Competitors and Coaches alike know when the BFKKO British team push the door open and enter the World Games everyone has to be on top form. Killarney in County Kerry was the beautiful setting for this years competition, with accommodation at the luxurious Gleneagles Hotel.
The Americans, especially, had trained very hard for all the grappling and Kick Jutsu categories in a plight to beat the British at a sport they more than excel in. With the GB squad suffering injuries and independent financial problems the GB grappling part of the squad suffered heavily and could only field one senior fighter in total!!
To add to the British fighters and Cris' own dispair, it was decided on the day that a select Amateur MMA and Submission Wrestling category would be introduced. The competition for this was featured on the mats in its infancy but will be moved to the ring in future. It proved a fantastic move and the two styles attracted many spectators.
Also up for the challenge was Kerry-Louise who was fully prepared to meet last years World Title belt champion on the evening of the Grand Finale after beating all challengers the day before and attaining a World Gold, but due to a no show of the existing Champion and as in boxing, the title belt is now to be held by Kerry until next year where she again will be ready to meet whatever challenge is put forward.
The BFKKO squad included martial artists of all ages from children to adults in styles ranging from Kata,
As the days went on the medal tally started to grow! Finalising in the squad earning
9 Gold
9 Silver
6 Bronze
out of a possible 28 medals we could win we won, 24, truly amazing!!!!
(The medallists will be listed later).
With time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings the team hit Killarney before saying their goodbyes to all the other International competitors, coaches and officials. Another great and successful championship which will no doubt attract big numbers next year in Wales.
World President Bruce Smith and Vice President Mr T Rondo Van Clief attended the GB squad final team meeting to make a few presentations.
Professor David Terry was promoted to International Director to all Grappling styles as CJP stood side and now goes to Overall World Director to all ringsports. This position has just arisen due to WOMAA now including MMA, Submission Wrestling and next years inclusion of Full Contact and Japanese Rules Kickboxing. These styles will all follow the rules of the Word Governing Body WAKO. It's exciting times ahead!!!
Kerry-Louise was presented her World Title belt officially and Adele Terry had her 2nd Dan blackbelt recognised, being well overdue it was nice for her to receive this at such a prestigious event.
Master Cris Janson-Piers was officially entered into the WOMAA Hall of Fame recognising his long term commitment and success in martial arts with this lifetime achievement award.
There's no rest as straight away Cris will be looking to start new squad training straight away. Great news is The 2012 World Games will be in the UK in the year of the Olympics in our country also. Trialing will be very strict as we intend to field a fantastic squad for 2011 and then raise the bar even further in the Olympic year!
If you are interested in being in the squad even if not a BFKKO member at the moment then please call Cris on 07973 748907 or email him at crisjansonpiers@googlemail.com
