NEKA and Wez Fagan and his students. A credit to the BFKKO.

Wez Fagan hosted a full day of martial arts especially brought to NEKA in Stanley by the President of WAKO Pro GB and principal Director of the BFKKO. Master Cris Janson-Piers.

Cris teaches 10 formats/disciplines and today it was Full Contact he was catering for.

With a great turn out for both courses the 1st session took just over 2 hours with the coaching and seconds course taking nearly 4 hours. The BFKKO standards are exactly the same as WAKO as Cris himself is also the Chief Examiner for WAKO and sets all the courses and test papers.So no stone is left unturned and hence why the BFKKO and WFKKO's standards are LITERALLY "second to none!".

There was a ringcraft course within the sparring course, which was also part of the coaching course combined.

Kerry-Louise was also in attendance and it was great for others to train with her, she was also seen training prior to the course as she has to prepare for her up and coming Intercontinental Title fight.

The results to the written examination and certificates will be presented at the club in the following few weeks.

Well done to all, especially Wez who has worked so hard to develop such a strong club within his local community.

Rotherham Ambassador Kerry-Louise

Kerry-Louise receives her award off the Madam Mayor of Rotherham, which included a certificate off the council, a beautiful personalised certificate off Madam Mayor herself and the "Rotherham Ambassador" badge which are few and far between. What a proud day.

The award was in recognition of Kerry-Louise's success on the World Kickboxing and K1 Kickboxing Stage and her continued work within the sport itself which also involves children of the local communities.

This presentation was also attended by close friends, training partners and family.

Dan Grading Success

A Fantastic BFKKO National Dan grading on the morning of 20th November 2010 saw 2 new BFKKO blackbelts take the floor and 3 others attain 1^st stage (The belt taken prior to blackbelt).

The grading panel assessed

Alex Sampson and Liam Muldoon for their 1^st Dan Blackbelt and

Katey Adams, Callum Simmons and Kirk Edwardson for 1^st stage.

All were successful with Katey Adams attaining the highest mark of the day.

Well done!

Back with a Bang! An Understatement!!!!!

“Back With a Bang”, The show featured by Jez Hall at Kesteven sports centre at Lincoln on Saturday 20^th November 2010 was exactly what it stated!

With a great line up of local fighters of all ages pitched against from fighters all over the country, 

Jez, no stranger to top flight shows and match ups was hosting somewhat of a 4 way equation super fight! Why!!?

Cris Janson-Piers the President of WAKO Pro and also the principal Director to BFKKO who are direct members of WAKO manages professional fighters on a daily basis. Cris, up until recently managed Chris Deakin and still managed Ryan “The Hammer” Hamer until his retirement last week. To add to these two Cris still manages Lee Morgan and Aaron Robinson.

So what does this mean? Deakin at -69kg Hamer at -67kg Morgan at -67kg and Robinson who can fight anywhere around 67-69kg all on the same books means it was a managers nightmare. The recent retirement of Hamer now means the WAKO Pro British -67kg title is now available. Deakin is still the holder of the WAKO Pro -69.1kg British title. (Morgan was narrowly defeated in an epic battle against Deakin a few years ago, when from different camps, again for the WAKO Pro British title). Wez Fagan at the same kind of weight is also on the White Scorpion Management books (www.whitescorpion.moonfruit.com) but is contending at World level now.

After long talks and some great understanding off both camps it was decided that Robinson and Morgan should meet!  

It was decided by Jez Hall who is a senior member and executive of the BFKKO that the two fighters should meet for the -69kg BFKKO British title and the winner it was agreed by WAKO Pro should then have the right to offer and contend the vacant -67kg WAKO Pro British title. (Maybe this result will motivate Deakins new camp to feature the long awaited rematch of Deakin v Robinson which was another “to the line” WAKO Pro -69kg title fight a few years ago!)

The stage was set and the fight was to be contested over the normal 7 x 2 minute rounds set by WAKO Pro. With two great fighters and two great coaches in the corners in Cris Janson-Piers and Shawn Burton, this was promised to be an electrifying bout from the off and it was!

With an expected “feeling out period” first round, fighters and coaches alike made their adjustments at the end of the 1^st. The fight just grew and grew in strength agility and skill round by round. Both fighters had their fair share of cracking punch combinations which also resulted in both guys being physically shaken for a short period of time. However due to their experience and condition they both managed to wear the storm.

Robinson was hunting down and trying to break through with the big shots whilst Morgan carefully picked away at Robinson with distance techniques and moved the ring with ease.

A very close fight was now in hand, Robinson may have been getting favoured due to his slightly more powerful shots and that he was always on the forward move. But Morgan was relentless and his work load  in response just seemed to increase.

Both fighters looked slightly labored in round 6 but in round 7 like true champions they stepped it up a notch and ended this 7 round thriller with some great toe to toe stuff knowing they both needed the last.

As the final bell rang out, both fighters raised their arms aloft, again showing even they knew it was close but both believing in the win.

The bout, like all the other bouts was officiated by WAKO Pro on behalf of the BFKKO who regularly use WAKO Pro officials due to their reputation for fairness and superb professionalism. It was close, the crowd waited…………..the MC took the microphone and announced the winner in the Red corner and it was to be……….Robinson!!!! The home crowd exploded and this was certainly the Bang Jez Hall and the people of Lincoln had been waiting for!

Morgan fastened the belt around Robinsons waist as a sign of respect, fighters and coaches alike met in the ring in agreement that this one of the top fights seen for some time!

So now Aaron Robinson is hungry to fight again, he can contend the promised WAKO Pro title or take a defence of his British….the door is open, now it is just needed for someone to take up the offer.

Although this fight was a monster, the rest of the coaches and fighters on the night cannot be ignored. Well known faces included such as Chris Kent of Kicks, Shawn Burton of Lincoln, Alan and Tyler Shakespear, Kerry-Louise, Lee Swaby and the rest. Not forgetting every fighter and notably little “Victor” what a star and voted by many as the fighter of the night!

Cris Janson-Piers is keen to receive challenges from reputable camps with fighters who can step up the mark and face Robinson who he stated “Is on fire!”

WAKO PR photographs of several fighters are available!

Grimsby Martial Arts Academys event, outstanding success under WAKO and BFKKO sanctioning

Andy Allenby and Mick Blythin of Grimsby Martial Arts  promoted a fantastic evening of Kickboxing and K1 at the Beachcomber Club at Grimsby on Sunday 14th November 2010.

Both WAKO and the BFKKO were involved in helping these two professionals bring top flight entertainment to the Town. The event run so smoothly, mainly due to Mick and Andy working hand in glove with CJP and the strict but fair procedures of WAKO and the BFKKO.

Not only did the locals have chance to see how they faired in the ring but Marco Mastrorocco (WAKO Italia) and Alexis Bolsunovs (WAKO Latvia) brought several of their students to see how they faired, so even though most of the fighters were novices it meant the show had an International feel to it with both coaches being champions for their country in the past!

Left to right: Marco Mastrorocco Italy, Lorenzo Miglietta, Edgars Dreikalis, Alexis Bolsunovs Latvia

Jordan Waring and Leif Taggart also had chance to show off their skills after returning from their successful trip to Holland where they fought K1. This was only after they had spent the evening judging and Jordan taking up one of his new trained skills in kickcounting for WAKO.

BFKKO and its members are so proud to be members of WAKO and support it fully, it opens up a whole new World of competition and qualification for officials under the World Governing Body of the highest standards.

OFFICIALS

Chief Sanctioning officer CJP, British Champion Jordan Waring C class Kick Counter 

World Champion Leif Taggart B Class Judge 

World Champion Kerry-Louise "A" Class International Judge and referee (Top table).

Also in attendance was: Phil Dews "A" Class International Judge and Chief Referee for 

WAKO GB and WAKO  Pro GB.

Luke Farmer "A" class Judge.

Once again, thanks to Mick and Andy, a tremendous effort and all your hard work paid off gents!! There were some great bouts with great action, some great fight matching and every bout was won on a unanimous decision showing the judges and WAKO's exacting standards win over yet again.

K1 Rules in Holland A* Performance off both Jordan & Leif

Going to Holland, the home of K1 to train is a daunting experience with even the intermediate student being of a very high standard. To have the opportunity to fight out there under K1 rules was just something else.

Jordan Waring and Leif Taggart from the Falcon Fight Academy trained by Cris Janson Piers, both fought Dutch opponents in a very well organised and prestigious event. 

The evening began with the younger fighters putting up very clean and professional fights and kicking off the 26 scheduled bouts!

After warming up in the changing rooms whilst brushing shoulders with Ernesto Hoost, who was warming his fighter up, It was Jordan’s turn to get the gloves for the blue corner and prepare for his fight and as his fight music began he walked out to a very kind crowd no jeering or booing just people wanting to see a good fight. This was Jordan’s 3^rd K1 rules fight and his 1^st outside the UK. The Dutch fighter was strong, very strong and gunned straight for Jordan’s head with a barrage of punches, this forced Jordan into working from the off.

 This was 2x2 minute bout being as Jordan had been assessed as an “N” class fighter, so there was no “feeling out” stage it was straight to work. The first round was strong from both fighters but the Dutch fighter took the round. In the second we saw a more composed and confident fight from Jordan working good leg and hand combinations which zapped the energy from the Dutchman. Jordan tagged his opponent with a fantastic spinning back fist and got one back immediately as a bit of a statement. The last round was Jordan’s and the judges as he pushed relentlessly showing that all the hard fitness and conditioning work the Falcon coaches administer does work! Jordan hit his opponent with damaging leg kicks and punches which made his fighter buckle a few times. With a clear round a piece it was a fair call when the ref awarded a draw.

The Main event involved two “A” class fighters both from Holland, the atmosphere was             electric ...both fighters took and gave some awesome power shots but both were highly conditioned and the fight went the distance with the result fairly going to the away fighter. This also showing that the results and decisions were, again very fair.

It was then the turn of Leif Taggart fighting scheduled 3x2 minute fight. Both fighters looked confident as the referee had his pre fight talk. 

Taggart was going to have to do a lot on home turf to get the decision, hence why he and coach Cris, had been working on KO techniques and combinations for weeks prior to the big match. The fight started with a short period of feeling  each other out and it was Leif who started the attack with a great hand- leg combination with no reply from his fighter. 

The Dutch fighter was typically strong with his legs but Leif’s speed was too much for him to cope with. When Leif allowed him to start the attack he was good and aggressive but it only happed once as Leif controlled the first round. The second round was the same as the first Leif’s ring craft and powerful jabs kept his opponent from landing much. After 2 strong jab a big kick a spinning back fist which swung past his head and a final round kick to the body the Dutch fighter went down on 1 knee and was counted by the referee and didn’t make the 8 count the fight was waved off 1 minute into the 2^nd round and Leif was declared the winner by KO. 

A superlative win and an incredible performance by the two British fighters and coaching team, which also included World Champion Kerry-Louise.

Both Cris and Kerry of Falcon Fight Academy were elated with a draw and a win. As Cris stated earlier “I would even be happy with 2 draws in Holland”. The team have certainly stamped their mark firmly in the home of K1.

Cris has been asked to feature some K1 Rules highlight events in the UK next year at which he has jumped at the chance. Holland have agreed to send over fighters to compete on a regular basis.

This will serve to test our fighters here in the UK and can only improve them! Keep your eye on the news for the 1^st event.

The Uprising Sat 30th October 2010 Promoted By Wesley Fagan of NEKA

Wesley Fagans name is no stranger to anybody in the World of Kickboxing, this Multi World Kickboxing champion is usually “hitting” the headlines somewhere regarding his latest elite performance. Well there’s no change there today apart from it’s for another reason.

Wez started promoting this year and has already proven that his attention to detail and his care for the children within his responsibility is A1….he has just received the first ever WAKO Pro GB “Gold Star Promoters Award” which signifies excellence and of which he will be able to proudly display at his club.

Wez became a member of the BFKKO/WFKKO (www.bfkko.co.uk) over a year ago and is now managed professionally by Master Cris Janson-Piers where together they have already notched up another World title for the man! Now his members are to benefit by having training and coaching courses delivered to help NEKA become an even stronger and elite force within the kickboxing community of GB.

Members also have the benefit of WAKO GB and WAKO Pro GB and its facilities as the BFKKO and WFKKO like many other organisations now work heavily with them and promote regularly alongside the World Governing Body.

The qualities and attention to detail was very obvious on the night of the 30^th October. WAKO Pro GB had sent all their top class officials and their head of their medical cover to ensure that every fighter, especially the children were safe at the request of Wesley.

The fight matching was excellent on the night, however it was NEKA who may have looked as the underdogs as they fielded fighters against others clubs who had more experience. They all rose to the challenge a fought like true warriors and some on there first fights looked well schooled, but with Wez Fagan as coach and in your corner then it sometimes expected of you!

There were too many credible fights and fighters on the night to mention them all individually but we shall mention the champions.

Morgan Guest (Winner) v Zach Glendinning -41kg BFKKO Cadet Area Title

A majority points win to Morgan, although Zach just kept on coming forward it just wasn’t enough in a very close fight where one judge awarded him the win. Morgan was clean and strong and it maybe just this that clinched him the fight.

Glenn Colman (Winner) v Dean Petty -71kg BFKKO Amateur English Title

In a very clean fight Glenn looked comfortable but Dean Petty seemed to be the aggressor, the fight scoresheets showed only a few points had swayed the judges. Yet another fight which was so close to call.

Chris Lovell (Winner) v Mark Barton -81kg BFKKO Amateur British Title

This fight started with a knockdown each in the 1^st round and of course immediately got the attention of the whole crowd especially as Mark Barton was the local homeboy. Both fighters give their all and it was clear to see that they had put that much in they were starting to tire. With fighters of this caliber it is so dangerous because even when tired the punching power is still there and this is exactly what had happened as Lovell dropped Barton to the canvas again in the 4^th and the ref waived the fight off. Both fighters showed great sportsmanship with Mark still managing a smile and Chris saying” Oh god, that is the hardest I have ever been hit!” I guess this will also make Chris feel he definitely deserves the title.

The photos in this blog only represent a little of the action and we are sure you can see the quality of the fighters from them. An equal representation of every fighter has been shown in the official BFKKO Photo show which will be available very very shortly.

Well done to Wesley and all the team who helped on the day from door staff, security, runners, officials, photographers, video and of course the fighters and coaches who came together from all groups and organizations to give the public exactly what they had paid for ……….ENTERTAINMENT!

Lets not forget the Dance troop and of course the DIVAS!! 4 top little females from NEKA who gave a wicked demonstration of padwork and ring craft!!

A few more action pics: