Issue 1 vol 1 March 2000
Six lads enter national competition and win Bronze at first attempt!
The lads, John Dykes, Shane Smith, Tommy Smith, Ben Fulbrook, Matt Roots and Chris Cody, entered a national Sports Jujitsu competition in Dewsbury West Yorkshire.

Considering that some of the competitors had obviously fought in this type of arena before our lads didn't do bad!

"I'm very proud of them," said Sensei Bob Cowan. "They didn't have long to train but when they did they worked hard."

For the record here's a brief appraisal on how they got on.

John Dykes, outclassed by the kick boxing ability of his opponent, had to rely on his Jujitsu skills in his fight, managing to execute a spectacular stomach throw and clever twisting leg grab. He was unlucky to be fighting the tournament winner in the first round but managed to impress the referees and his supporters.

Next up was Matt Roots. This match saw both competitors landing some accurate punches and kicks. It was like watching a game of chess on roller skates as these two chased each other around the mat! There was little to choose between them but, in the end, Matt was just edged out.

Chris Cody looked nervous before his bout but the tension quickly disapeared once he got on the mat. Again there was little to choose between them with both fighters using every inch of the mat available. Another closely fought contest which could have gone either way.

Chris has recently moved to Ireland, which is a shame, because I know he'd love another crack at Sports Jujitsu. Stay in touch Chris and stay off the Guiness!

Shane Smith is a tall, quiet spoken, wispy lad. He doesn't look strong and, to be honest, you'd expect him to topple over in a strong wind - boy you'd be wrong! Shane blew his opponent apart with some deft footwork and superb throws.
He didn't even look ruffled! Shane eventually lost in the semi final winning himself a bronze. There's a lesson to be learnt here: "never judge a fighter by the way he fills his gi!'

Everyone had high hopes for Ben Fulbrook, the club's wolverine - you know the north american rodent about the size of a badger that can tear an alsation's head off!

It's just a shame that Ben was matched against another battler in the first round. This bout, one of the closest of the day, was worthy of at least a semi final place. It took two extra 30 second rounds to decide the winner with Ben just being pipped. Ben's opponent went on to reach the semi final, so it just goes to show how unlucky Ben was - still there's always the next competition aye Ben?

Last to fight was Tommy Smith what can you say about Tommy? What he lacks in skill he more than makes up for in enthusiasm, physical presence and determination. He had to wait a long time for his fight so by the time he stepped onto the mat he was firing on all cylinders and it showed in his victory. Tommy's next fight was against an opponent who could kick but had little defense against Tommy's grappling technique and the bout ended in a draw. Another thirty seconds and another draw! Tommy's enthusiasm got the better of him in the remaining thirty seconds and he was felled - so close, so very close.

So, that's it! Not bad for a first time. It takes guts to do what these boys did and they should all feel proud. Anyone wishing to enter the next event should let Sensei Bob Cowan know. And how about a few girl for the next event?

 

Enter the Ginger Ninja!
Everybody's favourite red head, Mick 'smiley' Hanson, became the first adult to represent the club in a recent Kick Jitsu event at Dewsbury - the same venue visited by our juniors a few weeks ago.

Mick was given ample opportunity to view many of the fighters on display before his bout and it quickly became obvious that some of the fighters were out and out grapplers, while others prefered to duke it out with some good old fashioned kick boxing. The guys that won most of the medals could do both.

Now Mick's the first to admit that coming from a Muay Thai background he's a 'stand on your feet' punch and kick kind of fighter and it showed. Some fine combination punching and the points began to mount but the best was yet to come. Not one, but two superbly executed hip throws - text book stuff only better! The spectators leaped to their feet in appreciation and I nearly dropped the camcorder!

Mick's opponent, a stocky, strong looking lad was in big trouble. He'd tried grappling Mick to the floor several times and failed, he tried punching him and was blocked and those two throws must have hurt him physically as well as mentally - the first round was Mick's by a mile.

There was no way Mick's oponent was going to claw back the deficit through punching and kicking, he just wasn't good enough.The only option left for him in the last round was to risk everything on a submission hold - and guess what? Just one minor mistake and the guy was in. Down they went on the floor and Mick was clamped and throttled by a scissors naked choke hold - I hate to admit it, but it was a brilliant move. Mick was gutted, but still managed to smile - must be all that createen!

Next time Mick's promised he'll do better. I hope so, do you know how annoying it is to have to get up early and travel 165 miles to watch someone lose his first fight? Mind you, it was worth the trip just to see those two devastating hip throws. Ask him nicely next time you're training and I'm sure he'd be happy to demonstrate them for you - any volunteers?

Next event: adults back to back grappling in April - watch this space.