World Marriott Center... the Largest Marriott in the World! Like the Full Contact Kickboxing divisions this years Semi contact, point kickboxing will have open registration and you will be able to see how many people are in your division. We wanted you to know up front who is in your division so that you know that you will more than likely have competition if you attend to the event...barring last minute injury etc.

Moreover, you will be able to move to another division if for some reason your first choice is not available. Therefore, we want you to sign up as early as possible if you are even thinking about attending the mega event for Kickboxing! Don't wait to see who's there because someone else may be waiting too. The only way to assure that someone is in your division is for you to sign up first! Click the PKB Logo at left to Register.

IKF Point Kickboxing was presented as an exhibition style this past year as several champions emerged and were really tested as the competition heated up! Many who witnessed IKF /PKB for the first time found out that this semi contact competition is real minus the knockouts as they are not allowed. But IKF /PKB is a big challenge for those who try it...be it- beginner or advanced fighters. The comments and popularity of the 2007 Tournament assures us that many more will come from around the world as they did from country's like Canada, Egypt and across the United States. We hope to see you there this year...in shape and ready to do battle!

Some of 2007 Champions have said they will be returning to recapture the 2008 Championship and it may be only up to you to change this course! Bring It On and sign up early! It's going to be a great 10th Anniversary Celebration for the 2008 IKF World Classic!

For more information contact IKF /PKB World Director Johnny Davis by email at johnnyd@akpromotions.org or by calling (916) 205-4762.

For more info on the 2008 IKF World Classic!
Click HERE!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4th, 2007, AT 11:55 AM, PT

"Bad"
CHAD
Is FIRST!

It's official, 5 Time IKF Tournament Champion
"Bad" Chad Monyelle
of Team Thump out of Beloit, Wisconsin, USA (29-6/7, 127, IR) has become the first entree into the
2008 IKF World Classic Tournament!

According to his father and trainer, former IKF Pro FCR Bantamweight US Champion Craig "Thumper" Monyelle, Chad is looking to even the record John Greubel of Augusta, Georgia, USA set last year with 6 Tournament Titles. However, Chad's real hope is to set a record of his own as he hopes to be the first Tournament Fighter to win the "Triple Crown" which would be a title in ALL THREE of the Tournament rule Styles. (Full Contact, International and Muay Thai)

Coach Craig has also made it clear that he will be following up with several additional fighters that will include a Mom and Son and an 8 year old, 48 lb junior, who Coach Craig says is their biggest warrior!

Chad had competed two other years but suffered losses. In 2001 he lost in the title bout to Jordan Moore of Pacific, Missouri, USA by unanimous decision, 30-27, 30-27 & 29-28 in the FCR Junior Welterweight, 70.1-75 lbs. division.

In 2003 he lost in the preliminary round to eventual champion Justin Lawerence of Pacific, Missouri, USA, (19-0/10) by TKO at 33 seconds into round 1 in the FCR Light Atomweight, 100.1-105 lbs., 11-12-13 Year Old division.

Chad's father Craig (Right, 25-4/14, 5'4", 118, 7-21-63) won his IKF Title on February 12th, 2000 in Rockford, Illinois, USA against Dan Seiwerth. Craig later retired on May 14th, 2005 and currently owns and operates National TaeKwonDo & Kickboxing in Beloit, Illinois.

MONDAY, January 7th, 2008, AT 9:20 PM, PT


Who Will Be In Orlando Florida USA This Year For The
10th ANNUAL
2008 IKF World Classic
Amateur Kickboxing
CHAMPIONSHIPS?

As MMA seems to continue to grow here in the USA, kickboxing is looking to "The Next Big Thing!" Every year, the IKF provides the answer to "The next big thing" for Amateur Kickboxers and this year will be no different. The IKF World Classic is the without a doubt the Largest "ALL AMATEUR" Kickboxing Tournament in the WORLD! The very best fighters from around the world attend this OPEN Invitation Tournament for a chance to not only be called True AMATEUR World Champions, but to also win the BEST Amateur Tournament awards in the World!

However, you don't need 20-30 fights to be the BEST! Past accomplishments mean little on Championship weekend because there have been fighters in the ring for the very first time walk out with the World Championship Belt! The question is, "Who will be this years Champions?"

With some claiming the rest of the world needs to travel to mainland Europe to win a World Championship, the truth is, the ONLY True "All Amateur" World Championship is right here in the USA! The IKF World Classic is the only true "ALL AMATEUR" World Kickboxing Championships. NO PROS HERE like in other World Championships!

So if you are an AMATEUR Kickboxer, THIS is "THE" Venue for you! We hope to see you this year!


A Success Story Of The
2007 IKF World Classic...


"That's The Way We Roll!"
IMAC (Indianapolis Martial Arts Club ) Fields The Most Wins In Muay Thai
At The 2007 IKF World Championship Tournament!

Last year Kru Ray Sarkine sent 7 fighters to the 2007 IKF Amateur World Championships in Orlando, Florida, USA. "We were the only fighters representing Indianapolis and we fielded one of, if not the biggest Muay Thai teams in the whole tournament!" Said Sarkine.

Not one, Not 2, not even 3, but 4 World Champions! Their fighters all fought fantastically and the only fights they lost were close split decisions.

James Shin
What can you say? James not only won the IKF World Title, he did so after working the corner all that day, and the day previous and with no rest. James "Whirlwind" Shin put the heat on against his opponent, Jessy Jimenez of Camp Verde, Arizona, USA and the referee was forced to put a stop to the bout at 1:50 of round 3 to win the Muay Thai Rules Lightweight (130.1 lbs. - 140 lbs.) IKF World Title.

Tammy Sarkine
Tammy defeated her tough Canadian opponent to win a unanimous decision and bring home the IKF World Title. Tammy was strong in her boxing and clinch work which was the deciding factor in her victory as she defeated Alana Dunbrack of Calgary, Alberta, Canada by unanimous decision, 30-27 on all 3 judges score cards to win the Muay Thai Rules Atomweight (110 lbs. & Below) IKF World Title.

Jamie Bradley
Jamie fought a seasoned opponent in what was Jamie's first bout. She squared off before the fight and looked into her opponent's eyes and made sure that she knew that win or lose, she was coming to get her. Boy, she sure did! She won with solid boxing backing her opponent, Natalya Speece of Imperial Beach, California, USA, up and adding some great knee strikes to win by unanimous decision, 30-27 on all 3 judges score cards to win the Muay Thai Rules Lightweight (130.1 lbs. - 140 lbs) IKF World Title.

Kathy Wise
Kathy fought her way through a preliminary bout on Saturday with a hard, and tough opponent, Denise Jacobs of Orlando, Florida, USA to win by split decision, 29-28, 29-28 & 28-29. In her Championship bout she found herself against yet another tough Canadian fighter, Stephanie Marshall of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Kathleen fought valiantly as the aggressor on her way to win by Split decision, 29-28, 29-28 & 28-29 to win the Muay Thai Rules Bantamweight ( 110.1 - 120 lbs.) IKF World Title.

Doug Metrish
Doug fought on Saturday in the prelims and defeated his opponent, Randolph Hull of Detroit, Michigan, USA by split decision, 29-28, 29-28 & 28-29 with the use of some great endurance, skills, and knees. On Sunday though he faced "Multi Time" IKF Tournament Champion and IKF Amateur World Champion Scott Clark. Doug was able to hold his own in round one but in round 2, Clark turned it on and won the bout by Knock Out at 1:49 of round 2. Doug had nothing to be ashamed of though as he "Walked the Walk" against a seasoned Champion. Clark's record spoke for itself at 38-4-1/21. Clark turned Professional this past fall so Doug won't have to go through him for the 2008 IKF Tournament Title. Congratulations for showing so much guts and determination Doug!

Adam Moss
In Round 1 of the Tournament Preliminaries, Adam fought a tough opponent, Patrick Greene of Houston, Texas, USA on Saturday and took the win by unanimous decision, 30-26 on all 3 judges cards. This fight was textbook perfect. The fight for the title was well fought from both corners and it came down to a split decision and unfortunately, it went the other way with Eric Vtsch of Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, USA winning, 29-28, 30-27 & 28-29. This was Adam's first time fighting and to take it as far as he did is yet another example of "Walking The Walk!"

Jason Bradley
Jason fought on Saturday against a very skilled and seasoned opponent, Branndon Hawkins of Sherwood, Arkansas, USA who defeated Jason by split decision 30-27, 29-28 & 28-30. This was Jason's first bout and he really charged out and took it to his opponent. To Jason's credit, Hawkins who went on to win the tournament title on Sunday.

Kru Ray's Indianapolis team really showed their stuff and defeated teams from some of the top gyms and camps in the world. All Indy fighters were in Great shape that they didn't even sit between rounds! Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. But, Indianapolis proved that given a fair fight they are competitive and can "Walk The Walk" with the Best in the World.

We hope to see Kru Ray and his Team at this years 2008 IKF World Classic. Who else will be there? One thing is for sure... If you want to "Claim" you are the BEST AMATEUR in the World, you need to get on a plane this July and come to Orlando Florida, USA because THIS is where the Real "AMATEUR" World Champions can be found! See you in Orlando!

For more info on this years 2008 IKF World Classic Click
HERE!

WEDNESDAY, March 12th, 2008, AT 10:55 PM, PT

Many Eager To See Who Will
"WALK The WALK!"

Not only is competition tough "IN" the ring but it will be tough for the already scheduled Kickboxing tournaments for 2008. Already sandwiched between two other tournaments, one the week before and one the week after, the IKF thought they were helping other Tournament organizers out by selecting their 2008 IKF Tournament date way back on September 19th of 2007. However instead, there are now three Kickboxing Tournaments all within a 3 week span of each other. "As few events as there are for the amateur kickboxers today, it's a shame two other Tournaments choose to book so close to the already scheduled IKF tournament." said IKF President Steve Fossum. "It's simply forcing fighters to choose just one which hurts everyone, mainly the fighters who would like to attend them all."

The IKF is hoping their past history will speak volumes when amateur fighters go to make that choice. The most well known kickboxer of all time, and the highest paid kickboxer ever, Don "The Dragon" Wilson already has, and is excited to be a part of the IKF World Classic Championship Tournament for the second straight year. Many already know that Wilson is a former IKF World Champion along with winning 10 other World Titles. Wilson is looking forward to see who will "Walk The Walk" at what has been the Largest AMATEUR only Kickboxing Tournament in the World, the IKF World Classic Championship Tournament.

"The Dragon" was a special guest at last years tournament and was so impressed he made plans to be back again as the IKF's Special Guest in 2008 before the event was over. "This is A World Class Venue For A World Class Event!" said Wilson last year about the 2007 IKF World Classic. This year the IKF World Classic will be held at the same venue as last year in Orlando Florida which is the Largest Marriott In The World, The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort.

"This is Awesome!" Said Wilson. "I have never seen an Amateur event hand out so many classy awards. I wish there was something like this when I was fighting." Former 2 time World Champion Johnny "Superfoot" Davis will also be in the house again this year organizing the first ever IKF (Semi Contact) Point Kickboxing Championships at the World Classic. "Most of these Amateurs have no idea how lucky they are to have an event such as this, I mean the awards alone are outrageous and everyone gets something." Said Davis.

Another World Champion in the house last year who will be back again this year is Steve Shepard. "I'm speechless... I just can't find the words to express how great this event is. It's in a great venue, great equipment, great people and it all ran so smooth and organized. I wish the IKF held several of these a year. it would help grow the sport so much and I would make it to every one."

This Tournament though and it's organizational success did not come over night. This year will be the 10th year in a row for the Tournament. "Teamwork is what makes this thing run so smooth." said Fossum. "From the set up to the tear down, without the coordination of the entire TEAM, this event would not be as great as it is. What people don't realize though is that the organization of the officials is contagious to everyone else too. The trainers and fighters are on Q, on time and ready to fight! They know that this is "THE" Title to win each year now."

One of those things that help the Tournament run smooth is the Teamwork of IKF cofounder and former undefeated Kickboxing Champion himself, Dan Stell (Left) down in the pit on a headset talking back and forth to Fossum up on the podium. Fossum announces and keeps the event pace going while Stell informs him of who needs to come to "The Pit" to get their equipment and get ready to fight. "There is nothing fancy about what Steve and I do." says Stell. "We just keep the train moving. No one really notices what we do because it just gets done and when your coordinating around 140 fights in two rings with equipment and officials, it's a big job to focus on."

While Stell and Fossum coordinate the event pace, IKF Chief Official Mike Storm who has traveled all the way from Nebraska coordinates the ringside officials. "It's often a thankless job because rarely does anyone thank the event officials." Says Fossum. "However, make a bad call, or what a trainer or fighter thinks is a bad call and they get all kinds of attention. For the work all the officials do, it's too bad they don't get noticed more for their work to help make the event possible, especially when their work is all volunteer." Mike and his wife Terri have been a part of the event for all but one year. Along with Carlton Duncan, they have a lot of bouts in their resume. Terri Storm was the first ever and so far, the only female referee to referee a Pro kickboxing bout in Mexico.

The list of the TEAM is endless and stretches from coast to coast and this year will also include a strong European Team. "Unlike other world tournaments we are making sure the fighters that come from Europe are TRUE Amateurs." says IKF European Director Neil Holden (Below Right) of England. "The IKF World Classic will have a strong support from the United Kingdom in 2008 because we know they do a good job in assuring all fighters are amateurs and have always been amateurs. It's disappointing when your told the only world tournament to go to over here is a mix of pros and amateurs. Now that we know about the IKF, the United States is the new home for Kickboxing's True World Championship Tournament."

It's funny still how some fighters in America feel they have to travel to Europe to win a World Championship when there is one in their own backyard. This has always been a feeling though of many USA Fighters, as well as many trainers too. Some trainers say "Yes" to a fight just because they are excited to get a trip overseas. They seldom consider who they are fighting or what is in store for them once they get there.

Regardless of all the distractions of the 2008 summer Tournament opportunities, one thing is for sure... Those who are ready to "Walk The Walk" against the best "AMATEUR KICKBOXERS" in the World will be in Orlando Florida this July for the 10th Annual IKF World Classic Championship Tournament!



Look for more tournament news coming in the next few weeks. Announcement of the awards and more!



Here are just a few of the 2007 IKF World Classic Champions!

PHOTOS BY GLENN BERG
www.GlennBerg.com

To read about all the results of the 2007 IKF World Classic click HERE!


2008 IKF World Classic Finals Page
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