Wednesday 23 May 2012

Falcons prove Best of British




Martial Artists from Cris Janson-Piers' Falcon Fight Academy Sheffield competed at the very first WMKF British Championships making history on their very first UK event in the very capable hands of British President Lee Matthews and Vice President Drew Neal.
Jordan Waring was the first in action. He is a very talented up and coming -67kg K1 Rules star who is climbing up the rankings rapidly! With only three fighters contending his K1 Rules category and both the other guys from the same camp Jordan was put into the first round against the first fighter drawn who was Liam Simons. Either way Jordan was going to be facing tough opposition from the Thai based Karl Kilbrides Team Kilbride camp from Liverpool.

The first round of three was expected, a planning round, which saw Waring carefully approach his opponent, drawing him in, to allow Cris to see the fighters traits, then he stepped on the gas and took it up to what can be described as a three quarter pace but with lovely flowing combinations executed with technical expertise. A true trademark of the Falcon Fight Academy ringsport fighters. Into round two and confident Waring could up this another level Janson-Piers instructed him to go forward stronger and that is what young Waring did. He extended the lead and although Simons tried to come back into the game Jordans ring craft saw to terminating any further forward movement of his opponent.

In round three in true traditional Thai style Liam from Team Kilbride came out strong, which CJP had already anticipated. Waring is training on 10 rounds at the moment to help his training partner and World Champion Kerry-Louise prepare for her next World title over 5 x 3 minutes, so his cardio was well prepared for the higher level. Although the Liverpool fighter put up a fair challenge Waring was always in the lead and he and Cris had purposely left out his main armoury so the onlooking second fighter from the Kilbride camp could get no real pointers on how to fight him in the final.

With some great knee and clinch work off Waring his lead increased and at the final bell he was sure that he had done enough, which he had. However his unanimous victory was overshadowed by the fact that he had twisted and aggravated an old back injury which meant he had to decline going into the final. Although it was something Jordan didn't want, coach Cris did not hesitate in "pulling" him the minute he was aware of the extent of the injury.


Waring is training in Lanzarote for two weeks at the end of the month and Janson-Piers Commented "Although it pained me to pull Jordan out of the final, I have to think of his well being and his recovery, plus he has a two week intense course at the end of the month and now he needs the time out to recover fully or that's a lot of money wasted if he isn't able to go!"


One of our next fighters was Ben Fahey who is a BFKKO member/fighter managed professionally by Cris and trained by the team at "Jez Hall's Satori Martial Arts" Lincoln.
Ben had to fight in his second favoured style of full contact as there wasn't a K1 Rules competitor for him.
His first fight was against Jay Harvey from BMAA but Ben just seemed to be the more polished all the way through the bout,although Jay was a tough cookie and kept on coming back Ben never seemed to be out of his depth. Ben has matured a lot over the last few months and is still very aggressive but he has now channeled it to his benefit rather than it being a hindrance which it had been in the past. (Well done there Ben, respect).

Three rounds in the bag, no question, Ben Fahey Unanimous!!
Ben was then told to rest whilst other bouts took place as he had to fight again in the final.

 A strange one next but a great story! Sean Morgan, new kid on the block with White Scorpion Fight Management as of the end of this month, Cris Janson-Piers management company, a student of great fighter and coach Brett Healey of Team MMAFIA Coventry was to face Joe Mc Mullan from Leif Taggarts Flying Falcon Gym, Middlesborough. Taggart being coached, trained and managed by Janson-Piers! Just the mix here said this fight already promised to be of top quality even though the two guys were novices to the K1 Rules game in their own rights. The names behind these two fighters certainly meant a high quality -67kg youth fight was to ensue.

Cris has studied both fighters and actually seen both these guys train on one of his seminars and commented "Mc Mullen looked cleaner, he didn't rush in, which is what I fully expected. Morgan threw single shots in the first and tended to drop his head in the clinch, but after coaching inbetween round one and two he kept his head up and put combinations together which I thought brought the fight to an even point. Round three was a fantastic finish to the fight and both lads threw everything they had. With minor errors corrected it was going to be close, but Joe just got there first a few times." Janson-Piers' assessment of the fight was perfect and was echoed by a 29-30 decision in favour of Joe Mc Mullen and new WMKF British Champion.


Leif Taggart had to resign himself to coach for the day as his category wasn't contended, however we are sure that Joe Mc Mullens win made the journey more than worth the while!

Then we saw the return of Ben Fahey to the ring who was to fight Jake Slater from TKA in the -60kg final. This again had the recipe to be a title fight on its own merit. The guys went head to head under full contact rules for three two minute rounds and as expected it was close. Fahey was certainly the stronger fighter with more aggression whilst Slater was smooth and slick. but which would impress the judges who were looking for good clean scoring technique. Round three produced the answer and it was Fahey who was to be crowned British Champion.

Eight year old Dani Wheatley competed in her first ever Light Contact fight in a ring. The nerves were there, but so was the desire to never give up, against a bigger and more experienced opponent. Dani came out of the fight with a silver medal for her efforts!

Out of the ring and onto the mats next. We saw a few fighters making their first ever competition appearances.

First in action in semi contact, was Tamsin Baker, aged 15. Tamsin fought in the U16 Advanced girls category. It is two years since Tamsin last fought when she was placed second in the WKA British Championships. She was determined to go one better at the NEC. 
She came out cautiously in the semi final and went behind early on. This young fighter kept her calm and went ahead before being caught in the last few seconds to be forced into extra time. This set the alarm bells ringing, and Tamsin came out with all guns blazing and immediately landed a head kick for two points. This was followed by some nice movement to see her through to the final.
Here you could see she was ready to go the extra mile. There was no way her opponent in the final was going to stop her from reaching her goal. Tamsin set off at full speed to take a commanding lead early and followed this with more competent scoring to become WMKF British Champion by a comfortable margin. The first of the Falcons in action in Semi Contact took the title of British Champion. Well done and well deserved!  


Loren Taylor was soon in action in semi contact in the U16 advanced girls category. This was Loren's first ever competition and nerves were a big issue for this youngster. They needn't have been, as she comfortably made the final. She listened to her coach Kerry Louise and gave 100%. Loren gave a great performance to achieve a silver medal.

Next, we saw the big girls come out to play! Beth Revill and Rose Baker, were the more mature combatants in the semi contact fighting arena. More mature, being 16 and 17 respectively.

Beth brought a massive determination and very long legs to the party. She made great use of her assets and never took a backwards step
in her quest for victory. Unfortunately she came across a very well known fighter who has been around for a number of years, and knows how to fight, to get the points needed for victory. Beth should be very proud of her attitude and efforts. The wins are sure to follow very soon!

Rose Baker - Tamsin's older sister- came back to the competition arena after a massive four years away from the sport, mainly due to injuries requiring operations to her hand. Rose has been training hard for her return to action, with her coaches Kerry Louise Norbury and Cris Janson Piers. The decision to return at the British Championships, was a brave one. But one which was not taken lightly. Rose came up against an experienced and talented opponent, who went on to win the Title, defeating all in her path.

This wasn't the end for Rose on this day. 
Rose is 17 years old and next went to fight in the Light Continuous Ladies Category. This was Rose's first attempt in this style of kickboxing. In her semi final fight she came across a very willing opponent who wasn't afraid to get stuck in. Rose fought fire with fire and made it through to the final, where she came up against a much taller competitor. Her opponent took control early and pushed for an early victory. Rose wasn't going to let that happen as she was obviously enjoying herself too much! She fought back hard with a couple of excellent head kicks, and was only just pipped to the title by one point! A great effort for her first time in the ring. Well done.

Another one of the younger fighters in semi contact, was Tamsin Baker, Rose's younger sister aged 15. Tamsin fought in the U16 Advanced girls category. It is two years since Tamsin last fought when she was placed second in the WKA British Championships. She was determined to go one better at the NEC. She came out cautiously in the semi final and went behind early on. This young fighter kept her calm and went ahead before being caught in the last few seconds and be forced into extra time. This set alarm bells ringing, and Tamsin came out all guns blazing and immediately landed a head kick for two points. This was followed by some nice movement to see her through to the final.
Here you could see she was ready. There was no way her new opponent was going to stop her from reaching her goal. Tamsin set off at full speed to take a commanding lead early and followed this with more competent scoring to become WMKF British Champion by a comfortable margin. Well done and well deserved!  

Cris Janson Piers of the Falcon Fight Academy and BFKKO/WFKKO President commented "All the Ringsports sections were of a high standard, with some solid performances. We also have a strong team of Semi Contact fighters coming through at the moment. Each of these did me proud too. As we always say here TEAM and as the GB teams say One Team, One Fighting Spirit! Well done to every single competitor today."

Cris went on to say "This just proves that the majority of these competitors have justified their selections to represent GB at the WOMAA World Games in August."

Monday 14 May 2012

Dan Grade Success

Congratulations to Derby Martial Arts BFKKO Instructor Ryan Lawson on attaining his 3rd Dan blackbelt yesterday after a 4 hour grueler!!

Graded by Master Cris Janson-Piers and Master Kerry-Louise in a private grading along with Jordan Waring, Luke Farmer and Kerry-Louise herself. Ryan had to demonstrate his skills to the highest standard.
Waring and Farmer are to grade out in Lanzarote in a temperature of up to 40 degree's in 2 weeks time.

Ryan who recently demonstrated his system in Derby, his hometown,  to the Mayor of Derby and Cris 2 weeks ago certainly proved he, himself certainly knows how to deliver!!


Congratulations.

Monday 7 May 2012

Ladies Day "The Gathering"

The Falcon Fight Academy at Dinnington recently played host to some of the best female fighters in the world. 


The BFKKO President, Cris Janson-Piers held an intense fighting seminar at the Falcon Academy on Saturday, May 5. 


The seminar was craftily named "The Gathering" as it was quite literally that. A gathering of some of the best female martial artists in the world. 


There was a range of abilities in attendance, from novices and junior champions through to the impressive multi time World Champions. They were there for an afternoon of intense tuition and competition. Each and every one of them gave everything. This was 'only' training. But, it was one hell of a session. 


It began with some fitness work with the Multi World Champion Kerry Louise, from the Falcon Fight Academy. Once this introduction was over, Cris took control and put the girls and ladies through their paces, until they were virtually all out on their feet. 


As if that wasn't enough, he then put them through an extra half an hour of sparring. Novices and Champions together, everyone stepped up to the plate and gave 100%! Each of them left the gym almost falling asleep as the walked away. 


It is without doubt, a true mark of respect for the teachings of CJP that the seminar was attended by students from; Sheffield, Rotherham, Grimsby, Nottingham, London, Middlesborough and even one from Jersey! All searching out the best training available. 


Cris commented: "I hope they took as much away from the session as I enjoyed taking it. The senior level fighters served to inspire the youngsters as they showed professionalism and control when they sparred with the champions of the future. Thanks to all the instructors who put their faith in us as an organisation in arranging these sessions." 


One of the attendees, Rose paused for breath to say: "It was interesting with it only being females. This session will help me to prepare for my upcoming fights at the WOMAA World Games in August. Hopefully that will just be the icing on the cake." 


Monika Markowska who flew in from Jersey, also commented: "Another awesome training session." 


A number of the students have already asked when the next session will be! 


Cris is pictured on the right, with the ladies from the seminar.