AN INTERVIEW WITH MMA REFEREE NEIL HALL


(Caption): Neil Hall (fifth from the left back row) with his Allegiance MMA gym team

Neil Hall has been involved in martial arts for more than three decades, in disciplines ranging from Shotokan Karate, Thai and kickboxing. He then became involved in Mixed Martial Arts right at the start of the sport's beginning and has now become a familiar face at many fight shows in his role as a top referee. Recently he started up MMA Officials UK one of the leading companies supplying both referees and judges to top shows.
Martial News Editor Phil Doherty talks to Neil about his long martial arts career and his passion for MMA.

Phil Doherty: Hello Neil, thank you for allowing us to interview you...
Neil Hall: Thank you for taking time to talk to me.

PD: Let's start with how you started in martial arts, what ago you began and what systems you began your career in?
NH: I tried Judo from around the age of seven but I did not last that long. After that around the age of 14-years-old I started Shotokan Karate and I stayed with the Karate Union of Great Britain for 10 years and got my black belt under Sensei Enoeda. The I started getting interested in other stuff and I did Muay Thai and dabbled in Ju-jitsu. I then faded away from Karate and got more into Thai and kickboxing. I then started tying that up with grappling.

PD: As well as competitive sports martial arts I believe you are also well-trained in street combat self-protection as well?
NH: Yes, I was training with Dave Turton and I was with him for quite some time training in reality self-defence.  I was part of the British Combat Association when it started and Dave was teaching Geoff Thompson combat Ju-jitsu. Dave then left the BCA at then started the Self-Defence Federation and I have stayed with Dave ever since.

PD: How did you get into MMA?
NH: Around 2000 I started an MMA gym called Fighting Chance and that was one of the first MMA gym in the UK. It was a good venue and we had a lot of great guys training there. Up to 2005 was the magic time for the gym. 

PD: You've also have a strong grappling background as well...
NH: I started doing Sambo and I competed in that at both national and international level. Because I have a Judo and Ju-jitsu background I didn't find difficult to take up Sambo, although the rules are different. At one point I was doing Judo, Sambo, MMA, Thai and Kickboxing. 

PD: As a martial artist how would you describe yourself?
NH: I'm basically an obsessed martial artists. I love it all, self-defence, striking and grappling. I've been doing BJJ now for ten years as well so I believe that I have an all round game. I'm also able to separate them so I don't mix up my Judo with Sambo.

PD: What happened to your Fight Chance Gym?
NH: The gym keep going and I got a chance to do teach at another that wanted to pay me. It was a great time at Fighting Chance but it was time to move on and this opportunity came up and I took it. After awhile I realised I wanted to be my own man again and I left the other gym and set up the Allegiance Gym. Its in the same building that original Fighting Chance gym and I still have lads from that gym now training at Allegiance.

PD: When did you set up the Allegiance Gym?
NH: That was about a year and a half ago. I been building it up over that time and now we have produced six MMA champions and we have guys competing in BJJ and in a couple of weeks we have a couple of guys  who are going of to Long Beach, California, United States, at the World Open Competition. And we have a couple of K-1 events as well, so we are quite busy.

(Caption): As well as MMA refereeing - Neil's Allegiance Gym has produced top quality fighters in MMA, BJJ and K-1

PD: What is the Allegiance Gym like?
NH: The facilities are really good. We have a large matted area, a good cage and a small weight room. The walls are padded out and we have a bag area so it has everything we need to produce good fighters. It also only five minutes from the M1 and M62 so its easy to get to as well.

PD: What are your ambitions?
NH: My ambitions are the same as everyone, I suppose. It would be great to get some fighters into the UFC and have some world-class champs. But what is really important that people are happy with their training. That is my biggest ambition. I want to take it as far as I can and for people to be happy with what we have to over. The gym has a real friendly atmosphere and is place where people feel comfortable and it also a place where people can compete or can train for fitness.

PD: Tell me about MMA Officials UK...
MH: This is a natural progression for me.  I started judging bouts for shows from around 2001 and I got interested in doing refereeing MMA shows. It occurred to that I should set up a refereeing and judging service and it just evolved from that. 

PD: You now have one of the best reputations in the MMA world for your service...
MH: Thank you for saying that...well recently we really have been pushing this service as its own entity so its nice to be recognised. There are some people who do to make as much money as they can and then there are those who have grown up in the industry and its more of a passion for them. I believe I fall into the later category because MMA is my life and I want to do it right for both the safety and standards of the sport.

PD: So you think standards in MMA refereeing and judging have risen over the years?
NH: Yes I think standards have risen in recent years because people now realise there are courses available. But we still need to educate people on what is on offer. I'm always talking to promoters as well - without being patronising - to try and help raise the overall standards in the sport. I'm trying to make people more aware of the rising standards. I must have officiated at thousands and thousands of bouts now.

PD: What's for the future for Neil and MMA Officials UK?
NH: We are running a consultancy service because we have a massive network of people from around the UK and I can call upon at any point. We are busy building up this network and we are starting to get more and more enquiries so we are proving that there is a need for this service. We are looking to add more courses and workshops so more people can benefit from refereeing and judging training and other aspects of MMA. We hope to further develop the gym and MMA Officials UK over the long term.

PD: Thank you Neil...I really enjoyed our interview
NH: Thank you Phil...

Neil's Allegiance Gym is based at Alexandra Mills, Bradford Road, Batley, West Yorkshire

For further information on Allegiance Gym or MMA Officials UK phone Neil on: 01924 519962 or 07889 245049

KAPAP - ISRAELI MILITARY SELF-DEFENCE SYSTEM

By Steve Williams

We are Kapap England and this is our story…

Towards the end of the Ottoman (Turk) rule in Palestine, the Jewish settlers realised they could rely on no one to defend and protect them from the threat of personal attacks in the lead up to what eventually became the 1920 Palestine Riots.

Consequently they started developing a simple “self defence” system made up of simple elements, learning, amongst other things, combat methods from British soldiers who were still fighting the Turks including boxing, Judo, wrestling and other fighting systems that the British soldiers had learned during the years of the British Empire. British Army trainers added fighting with a walking stick, shepherd stick, knife and bayonet. They called this style of fighting Kapap קפא"פ (Hebrew acronym for Krav Panim el Panim, קרב פנים אל פנים - face-to-face combat).

Between the years 1920 -1948 Kapap evolved and became the combat doctrine of the different underground movements, mainly the Haganah הגנה (the Hebrew word for defence). Kapap developed and became more sophisticated throughout the years as the new immigrants to Palestine brought with them new practices and tactics.

With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Kapap became the combat doctrine for the Israeli Defence Forces, Israeli Police and the various other Israeli armed forces. The unique style kept on evolving, adding elements of modern, classic and ancient combat using rifles and guns. Kapap became the concept of simple and very effective fighting styles.

It was not until 1999 that Kapap started being taught in an organised manner both in Israel and throughout the world.

This happened after many years in which other kinds of combat styles predominated, such as: Krav Maga”, karate and judo, instructed throughout the world mainly for the purpose of sporting competitions. These martial arts lost their fighting effect and became “soft” in order to meet the needs of those competitions. Kapap came back to the fore as a result of the volatile security situation and increased street crime which created the need for real self-defence techniques. Kapap instructors in Israel today train Israel Defence Forces units, different armed forces units such as the Yamam and Shabakas well as various elite units.

So what is modern Kapap?

Kapap is still a combat style made up of a combination of several fighting techniques and the emphasis is on fighting empty handed against armed and unarmed assailants, including weapon against weapon. Kapap is suitable for use in all environments fields and enables the practitioner to overcome any kind of fighting and prepares them for almost any situation. Kapap is not a sport, neither is it competitive; nor is it a martial art. Kapap, though, is still a great means of self-defence.

A Kapap practitioner will never compete; never receive a medal or trophy when he overcomes an opponent. However, he will protect his life - which is the true reward.

Why you should take up Kapap with Kapap England?

In spite of Government statistics to the contrary we are all aware that violent crime is on the increase. We all run the risk of being ‘happy slapped’ by a ‘hoodie’, being filmed and having that film posted on the internet. This is on top of the risk of being robbed in the street for the ever increasing list of gadgets we all seem to carry with us on a daily basis. Almost every day another shocking crime is reported in the media. So, are you safe enough?

Most people believe that incidents like this only ever happen to other people and most victims also suffered from this misguided belief.

Self Defence training, like First Aid training, is something that everybody should do with the hope that it is never needed. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

The KAPAPENGLAND programme is taught by security professionals who teach a unique combination of hand to hand and weapons defensive tactics, which can help defeat stronger, more skilled and armed opponents.

Defending yourself and your loved ones does not have to take years to learn. Military and security personnel for example usually only have a few days to learn hand to hand combat. KAPAP does not employ countless, complicated techniques. It is an easy to learn system, which enables you to be confident and capable in a short time.

KAPAP is practical and can be learnt by just about anyone. Due to the structure and logic of the techniques, the system is absorbed quickly. KAPAP'S tactics are direct, they are fast and they are effective, whether you are a security professional, police officer or a lay person.

KAPAP'S philosophy is that no one has the right to interfere with you with malicious intent and anyone who does, should be dealt with immediately, the priority being that you are safe and secure.

KAPAP has a programme that will enable you to achieve your personal security goals and meet your self-defence needs. If a technique works then continue to use it and if it doesn't then get rid of it.

As Instructors of Kapap England we have over fifty years experience in the Martial Arts and thirty two years in Policing, both local and specialised. We have over ten years experience in instructing self defence to Police, Military and Security personnel as well as members of the public, youth groups, schools and other organisations.

KAPAP - Maximum Defence, Minimum Time, Minimum Risk

For further information on Kapap England go to:

THIS year's Marfest sees a bigger and better line up with top clubs from across the region taking part.

The event is being held on Sunday, June 5th at the Sunderland University CitySpace Centre, Chester Road, Sunderland, from 10am to 4pm.

Held to raise cash for Cancer Research UK, all the money raised from the event will go towards the CRUK's laboratories at Newcastle University.

The labs are one of five centres of excellence across the world which are providing new cures and treatments for the killer disease.

And with one in three of the population affected by cancer in their lives, every year the North's clubs gather together to raise as much as they can.

This year's Marfest will see a change not only in venue but also the format. There will be training mats where spectators can try out the different arts being displayed.

Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland has become the patron of the Marfest.

The Duchess, who is a member of DFM Martial Arts club, is keen to support the charity event and its aims to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

Further Information/Tickets: contact me on 0191 5226294. Email: psethp@yahoo.co.uk

Adults - £5.   Under 16’s, students, unemployed & Senior Citizens  - £3, families (2 + 2) £12.  Come and try it – £1 per art.

Here is some of the line up highlights for this year's event:

Sendai Shotokan Karate: Run by Sensei John James Bruce, 4th Dan, the club train at Sunderland University.

One of the the top Shotokan competition teams in the UK, Sendai's Chief instructor started training in 1990 at six-years-old progressing through the ranks to achieve 4th Dan in 2009.

In 2004 he became the Karate Union of Great Britain's youngest full-time instructor. He has been a member of the KUGB's England squad since he was 14-years-old in 2000 and won European gold a year later as part of the junior kumite team.

In 2003 he was crowned the world champion in the individual section in Zurich, Switzerland. 

International success continued as part of the England senior male team as well as nationally including senior titles including 2009 Grand Champion (winning individual Kata and an Kumite) at the Shotokan Cup and 2010 KUGB Nationals Grand Champion (winning individual Kata and Kumite)..  

He will be joined by Holly Stirling, 3rd Dan as part of the Sendai team. Holly began training aged ten, gaining her first Dan in 1999. Ten years later she was awarded her 3rd Dan.

her international career began aged 13-years old as part of the KUGB England junior squad. In 2003 she became a member of the senior England squad, winning gold in the team event in Wroclaw, Poland, 2005, and took silver in Lucerne, Switzerland, in the Junior Ladies Individual Kumite.

Various other international team medals followed including bronze in the 2010 European Championships, held in Koblenz, Germany. She has also held the National Ladies Kata title since 2008. The same year she won the Ladies Kumite and the following year won the title of Grand Champion after taking gold in both kata and kumite.

Last year she won national gold in the kumite and silver in the kata.

Chungdokwan Taekwondo: run by Mike Campos, 3rd Dan, is a recognised group by the TKD's world headquarters thre Kukkiwon, Korea.

it has clubs throughout the region including at Washington Leisure Centre, Durham Arnison Leisure Centre, Ferryhill, Wallsend, Aycliffe, Darlington and Shildon.

Capoeira: Peter Grufferty, of Group Senzala, starting training in martial arts in 1991. He trained in Muay Thai kickboxing under Jimi McAvoy, who is now his Capoeira instructor.

He fought in Muay Thai bouts organised by Barry Norman, before he switched to Capoeira in 1994 under the Group Senzala, headed by Mestre Gato.

Group Senzala id based in Rio Janiero, Brazil, and has affiliated groups all over the world. 

Peter has twice travelled to Brazil to train with Mestre Gato to improve his knowledge of the style and Brazilian culture.

Capoeira comes Africa and has links with Angolan culture. Originally a pure fighting style, it was brought to Brazil through slaves taken from Africa to work on Portuguese plantations. 

As any form of martial arts training by slaves was severely punished by the Portuguese, the system was hidden by combining it with the strong music and dance traditions of the African descendant slaves.

This musical tradition plays a major part of the system with practiced accompanied by specialist percussion and string instruments that set the speed and rhythm of the movements.

Capoeira can be practised slowly or fast, can be a dance or a martial art, and the system is famous for its surprising kicking techniques, evasions and takedowns such as sweeps.

Group Senzala North East have clubs in Newcastle, County Durham and Durham City.

Shodai Ryu: run by sensei Colin Young, heads the Durham-based group in this system of swordsmanship which is based on the formal art of cutting, known in most sword arts as tameshigiri.

The system has no formal grading syllabus commonly found in most martial arts styles, Instead in follows the system used by its Hinbu dojo in Arao, Japan, where students first learn to use wooden swords and weapons before moving on the blunt blades and then live katanas.

Once a student has demonstrated an ability to perform basic cuts to an acceptable level and has a general understanding of form, movement and balance, they are introduced to more advanced techniques. 

Stick/Cane Fighting:  The style is run by Sensei Mick Farrow, who is a 3rd Dan in Cane Do, 2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate and his own style Go Maru Freestyle Karate, as well as a 1st Dan in Batto-jutsu.

Mick has been involved in the martial arts for more than 35 years and devised Can Do after gaining his 1st Dan in Canemaster.

The Cane Do system has a full system from 5th kyu up to 4th Dan Cane Master level and has 12 Cane kata, some of which have their roots in the Shudokai's Ren Shin Kan Kate.

It also has kumite sections which take the form of one-step format and kihon block and strike forms, as well as self-defence sparring.

Mick runs his own full-time dojo where offers the above systems as well as MMA and martial arts classes for young children.

Ninjutsu:  Instructors Davey Gasgoine, 6th Dan, Rob Rebair, 4th Dan, Richard Cowling, 4th Dan and Rob Kennedy, 1st Dan, from Bujinkan Ryuko Dojo, the Advanced Fighting Centre, Newcastle, will be demonstrating the ancient art of Ninjutsu.

Both are students of the Sensei John Atkin, 10th Dan Ninjutsu, Davey will show the varied techniques of this art which has a traceable history stretching back 900 years to feudal Japan, making it one of the oldest martial arts.

Ninjutsu employs natural body movements to strike, apply locks and to throw. Once the basic ideas of unarmed defense have been grasped, weapons’ training is introduced to the students.

Part of the Bunjinkan Budo Taijutsu dojo, the martial arts schools of the Bunjinkan are some of only a few remaining today that have not been transformed into sports. 

There are, therefore, no competitions or competitive influences in the training. Training sessions are relaxed and informal with everybody allowed to progress at their own pace.

Sport Sword: Demonstrated by Sensei Rick Burns students and instructors of the Burns School of Black Belts, they will be showing this modern sport which utilises safety weapons so students can test out their skills in a safe environment.

Sensei Burns, 3rd Dan, runs the BSBB Family Martial Arts Centre, Heaton, Newcastle, and has been training n martial arts since he was 10-years-old. He was awarded his teaching certificate under Sensei Peter Wilson in 2003.

He has competed all over the UK and Europe in Kickboxing, semi-contact Karate, weapons and in empty-hand forms.

He also trains in SDF under Sensei Andy Crittenden and in Kyusho Jitsu under Master Jason Dorn, of Nottingham.

He also holds grades in kickboxing, Anis de Mano and Judo and has experience in Brazilian Jui-jitsu, MMA and Extreme Martial Arts.

He is the co-founder of the National Sport Weapon Association, Traditional Weapons Modern Application and Revolution Performance Training System.

Directional Fighting Method: is a modern, reality-based self-defence and combat system devised by four instructors with experience in a variety of different systems.

Directional Fighting Method, often simply referred to as DFM, is designed so students cover all the areas of self-protection and self-defence. It has no sport element to it. 

DFM uses modern theories such as flinch and freeze and body language techniques and blends these with old martial theories such as the centreline, three point touch, the power of the circle and high-low theories.   

The areas covered by the DFM syllabus include evasive blocking, punching, kicking and striking, break falling, unbalancing and takedowns, sweeps and throws, ground defence and locks, chokes and submissions, yielding and flowing.

Students also learn walking stick (hanbo), five and six foot staffs, single stick, sword and how to defend against weapons such as knives, bottles and baseball bats.   

The system draws on a number of sources including Boxing, Kickboxing, Ju-jutsu (Japanese and Brazilian), Ninjutsu, Judo, Kali, Wado Ryu and Shotokan Karate, and grappling.  

Students are also taught Conflict Resolution Techniques. These are the methods taught to professionals such as the police, NHS doctors and nurses, social services, journalists plus many more.

Aikido: a martial art that utilises the power of the circle, yielding, flowing, unblancing and throws, this will be demonstrated by Sense Peter Seth - the founder and organiser of the Marfest - and students from both the Zanshin dojo, based at Sunderland University, and the Kogusoku Aikido Association.

Peter, 4th Dan, has trained in a number of martial arts through his long career in martial arts, including Karate and Ninjutsu among others.

Aikido was devised by Ueshiba Sensei and turns an opponent's energy against them by not meeting force with force but rather blending in harmony with the attacker so they defeat themselves.

Moi Fa Kung Fu: run by Sifu Paul Tennet, the group traditionally opens the Marfest with a Southern Chinese Lion Dance to bring good fortune to the event.

Since 1995 the academy has taught Chinese Martial Arts of Wing Chun Kung Fu and Mantis Kung Fu to hundreds of students across Newcastle upon Tyne and the North East.

Chief Instructor and founder of the Academy is Paul Tennet. Over the last two decades he has searched for, and studied various styles with some of the best instructors from across the world including; in China, Hong Kong, Europe and North America. 

Since starting to teach he has taught workshops to students in Canada, Ireland and the UK. 

Washington Judo Club, run by Sensei John Pickering, 2nd Dan, was started in 2002 by Coach John Pickering, 2nd Dan, and a small group of parents. 

Based now at Harraton Community Centre, in Washington, over the years the Club has grown in size and has produced several Judoka champions at National and International level. 

As an inclusive Club, Washington welcomes students of all abilities including Special Needs students who train alongside the mainstream players. 

They too have gone on to compete at home and abroad.

The club sees its self as a community based Club and regularly undertake fundraising activities that benefit the community.

Laban Baston Kali/Eskrima club - run by instructor Bill Lowery, the club teaches Doce Pares Eskrima, the oldest organised system of Eskrima in the world. 

The club covers single and double stick, single and double knife, stick and knife, and the empty hand elements including kickboxing; trapping, grappling. 

The club has been running since 1996, and I am a 5th Degree Black Belt under GM Danny Guba, the top graded FMA instructor in Europe, and a 5th Degree Black Belt under SGM Diony Canete, 1st Degree Black Belt under GM Kano Canete.

By Darren Currah 

ONE of the top fight shows in the UK has said goodbye to its longstanding venue.

Cage Kombat 13 held its last MMA fight extravaganza at the Dalkeith Miners Club, Dalkeith, Midlothian, Scotland, on October 31st.

It was held to raise cash to a cause that is close to the organiser Willie Scott's heart - the family of one of his former students who died in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban.

Brave soldier Sean McDonald, who was a student of Willie's Alba Dornadair MMA and Vale Tudo Club, was killed in a IED explosion. He came from Edinburgh but was originally from Toronto, Canada.

Video of Sean in action posted up on Youtube by one of friends to this remarkable warrior 

He joined at age 16-years and served in The Royal Scots Borderers battalion. Sean had done three tours of duty in Iraq and had also served in Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

Sean McDonald...gone but never forgotten

The afternoon started off with a minute of applause in memory of Sean, followed by a tune on the bagpipes.  Emma MacKinnon stepped into the cage to sing ‘Hero’ which went down to more applause.

There was a huge turnout for the Alba Dornadair club students who wanted to fight on this card in memory of their training partner, as well as Soldiers from the 1 Scot’s who were in uniform.

A Sean McDonald trophy is also being awarded to the 'Warrior' of the day, so the fighters had something to work towards and this was presented by Sean's sister Keighley.

In order of fights;

Amateur 3x3 minute rounds

Andrew Costello (Bushi-no-te) Vs. Adam Cooney (Alba Dornadair) 77kgs

A couple of arm bar attempts by Cooney and both fighters laying in the knees in the first. Both fighting for dominant position on the ground in round two. Cooney receiving a couple of illegal knees to the head. Cooney gets caught early in round three and is submitted.

Costello - 49 seconds round 3 – Triangle

Martin Donaldson (Fusion MMA) vs. Ross Marwick (Alba Dornadair) 82kgs

Donaldson catches a kick and takes it to the ground. Marwick wants to keep this one on its feet denying Donaldson on many occasions, when it does go to ground the bell saves Marwick from a heel hook. Round two sees Donaldson take the fight to the ground and keep it there. With good ground defence, Marwick eventually gets submitted near the end of round.

Donaldson – 2.52 round 2 – Guillotine

Semi-pro 3x4 Minute rounds

Ryan Waterson (EK MMA) vs. Nathan Wilson (Alba Dornadair) 76kgs

A great start to the semi-pro fights. Both fighters happy to keep it mostly standing with plenty of strikes and Waterson hammering in the leg kicks. Round two and Ryan is throwing some good shots, Wilson now wants to take it to the floor. Both fighters are tired and Wilson slams Waterson to the mat several times. Back to the ground in round 3 Wilson gets to his feet and kicks at Waterson whilst he’s down and then takes side control. Waterson reverses and to mount and strikes the body and stands up and wants Wilson to stand. Wilson slams him back to the floor where the bell finishes the fight.

Wilson – Decision

John Gilchrist (Fighters Hive) vs. Paul Barbour (Alba Dornadair) 67kgs

Barbour gets caught early and is left no choice but to tap.

Gilchrist – 39 seconds round 1 – Guillotine

Darren Landsell begins sinking in the choke

Aiden Stephen (Fusion MMA) vs. Darren Lansdell   (Alba Dornadair) 70kgs

Lansdell escapes a early Guillotine,  the fight is mostly on the ground. Lansdell attempting heel hooks with no joy at the end of round one. Lansdell catches a kick and take Stephen to the ground, back to their feet and Stephen is slammed back down to the mats. Lansdell works in the submission to end the fight.

Lansdell – 2.54 round 2 – Rear naked choke

Johnny Brown (Head Hunters) vs. John Currie (Alba Dornadair) 75kgs

The fight goes straight to ground with both fighters looking for dominant position.

Brown – 1.14 round 1 – Triangle

Brad McLeod (Fusion MMA) vs. Kal Uheida (Alba Dornadair) 77kgs

McLeod gets caught with a hook and it goes to ground. Back on their feet and he unleashes a head kick followed by a spinning back fist. Goes to ground again and Uheida gets submitted

McLeod – 1.46 round 1 – Guillotine

Pro 3x5 Minute rounds

Pawel  Bialas (White Warrior) vs. Steve Watson (John Black MMA) 93kgs

Slow start to this one, goes to ground no show of dominance until near the end of the round by Watson. Round two Bialas comes out striking but is taken to ground. Watson takes the back and punches Bialas in the back of the head, the ref steps in. Bialas makes the most of the time allowed and is checked by the doc. The fight continues and Bialas throws strikes followed by a head kick that is caught and he is taken down . Ref stands them up, a exchange of strikes and a strong body kick from Watson and then catches Bialas in the groin. Bialas takes some hits then goes to ground, Watson takes his back to finish the fight.

Watson – 1.45 round 3 - Rear naked choke

Semi-pro 3x4 Minute rounds

Ian Hopkin (Fusion MMA) vs. Scott Morrison (Team Jigoku) 72kgs

Exchanges of strikes then a nice takedown by Morrison, no dominance on the ground from either fighter, and a arm bar attempt sees the end of the round. Similar start to round two, refs stands them and it stays that way until the bell. Similar start to the final round, Morrison slams down Hopkin to the mat and works the triangle to finish the fight.

Morrison – 3.19 round 3 – Triangle

Calumn Bertram (Independent) vs. Elliot Diaz (Head Hunters) 74kgs

Diaz – 1.39 round 2 – Arm Bar

Mickel Bosaian (Fusion MMA) vs. Craig Dick (Team Jigoku) 92kgs

Both fighters come out swinging, they clinch on the cage and it goes to ground. Neither fighter gaining dominance sees the end of the round. A lively start to the second round, Dick is thrown to the mat where it stays. Both fighters come out swinging for the final round, Bosaian gets caught with a few and then it goes to ground where Dick quickly finishes it.

Dick – 27 seconds round 3 – Guillotine

Paul Wisemen (Dundee Shooters) vs. Scott Marko (Alba Dornadair) 71kgs

Wiseman is straight in with the takedown and soon works a submission.

Wisemen – 1.13 round 1 – Bar Choke

Danny Henry (Independent) vs. Andrew Kasai (Team Jigoku) 73kgs

The fight goes straight to the ground and stays there for the first. Strikes to start the second round then to ground, Henry tries the triangle from the top and eventually catches Kasai with a Kimura.

Henry - 1.07 round 2 – Kimura

Mark Richards (Urban Disturbance) vs. Peter Blackwood (Alba Dornadair) 80kgs

Blackwood straight in for  a take down but gets caught in a standing Guillotine. He manages to escape the first but not so lucky with the second.

Richards -2.07 round 1 – Standing Guillotine

David Hamilton (EK MMA) vs. Kev macKinnon (Alba Dornadair) 77kgs

Expected to be a good fight with huge support from the crowd. An exchange of kicks and then to ground with both attempting heel hooks. The crowd going crazy at each transition, Hamilton eventually catches  macKinnon with a triangle.

Hamilton – 3.19 round 1 – Triangle

Interval before the last fight to draw the raffle and present the ‘Warrior Award’

Warrior of the day was presented by Keighley McDonald and went to Ryan Waterson of EK MMA.

Also a standing ovation for the soldiers of 1 Scots.

Pro 3 x 5 Minute rounds

Shaun Edmondson (Urban Disturbance) vs. Graham Hamilton (Mateleon MMA) 70kgs

A few strikes then to ground, back to feet then Edmondson slams Hamilton to the mats. Hamilton takes the top and goes for the ground and pound, Edmondson defends well and manages to get to his feet. He’s taken down again and Hamilton takes his back and is close to a submission, but is denied by the bell. Both fighters exchanging leg kicks and strikes to open the second round. On the ground with Hamilton trying some ground and pound, back to their feet trading before going to ground again. Hamilton nearly gets on a reverse kimura but doesn’t seal the deal. A cautious start to the final round with Hamilton unleashing a flying knee then it going to ground. Hamiltons ground and pound is relentless but Edmondson defends well. Both fighters tired and no chances for submissions up to the final bell.

Hamilton – Decision

COBRA MARTIAL ARTS SUMMER SEMINAR


(Caption): Steve Hallam

By John Barrass

Sunday 1^st August saw the annual cobra martial arts association summer course held at the Copley recreation centre Manchester.

Over one hundred and fifty students and instructors from around the United Kingdom attended the course.

CMAA founder and chief instructor Andy Morrell opened the course with a warm welcome and a fifteen minuet flexibility warm up.

(Caption): Alan Wolfenden demonstrating his techniques

(Caption): Chris Lowe teaching the kids on the Cobra course

The summer course instructors for 2010 were: Steve Rowland’s, Marc Johnson, Alan Wolfenden, Adrian Green, Paul Simpson, Chris Lowe, Rob Cook, Steve Hallam, John Barrass and Gus Matsumura.

The course was held in a friendly but hard working atmosphere whilst each instructor took turns to show there techniques. This year’s course was geared more toward self defence and street combat rather than traditional martial arts techniques but there was something for everyone regardless of there style and age.

(Caption): Gus Matsumura getting his message across to young budo warriors

A good range of techniques were on show for all to try ranging from Kempo Ju-jitsu, Ju-jitsu, Krav Maga, E.S.D.C.S street fighting and self defence styles from other instructors.

(Caption): Rob Cook showing gun disarms

My thanks to Peter Bagnall, Peter Stewart, Carl Heslop, Steve Darby, Graeme Scott and Matt Chadwick for again completing the day and supporting the club in our goal to gain and share knowledge. Special thanks to Matt for once again acting as Uke and putting up with the pain during the demonstration of our system. 

The event ended on a high note with a chance to make new friends and catch up with old ones. Thanks to all who made the day enjoyable.

For more information on Cobra Martial Arts phone: 07909 673894

Visit:

"Every demonstration was great and showed not only the diversity but also the similarities, talent and enthusiasm of all the arts.

"Extra thanks to Sensei Christine Pullan and her squad, and also to Sensei Tommy Foster who both kindly stepped in at nearly the last minute to help out...great stuff. "

Peter himself had a surprise at the interval when he received dinner from the crew for himself and his wife Dorothy.

Peter added: "It was brilliant to see old and new friends - even the ones who totally embarrassed me with your wonderful gesture - and see us all come together for such a worthy cause."

Peter Seth added: "It was great to see such breadth of martial arts at the event and the mini-taster sessions were well received. 

"I'd just like to thank everyone who helped me, big or small, to make the day a success. And also all the participants who give up their time to put on the displays."

VIDEOS

To find out more about the Marfest email: psethp@yahoo.co.uk

Aikido.  Zanshin Aikido (Sunderland University) www.zanshinaikido.co.uk Kogusoku Aikido Assn. www.kogusoku.org.uk 

Peter Seth 4th Dan. Festival Founder/Organiser). 

TEL: 0191 5226294 or 07734 678992

Karate (Wadoryu).

Sensei Peter Stewart 4th Dan.

Directional Fighting Method.

Senior Instructor. Sensei Phil Doherty, 4th Dan.

TEL: 0191 410368

Email: phil.doherty@hotmail.co.uk

Hotspur (Historical European Martial Arts).

Bob Brooks.  www.hotspur school@aol.com

Judo.  Sensei : Tommy Foster, 5th Dan.

Jujitsu.  Bushido Jujitsu Academy (NE).

Sensei Christine Poole, 5th Dan.

TEL: 07884 424363

Karate.  (Shotokan). 

Sensei: Christine Pullan, 6th Dan

Lion Dancers/Kung Fu/Chinese Weapons.

North East Moi Fa Martial Arts Academy. 

Sifu Paul Tennet

www.moifa.co.uk

Tae Kwon Do.  Chungdokwan Taekwondo.

Mike Campos, 3rd Dan. 

www.djchungdokwan.com

Capoeira. 

Peter Grufferty  

TEL: 0191 5861955

Kobudo.

Sensei:  Brian Ford, 7th Dan.

Lau Kung Fu/Kickboxing.

Steve Youngman 3rd degree Black Sash

Kong Sai Martial Arts

Tel: 07905 397856

www.kongsaimartialarts.co.uk

Taiji.

Joe Harte. Senior Instructor Traditional Taiji.

www.communigate.co.uk/ne/taijiquan

Japanese Sword.

Bill Patterson, 3rd Dan Battojutsu.

2nd Dan Ninjutsu.  1st Dan Nito Ken.

Tel: 07979598048

By Howard Gibbon

(Sticky hand/Adhering hand)

The object of the I Fu Shou exercise is to upset your partner's balance. This is not because it is a competition with a winner and a loser. Although sadly I see that 'pushing Hands competitions' are starting to appear, with some T'ai Chi Organisations subsequently advertising that one of their students won this or that section, presumably in the belief that this will attract more students to their organisation.

The types of students that this attracts are the ones who want to win competitions and show off in front of a crowd. I feel this is a retrograde step that moves away from the true spirit of T'ai Chi. I do not consider that I Fu Shou should be presented as a form of competition which inevitably breeds a winner and a loser. I consider it to be a voyage of self-discovery. The practice of which will enable the practitioner to develop a heightened state of awareness, firstly of themselves, then others they come into contact with. There is nothing to lose but your ego. And the prize to be won is humility.

Perhaps by looking at the names given to this exercise we can understand the different philosophy behind them. Firstly, to push, this word is defined as meaning: to exert force on a thing, to move away from oneself or from the origin of the force. This in essence seems rather an aggressive attitude.

This type of philosophy leads to ambition, desire, and glorification of the self and the wish to make oneself superior. This inevitably leads to separation from the Tao (way). There is no harmony here; only conflict. 'Sticky' is defined as tending or intended to stick or adhere. Adhere is defined as: stick fast to a surface, another substance, etc. 

Also, to behave according to, follow in detail or give support or allegiance. These words explain the essence of the instruction I received from my master. He always taught me that once contact has been made it must be maintained, and that this contact should be light, so light in fact, that if a feather where to fall upon your arm it would sink under the weight of the feather. He also taught me that the object of the exercise was to follow the movements of your partner, not to force them to change the direction but to allow them to move their hand and arm in whatever way they wish. Learning to work within this framework whilst maintaining your own balance, giving in to their force which completely negates their strength and allows you to gently guide them in the direction they wish to go. Gently, helping them on their way.

If you offer no resistance, then no matter how much force is used against you, it cannot restrict your freedom. By giving in to that force and offering no resistance your partner sacrifices their balance when they exert force against your arm. By this action they create a weakness within their posture that can be exploited allowing you to maintain your balance whilst upsetting theirs. The object of this is not to gain power over your partner, but to learn to remain in control of your own balance whilst being put under pressure by your partner. 

This helps us to deal with the problems we encounter in everyday life without losing control and resorting to violence. And by violence I do not necessarily mean physical violence but also mental violence, which is the modern way to bully and make people fear you. Power hungry people weave their webs of mental manipulation, praying on the weak within our society - we are all weak at some time or another as we fall into our yin periods during our journey through life.

There are no laws, that can be enforced effectively, that will eradicate this kind of mental violence that we all have to suffer at some time or other at work, from parents, teachers and countless enthusiastic exponents of officialdom. We just have to learn to deal with it. We have to learn to take responsibility for ourselves. Instead of becoming physically or verbally violent which can only escalate the conflict, we have to learn to absorb the energy thrown our way.

In doing so we strengthen ourselves and weaken the perpetrator, but more importantly we remain entire.

I wish you all I wish for myself.

howard@ewta.co.uk

NOVEMBER EDITION- SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE

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NORTH TEAMS IN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Caption) Leeds Karate Academy fighter Zoe Starr in action...

By Phil Doherty

THE region's Shotokan clubs gathered together for a day of kumite and kata at the Karate Union of Great Britain's Northern Regionals.

The competition was hosted by Sendai Kushiro base at Sunderland University, Sunderland, on Sunday, October 11th.

Martial News has focussed on five of the region's clubs that took part in the competition: Ashington, York and Leeds Shotokan, Leeds Karate Academy and Sendai Kushiro, Sunderland.

LEEDS KARATE ACADEMY SWEEP 24 MEDALS...

Sensei Nick Heald, Instructor of the LKA, said: "We had an excellent day winning five Golds,  Silver,12 Bronze and two 4th places.  

"The Best all-round performance of the day went to Ashley Scott who took Silver in both Kata and Kumite and also Gold in Team Kumite. 

"Ryan Tucker and David Wright, fresh from their Mexico excursions, took Gold in Male Kata and Junior Kumite respectively.  

"We had an excellent showing in the Junior Female Kumite event where we had 3 of the top four places.  

Mel Finlay fought very well to take Gold with Zoe Starr and Josie Fishkin each coming 3rd. 

James Brown won the Boys Kumite 5'-5'5'' whilst LKA newcomer, Sam Goulden, fought very well to take Silver in the Senior Male Kumite event.

LKA Competitors were: Glenn Riley, Ashley Scott, Daryn Hobden, David Wright, Zoe Starr, Natasha Balyckyi, Jordon Probst, Ryan Tucker, Mel Finlay, Brian Lister, Andrew Lister, Joe Hart, Stephen Brown, James Brown, Holly Dickinson, Sam Goulden, Tom Little, Ashley Mallinson, Emma Nunn, Josie Fishkin, Dan Martin, Ronan Cain, Abi Chapman, Hayden Steele, Tom Mitchell, Callum Mackintosh, Lizzie Andrews, Jed Dickinson, Ellie Hardman, Alexander Glancy, Michael Ambler, Andrew Cryer, Arlene Middler, Kate Lister, Sam Mitchell, Edward Reeves, Nathan Wilson, Liam Giles, Nick Giles, Daniel Tremble, Callam Payne, Laura Mackintosh, Adam Banks, Alice Naylor,  Connor Payne, James Williams, Nicola Williams, Charlie Swift, Joe Mckee, Laurynas Vaskevicius, Migle Vaskeviciute, Jack Hardman and Matthew Guest.

To visit the LKA do to: www.lka.org.uk

or phone: 07747 607283

or email: n_heald@hotmail.com

ASHINGTON WIN GOLD

(Caption) Ashington medal winners

ASHINGTON GAIN THE GOLD, SILVER AND THE BRONZE...

Ashington club instructor Jill Kelly, 5th Dan, said: "Ashington Karate club had a good day at the Northern Region championships on Sunday! 

"Ashington A Kata Team put in a stirling performanace in the finals to clinch the title for the third year running, and not only win the category, but the Shield for best kata team again! 

"Our congratulations to them and their coach Sensei Trish Bruce, who has given a lot of her personal time to develop the team to their current standard.

"Our Ashington B team is also coming along nicely gaining a well deserved third place in the same category. 

"Personally I was very pleased that they were able to overcome their inexperience and put in a great performance on the Finals night."

Ashington Shotokan Karate Club's Results:

Tanya Hopper - senior ladies kata 4th

Daniel Smart - under 16 black belt kata 2nd

Danile Lumb - under 16 black belt kata 3rd

Kyle Duddridge - Kyu grade 12 -15 kata 3rd

Maya Burns - girls kumite 3rd

Ashington A Kata Team: Gold

To visit Ashington Karate Club: www.ashingtonshotokankarate.co.uk

Or phone: 01670 523219

or email: jillfkelly@googlemail.com

SENDAI KUSHIRO SUNDERLAND WIN 12 MEDALS

SENDAI came away from the tournament with a 12 medals including golds.

Holly Sterling won both the ladies kumite and kata sections for a double gold win.

While Chris Hamilton won gold in the children's under 16 kata took a silver in the boy's kumite as well.

Megan Dent powered through to take gold in the under 16 - girls kumite, and Martin Fraser took silver in the senior low grade kata section.

Instructor John James Bruce, 4th Dan, said: "Toby and his brother James Tubman also took home medals as did others in the team.

"They all did very well and and put in a fantastic performance and we are proud of them all.

"There is a lot of potential coming through and its all very promising for the club.

"Holly was fantastic in winning both the kata and the kumite, but all the team did very well and we are pleased with their performance."

YORK KARATE CLUB WIN EIGHT MEDALS

YORK Karate Club won eight medals including gold, silver and bronze in the same event.

The club's Aimee Reeson, Sam Wallace and Connor Dunckley all qualified for the semi-finals stage of the under ten Ippon Kumite section.

Wallace beat Dunckley to face Reeson in the final.

Reeson took the gold, Wallace the silver and Dunckley won bronze.

Sensei O'Grady said: "Overall, this is the finest results as a group we have had at York Karate.

"I am so proud of what we have achieved, not just at this competition, but at every competition this year."

Jake Anderson and Matthew Beilby progressed to the semi finals of the boys kumite, 10 to 11-year-olds but drew each other for the final decider spot.

After a high standard fight between the two best friends, Beilby won through to the final.

Taking it to extra time, Beilby's tough opponent took the gold medal, and he had to settle for silver. Anderson got bronze.

Alice Atkinson continued her winning streak this year with another gold medal for the girls 10 to 11-years old event.

Ryan Stead got bronze after fighting through to the semi-finals of the boys 12 to 15-year-old (over 5ft 5in section).

In the Junior Team Kata, York progressed through the rounds but relegated from the final to third place after the referee deducted a penalty of 0.1 from each score card.

York Karate Club Results:

Visit the website www.yorkkarate.org

Phone: 07835 787030.

LEEDS SHOTOKAN CLUB WIN GOLD AND BRONZE

LEEDS Shotokan Club took gold and bronze at the competition. 

The club, which trains at Roundhegians Rugby Club, Chelwood Drive, off Street Lane, Leeds, had 11 competitors taking part.

Sensei Randy Williams, 6th Dan, said: "Ethan who has had very good year in competition karate, once again fought his way to the finals of the Northern Regional Karate Championships.

"The finals was close fought contest with neither fighter wanting to make any mistakes, but with Ethan putting constant pressure on his opponent, it deemed enough to get the decision therefore winning the match and the competition. 

"Mathew Humphries also finished in third place after been beaten in his semi-final.

"Harry Cuddy who was fighting very well in his first round match was in the end disqualified after unleashing a tremendous front foot Jodan Mawashi Geri (roundhouse kick) to the head and knocking his opponent off his feet.

"The rest of the 11 man squad did really well in there events and hopefully will do better next time.

"Well done everyone."

Results:

Ethan Parsons         10 – 11yrs Individual Kumite                        1^st Place
Mathew Humphries 12 – 15yrs Individual Kumite 5’ to 5’5”       3^rd Place

Full List of Competitors;
Eliot Parsons
Harry Cuddy
Mathew Humphries
Ethan Parsons
Sahr Kortequee
Steven Riley
Ethan Whitehead
Nathan Wyspianski
Grace Dean
James Humphries
Charlie Cuddy

Visit:  www.leedsshotokankarate.co.uk

Email: info@leedsshotokankarate.co.uk

For information on the Karate Union of Great Britain