In the first fight of the night, 9 year old Lauren Baker (Pegasus Kickboxing) took on Phoebe Chumiskey (Star), who is of the same age, in a battle over Prestige Junior ICO Southern Area title. The first of the one minute rounds got to a fiery start as both girls put everything they had in the fight, by the second round Phoebe started to use her legs to her advantage and gained initiative in the fight. Lauren made sure that Phoebe had to work hard, but in the end Phoebe won the fight and title unanimously.

Fight number two pitted Marley Davis (CKA) against JJ Kelly (Scorpion) in a fight for another Prestige Junior ICO Southern Area title. JJ staged a strong start and in the second round, he forced Marley to the ropes. However, that did not stop Marley, and although his feet slipped in the third round so that he fell on the canvas, he scored a hit in JJ’s head with a roundhouse in the fourth round. JJ replied with a powerful spinning kick in the fifth and final round.

JJ won this fight on majority decision: But after the event it was discovered to be a mistake with the paper work and the decision has not yet been over turned.

The third fight of the night brought Will Cummings of (BG) to the ring against HKA’ Nathan Smith. Will was the taller one of the fighters and he used his long legs well. Nathan scored a headshot at Will towards the end of the first round and balanced the books otherwise too. Headshots became Nathan’s trademark in the fight, while Will continued to use his legs well throughout the fight. In the end, it was very even and the judges returned a verdict of a draw.

Fight number four saw Liam Kirk (Versatile) to take on Daniel Pascon (Mantis). The first round started with Liam attacking with almost incredible force: he fired punches at machine gun like rate of fire that forced Daniel on the defence. Towards the end of the round, Liam had run out of steam a bit so that Daniel got off the hook.

The second round was a reversal of the first one: now it was Daniel’s turn to stage massive attack that turned Liam to the underdog and he received a number of shots and kicks from Daniel, including two powerful roundhouses. In the third round, Liam reversed the roles again and forced Daniel to take count to eight towards the end of it. Liam won the fight with unanimous decision; a win deserved thanks to his vigour and skill.

The fifth fight of the night saw Dena Adams (Billericay Dragons) take on Alex Hughes (ESMA). The fight started with a steady exchange of punches and kicks, but as the round progressed, it was Alex who gained the initiative and attacked more. This brought her a deserved unanimous victory in the three-round fight.

Fight number six was one of the most anticipated of the night: Dillon Moss (Force 1) against HKA’s Gee Denne in a Southern Area title fight. From the start, it was obvious that both are highly skilled fighters; Dillon used his legs fantastically well, but Gee made sure that Dillon had to aim at a mobile target, so that scoring a hit would by no means be sure. This was a high octane fight from the start to the end with lots of action and both fighters showed lots of skill. In the end, the judges awarded victory to Dillon in a majority decision: it was he that attacked more.

The following fight brought Elvis Cooper (Tiger Freestyle) to the ring against HKA’s Gavin Broomfield. Both staged a strong start with lots of action in the first round; in the second round Gavin scored good headshots at Elvis, who replied to the fire, but it was Gavin that was gaining the upper hand. In the third round, Elvis used his elbow and was reprimanded for this by the ref; just before the end of the round Gavin swept Elvis off his feet. Gavin won the fight on majority decision.

Fight number eight pitted Dave Sanbrock (Tiger Freestyle) against Mark Britton of HKA in a light contact match. Mark started very strongly; he landed a spectacular spinning kick at Dave, who was swept off his feet. In the second round, Dave started to use more kicks too, but Mark remained well in charge and sent Dave to the canvas for a second time. In the third and final round, Dave was running out of steam and Mark retained convincing control of the events in the ring, so that in the end he won the fight with unanimous decision.

The ninth fight of the night saw Rob Platt (Tiger Freestyle) to take on Elvis Cooper of the same club after Rob’s intended opponent decided not to fight at the last minute. Elvis did well, given the fact that Rob was both taller and heavier, but it was Rob who scored victory in the light contact contest of three rounds.

The final fight saw Henri Burnham (Fighting Tigers Gym) take on Dave Alfrey (Animal). The first round started with high rate of fire from both sides and Dave used his legs well to deliver a number of impressive roundhouses. The second round saw more of the same, high intensity battle continued with Dave perhaps attacking a bit more. In the final round, both fighters were probably a bit tired as they used punches more than kicks less than in the previous two rounds. Henri fought well in this round and balanced the books, so that the judges returned a verdict of a draw.

For the first Fight night Hastings Kickboxing has put together it was a night that won’t be forgotten for a long time, and is now awaiting FIGHT NIGHT 2 – Coming soon.

Both juniors Richie Davis and training partner Cody Cradock travelled the 250 mile round trip to enter. Unfortunately both boys were matched against the boys who went onto winning the event in their categories, Davis in the under 30kg and Craddock in the under 35kgs.

Both boys had tough fights and both of them could have gone either way both getting split decisions, This was Cody’s first ever fight experience, giving him a massive step forward and a huge learning experience.

Later on in the day Carrie Cooper was in to the ring, and after battling hard in the final had to do an extra 4^th round as the judges were split, Putting on the performance of her career so far.  In the final 30 seconds she managed to overpower her opponent and finish off with 2 great round houses to the head scoring maximum effect and swaying the judges to her side; Carrie Cooper winning her first ICO International Championship belt.

This is already the 5^th show in 4 months this year, The HKA fight team gets stronger and fitter gaining more knowledge with every outing.

To learn more about Kickboxing and how HKA can help you today, Learn new skills become fitter and stronger whilst having fun at the same time. Contact Carl Denne today on 07949 221946

Some of the case studies are listed below to give you some indication of the difference we can make and children we will be teaching in Morocco .

Names have been changed for Protection. – Please note this is their words.

Mr M – Age: 13

My Schooling is very problematic and I work at a tailor’s during the holidays to provide for family.

Living conditions: rents one room for 5 members, my father passed away, mother unemployed and in ill health. Been training since 2012, I’m very shy and don’t  talk much but enjoy physically active, competitive, Mr M suffers from hearing problems and poverty.

Mr L -Age: 15

Schooling is average, works selling vegetables and chickens during the holidays to provide for family; carer for mother. Mr L lives in a small house with 6 members, father passed away, mother is unemployed and in ill health, been training 5 years, Enjoys full contact, football, swimming, hiking.

Feels like he is a good member of the team being bold and funny.

Mr L Goal is to become a trader or a boxing trainer.

lacks of being the breadwinner.

Mr M Age: 18

Is reserved, respectful and religious.

I live with my parents that rent a small flat for 5 members, lives in an unsafe neighbourhood, mother is unemployed, father makes bread for living, joined the club in 2006.

Goal in life is to become world champion in kickboxing.

ASSOUAR AT A GLANCE

‘Combating in the name of sport, self-development and justice.’

ASSOUAR was founded by second-grade belt Youness Ait Bayaa in March 2007 in the small town of Taroudant, located in the Souss Valley, southern Morocco. Youness’ professional experience with boxing had taught him that this sport could provide an essential means to help disadvantaged youth in the region. Boxing, with particular emphasis on kick-boxing and full-contact, would not only overcome the issues of vulnerability and violence to which many of the youth are accustomed, but also reach deeper into the needs and wants of these young people to bring out their best potential.

Despite its vibrant colours and known trades, Taroudant faces high levels of poverty, marginalisation and a marked lack of social services. These are just some of the factors that have led children and adolescents in the town to turn to drugs, drop out of school, work from any early age and engage in illicit activities. Since its establishment ASSOUAR has sought to directly tackle these negative trends through kick-boxing and full-contact. To confront the deep-seated loss of hope and disappointment of the youth, the organisation works from a 4-point model: discipline, tolerance, team-work and education, unified under the single aim of self-development. The regular training sessions include kick-boxing and full-contact training, intense preparation for competitions, group discussions on topics relevant to the young peoples’ lives, as well as advice and teaching on matters of citizenship and society. The atmosphere found in the sessions is one of discipline, commitment, and hard-work, but also one of brotherhood, understanding and tolerance.

ASSOUAR has grown since its inception, welcoming more members and offering different activities. It remains however an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to the above-mentioned vision. The organisation is open to all young people from the community of both genders from the ages of 6 to 22 years who are interested in participating. However through its contacts in the community and the experience of its team, ASSOUAR mainly targets children and young people who live in difficult circumstances and suffer from adversity. These include youngsters who have dropped out of education, are involved in illicit activities, live through emotional and psychological traumas, live in dysfunctional households, and all those who are at risk of offending behaviour and exclusion.

Functioning on the recently-established humanitarian stage of Morocco, ASSOUAR itself faces various obstacles. As a small and independent organisation ASSOUAR does not have the means to benefit from widespread publicity or professional marketing. It thus relies on word-of-mouth and friendly supporters to attract and obtain funds for the running of its project. The importance of a stable income to the organisation cannot be underestimated as it determines access to far-distance competitions, and the materials and equipment that members have at their disposal. As a fairly new phenomenon in southern Morocco, kick-boxing and full-contact classes have yet to attract the necessary number of professional trainers and educators. The organisation is further restricted as it is still searching for a permanent home. Indeed, these obstacles affect the smooth-running of the organisation but more importantly threaten the continuity of its activity.

Despite such restrictions ASSOUAR continues with unflinching belief and perseverance, its goal always in sight. ASSOUAR is above all a local initiative for local youngsters. It is a sports-specialised initiative which seeks to address some of the pains and redress some of the injustices that are faced by some of the most disaffected in society.

First local show of 2013 Mark Britton 39 matched against a younger man Matt Macmahon 26 from Falcon gym. Matt didn’t make it an easy fight back for Mark. From the first bell both men were out to prove a point, trading shots for the whole 2 minutes with-out rest trying to secure the first round. In-between the first and second round I told mark to use his skills and stop the battle of power. In the second round Britton come out with more skill and used his ring craft and speed to his advantage clinching the round. As both men started the third round they both had to pull out all the stops to avoid losing. In a very well matched tough bout it finished with a split decision in favour of HKA’s fighter Mark Britton.

The evening went off with any hitches and it was a very well-run show with a great attendance for Ftg’s first full contact show in Hastings.

Hastings Kickboxing have their very own night of kickboxing and white collar action at the phoenix arts centre home of HKA at William Parker sports college where they train 5 nights a week, they already have 5 of their local members matched to fight and plans to be a great evening of action.

For more details please contact Carl on 07949 22 1946 or visit www.Hastings-kickboxing.co.uk

And find out how they can help you today

Tan Denne, in his first competition in light contact kickboxing had a demo bout with an older and stronger opponent, and after 3 great rounds of kickboxing, a draw was given. Tan has recently started helping with coaching the club’s younger students and hopes that this will help improve his skills as a coach.

Bethany Denne, Fleur Peoples and Callum Helsdown all had tough bouts on the day all 3 fighters did their very best but not getting the result their way on the final bell.

Carrie Cooper kicks her way to another win this year, overwhelming her fighter with long range and mixed low and high kicks. Although her fighter was strong and didn’t stop pushing forward for 1 second, Cooper came out on top. Carrie now has 10 fights and 6 wins to her name in only 20 months of fighting. “I love my training, I train 6 days  a week and put 100% into every session, I’m now starting to get a few fights under my belt and feel like I’m getting stronger with each one, It helps having Carl their being so motivating and pushing us at every session without fail!” quotes Carrie.

Rafael Hovhannessian was matched against a local man who was older and over 12’’ taller, making for a tough fight, with both young men battling hard and giving everything they had., At the final bell it was a split decision with the judges, with the ref making the final decision and choosing his fighter. “It’s always hard to win against local fighters, but I’m happy with Raf’s performance and this will just make him more determined for the next one” Carl Denne.

Ewan Speer and Mark Briton again both having tough bouts. Ewan won 2^nd place down at AKA along with club member Briton who swept his man to the canvas 3 times to great success, beating him in every round. Briton had won 1st place at AKA only 2 weeks ago, both men won their fights.

Richie Davis after coming first, being undefeated 2 weeks ago down at AKA, had his 5^th fight and 5^th win in light contact kickboxing. From the start of the bout to the final bell Davis looked sharp and on his toes, although his taller opponent used the ring to his advantage and secured his 5^th win this year.

“Once again I’m so happy with the members of HKA ,they train so hard, some of them 6 days a week, give up their weekends to travel round the country competing. This was the last show of the year, they all deserve a good rest so they can enjoy the Christmas spirit that is on its way, I would like to thank every single one of them for all their hard work and efforts over the last 12 months, and look forward to a strong and productive 2013,

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE”

HKA continues to grow and produce great competitors. At the Academy we also promote anti bulling and healthy living. For more information on kickboxing and how we can help you! Please contact Carl on 07949 221946.

Or visit our new website at www.hastings-kickboxing.co.uk

Bethany Denne was first up in her category winning all 5 fights, with some amazing flying sidekicks helping her with the domination. Beth only had 1 point scored against her in 5 fights, winning a possible 48 out of 50 points. Winning HKA’s first place of the day.

Rafael took a little longer to warm up in to the style of points fighting. After a few tough bouts he started to get the hang of it winning his few final fights. In a busy group he just missed out finishing fourth place.

Mark Britton, Kieran Davis, Gee Denne and Jamie Stocks were all in the same group along with 6 other competitors. As in all the groups everyone fights everyone within the group so it’s as fair as possible. So after 72 total one and a half minute rounds, Gee, Kieran, Jamie and an AKA member all winning 3 fights each, just lost out on a trophy. Mark Britton winning 6 out of a possible 8 won the category taking first place trophy.

Other fighters Callum Helsdown, Ellie and Tan Denne all battling hard winning and losing a few fights each, Just missing out on trophies but having a great day.

Jazmin Parsons in her first every competition has only trained for 5 months but has shown great skills and picked up the martial art very quickly, managed to secure a second place trophy in her first ever outing.

Richie Davis with another outstanding performance, Davis only 9 years old stormed through his category winning all 5 fights crowning another first place trophy for HKA.

Annabel Waters held her head high and was doing for the girls. Again winning all 5 fights in her group undefeated securing another first place trophy for herself and HKA.

Last up was Carl Denne, HKA’s owner comes back to competition after 8 years off, winning 5 straight fights in a row. Although he had to pull out of the last bout due to a hand injury still managed HKA 5th 1st place trophy.

Instructor Carl said “Firstly I’m so proud of our team this weekend. Winning 5 categories out right with 5 fighters undefeated. Along with a further second and just missing out on 3 split third places. Further to this I was happy that I could show my members that after all these years teaching and being out of competing that I still have my reactions and the fight inside me that I’ve missed now for so long. I’ve always been a strong competitor and I believe these shows in my recent bouts. Although I picked up an injury I will rise again”

Carl would like to thank Paul from AKA again for inviting us and the opportunity to come along and join in their show. It was a great day and HKA are happy to be supporting another local gym.

HKA continues to grow and produce great competitors. At the Academy we also promote anti bulling and healthy living. For more information on kickboxing and how we can help you! Please contact Carl on 07949 221946. Or visit our new website at www.hastings-kickboxing.co.uk

Becoming a scholar and junior coach for Hastings Kickboxing Academy is a massive honour and carries responsibility.

The scholars will be part of a great team being encouraged to contribute ideas and push themselves in many different manners. All kickboxing activities can be used in other aspects of day to day life. Being a representative of Hastings Kickboxing Academy they will be expected to behave in a controlled and mature manner, work hard and train hard. Learn about positive feedback and constructive criticism, attend monthly team meetings, complete tests and challenges pushing them mental and physically.

The scheme is aimed to give them as much knowledge and opportunity as possible. To challenge these lucky men/women in every way possible. Giving them something that you are unlikely to get from any other club.

By the end of the scheme I believe they will be confident enough to run a class alone, be able to open up and run the front desk and to be capable of ordering clothing and equipment from our many different suppliers.

Many years ago I was offered half this responsibility as a junior coach for HMA. Now I’m planning to give them this and much, much more. I want to help as much as I can and this is just the start of new things to come for Hastings Kickboxing Academy

First fight of the day was Fleur, so little time to warm up and prepare, and after 3 rounds of battle in a close matched bout that could have gone either way, the judges went to the other side.

Mark Brition was next up, after 4 years out of the sport; he is beginning to make a comeback. For all 3 rounds Brition was all over his man start to finish, with amazing speed and accuracy and in the final round scoring 3 sweeps to great effect. The win was unanimous. Mark is doing a few semi-contact shows to warm up then jumping back into full-contact where he belongs.

Last up was Stokes, from the start he used his long weapons to keep his man away, with great well timed front and round kicks his opponent couldn’t even get close to hitting him. Leaving only one outcome for the judges, another win for HKA.

Instructor Carl Denne said “It was a great day for all clubs, with a well-run show by Steve Cook (Owner of Pegasus Gym), we came away with a great result, 2 out of 3 possible wins. This is just testament to the hard work my guys put in week after week in their training. I’m proud of their work this weekend and as we go to the next show, we know where extra work is needed, always trying to make the team stronger”

Hastings Kickboxing Academy is growing day by day, being the most established Kickboxing Academy in Hastings, working with local schools and community groups throughout East Sussex, If you require more info on kickboxing, Please contact Carl on 07949 221946. Or visit our new site at www.hastings-kickboxing.co.uk.

Gee Denne, Tyler Hughes and lain Carpenter travelled to Frankfurt along with 150 English competitors to challenge the rest of the world in the ICO First World Tournament.

In two full days of competition over 100 of England’s strongest fighters were there to battle it out against over 20+ countries. The strongest groups were France, Poland, Russia and of course ourselves.

First in for battle was Tyler Hughes getting through the first round by the skin of his teeth. In to the quarter finals matched against a sharp French guy who won the bout and went onto win the gold in the final. Tyler walks away with bronze medal.

Iain carpenter had a long hard day through the tournament. Ending up in the finals and battled hard for all 3 rounds. On his front foot pushing, forwards all the time. It was very hard to call who had won the bout as the other man had some good techniques. It ended in a split decision. Carpenter gutted but also happy to walk away with a ICO silver medal

Fellow fighter in the town, Luke Read travelled with HKA and the team had a fantastic day getting into the final, knocking out his man in the 2nd round in spectacular fashion. Crowning Read the ICO World Gold Champion.

England as a team came home with around 85% of the medals. Taking full domination of the weekend and winning over 70 medals. The Warriors Gym from Herne Bay that HKA work alongside with, came home with 14 medals from 14 fighters.

Instructor Carl Denne said. It was a proud weekend for me. Being part of such a strong and skilled team. This was the first time I’ve taken my own fighters into European waters to compete in such a big competition and to come away with a bronze and silver world champion is a massive achievement for the fighters and the club.

For the adults Jo Baldock who trains at JDKB gym added her second fight to her name, fighting a tough local girl, Jo done the best she could and although most of the on lookers thought Baldock had the win the judges went the other way.

Next up was Carrie Cooper. In her third fight this year. Stepped up to the mark with long arms and legs used her weapons to the best of her ability, earning her a strong win. Last up Aaron Buckley in his first ever kickboxing contest fought like a true champion from the start. Upsetting his fighter from the start. Catching him with some great punches and kick combos setting him up for a sweep leaving his man on the canvas continuing on the skill throughout 2 and 3rd round. Putting his man back on the canvas another 5 times.

Instructor Carl Denne said. “I’m very happy with the team this weekend. Although we had a hard day at the office everyone listened and done their best in the ring, learning a lot from the day. We can’t win all the time, this helps us stay leveled and keeps us on our toes. Many thanks to coaches Jennifer Denne. Ollie Hancock and Phil Eaton for there support throughout the day.

Promotor Colin Payne kindly donated £1 from every fighter on the day to our charity. Charity for kids

For more details on training with HKA and what they can offer you. Call carl on 07949 221946 or visit www.hastings-kickboxing.co.uk. With over 12 classes a week. From beginner to champion. HKA have a class that suits you.