International Grapple and Strike and Kickboxing Championships 2006

Report By Steve 

Although upon late entry, a team of 4 Shudan fighters from Wellingborough gathered in south east London in the crystal palace stadium centre for the S factor grapple and strike international event and the international kickboxing championships 2006.

The team of fighters including Martin, Anthony Worst, Steve Li, Damien Waiting and instructors Kevin Reade and Jeff Gonsalves started the event on a late but energetic note.

The first fight was between Steve Li and Damian Waiting in the under 85kilo group for grapple and strike.

In the first round both fighters circled each other cautiously waiting for the right moment of attack as Steve made the initial attack by throwing a great punching combination to Damien’s solar plexus, but Damien took the punches well while shooting in for a double leg take down as Steve sprawled and laid a few more body shots into Damien’s kidneys. As Damien attempted a fireman’s lift from bottom sprawl position Steve quickly countered with a under hook sweep which landed him in guard position where most of the first round stayed.

In the second round most of the action was on the floor where both fighters took advantage as Damien brilliantly reversed from bottom guard to top as Steve attempted a excellent arm bar from bottom guard while Damien denying his arm Steve quickly swapped position and opted for a triangle choke which failed to connect.

In the end it was a close decision but Damien won by points due to his great escapes.

In Damien’s 2^nd fight he clearly dominated his opponent by using his judo to hip throw the opponent several times and even attempted several no-gi shoulder throws, in the end the fight was well fought out by both fighters but Damien easily scored the win with his throws and takedowns.

Damien’s final fight was well fought out as he was against a similar sized opponent as most of the fight stayed on the ground Damien’s opponent struggled to keep Damien pinned down but eventually went to decision as Damien lost in the finals.

Well done Damien, Great heart and courage!

In a exhibition match martin was up against Anthony in a thrilling match which tested both fighters skill and determination as martin threw a couple of punches Anthony shot for a double leg and succeeded in flooring martin, as martin didn’t have enough time for a sprawl he quickly opted for a good guillotine trapping Anthony’s neck, but as his grip slowly went Anthony took advantage and slipped his head out landing him on top guard. As not much action happened in this position due to martins great guard defence Anthony quickly manoeuvred martin’s leg to take side mount.

In side mount martin shrimped and tried for an escape but gave his back away which gave Anthony a chance for a rear naked choke and eventually winning in an electric bout.

Well done Martin and Anthony!

In the International Kickboxing Championships Under 5’8 there weren’t that many competitors but still 5 good competitors fought it out for the international title.

At the first fight 2 were eliminated due to a broken nose and a disqualification for too much contact.

As Steve was the only fighter fighting in the kickboxing tournament he had great support from the Shudan squad, coaches and friends.

In his first bout Steve was up against he scored brilliant multiple head kicks and used his boxing to quickly finish his opponent, circling his opponent and picking jabs, crosses and turning kicks Steve scored a great last kick, nearly knocking his opponents head off! Winning easily Steve had one more bout against a taekwondo practitioner in the finals.

In this final bout both fighters fought a hard bout with the taekwondoist firing rapid kicks at Steve as Steve countered them with his punches. As both circled throwing jabs to make the distance Steve shot for a double kick which landed perfectly on the opponents chest and head, following it up with a turning kick from his other leg landing it perfectly on the taekwondoists face, in which he panicked and shot a blitz at Steve scoring a point, but Steve moved into the “out” area so the fight was returned to the centre.

As soon as the fight was restarted Steve took advantage by throwing a left hook, cross and then a front kick scoring points as his opponent again shot for a blitz Steve countered this time with a low turning kick winding his opponent and eventually winning the gold.

Steve will be fighting in the finals for the Under 5’8 World Kickboxing Championships 2006 on October 1^st.

Well done Steve and Good Luck!

All fighters from Shudan kickboxing did awesome in this tournament and hope to bring back more trophies in the world championships in October.

Well Done Shudan Squad!!!