Post by Arnie on Jun 20, 2015 18:27:21 GMT
Yesterday, Eddie pounded us with reassurance and basic yet very useful techniques. He knew we were nervous to what was to come. We drilled the blitz, shuffle kicks and defences anyone would use to take control of the mats. "Keep it basic." he told us, and we knew he was right.
The day quickly came around, and by the time we knew it - it was 10am at Roadstone Sports and Community Centre. Everyone was anxious as the centre started to populate. Eventually all our members have arrived and formulated the team. We'd also like to thank Shelly, Kayleigh and Rachel for coming down to support us.
Lucus from the kids was first to fight. Quickly did we learn that his opponents love using hands. Through the shouts and screams telling him to move around and kick more (since an obvious opening from his opponents was spotted) - Lucus has racked up the scores. Unfortunately no head contact was allowed, so the fights were limited to body shots only, which made it more difficult to land shots. As deserved, he finished 1st place.
Nathan and Alan fought at the same time. While Al rolled around and preformed delicate submissions, Nathan was battling it out on the mats. Nathan preformed really well, although his opponent has kept the pressure high and his toes light. Cornered and restricted to body shots only, Nathan had a very close fight. He tried his best, and 3rd place only proves that. Alan has won first place twice in Jiu Jitsu and Grappling, and even attempted the Grand Master black belt section - earning him a really nice trophy to drink from!
Due to their ages, Richard, Kevin, Jack and Marcus fought in the same category. From a glance, you can tell this was to be interesting. Although the judges mixed up the mat areas, the gang missed their fight... but the judges have agreed to start a new category for the lads since it was the judges at fault. The four battled it out, and we've seen a lot of the basics landing. Side kicks being followed by blitz was among the favourites. Jake finished 1st, Kevin finished 2nd and Marcus and Richard tied at first place.
No surprise my fight came next, with time flying by so fast. Slow deep breaths, and a determined mindset have surely helped cool down the nerves. Combinations were pre-planned, and my overall attitude set. Throughout the three fights - my movement was loose yet sharp, and kicks were carefully placed. I've noticed that my opponents have adopted a weird continuous guard (for some odd reason), which made landing kicks much easier when they charged in for the bait. Judges were happy to see a clean fight.
Daniel and Owen were next to fight. Both have never competed before, and Daniel has only been training for several months. Same again, the main focus was to land kicks when the opponent was making their move. Daniel hasn't failed to demonstrate this, with his opponents (yellow belts) running into him, desperate to score a point or two. He finished 1st place! Owen has revealed his pattern, in the pattern section. Every shot very crisp followed by a thump in the vocals. You can see he practised it thoroughly and wanted nothing less than a 1st place.
Ella came face to face with her opponents who are oblivious that she is a deadly kicker. Her techniques prepared, she was ready. Cheers roared as she began landing classic text-book blitzes and reverse punches. Forcing the opponent into retreat and panic with the shuffle kicks - it's no surprise she won all her fights flawlessly.
Eventually, the last fights came around. After waiting over an hour of delays, Caroline has stepped onto the mats. Observing all day, she knew what combinations were the winning ones. She was the only coloured belt in her category, so black belts lined up as opponents. Quite a terrifying sight, yet she was determined and backed up with our support. We were all cheering, despite ploughing through a tiresome day of fights. Long range punches and kicks connected excellently as scores began racking up. Her movement have surpassed mere attempts from her opponents to corner her. Winning 1st place, we were all happy - the day was over.
In total, 14 medals were racked up by the crew. Nerves and fear aside, everyone has placed their best efforts and gained experience.
Roll on Best of the Best September
.
The day quickly came around, and by the time we knew it - it was 10am at Roadstone Sports and Community Centre. Everyone was anxious as the centre started to populate. Eventually all our members have arrived and formulated the team. We'd also like to thank Shelly, Kayleigh and Rachel for coming down to support us.
Lucus from the kids was first to fight. Quickly did we learn that his opponents love using hands. Through the shouts and screams telling him to move around and kick more (since an obvious opening from his opponents was spotted) - Lucus has racked up the scores. Unfortunately no head contact was allowed, so the fights were limited to body shots only, which made it more difficult to land shots. As deserved, he finished 1st place.
Nathan and Alan fought at the same time. While Al rolled around and preformed delicate submissions, Nathan was battling it out on the mats. Nathan preformed really well, although his opponent has kept the pressure high and his toes light. Cornered and restricted to body shots only, Nathan had a very close fight. He tried his best, and 3rd place only proves that. Alan has won first place twice in Jiu Jitsu and Grappling, and even attempted the Grand Master black belt section - earning him a really nice trophy to drink from!
Due to their ages, Richard, Kevin, Jack and Marcus fought in the same category. From a glance, you can tell this was to be interesting. Although the judges mixed up the mat areas, the gang missed their fight... but the judges have agreed to start a new category for the lads since it was the judges at fault. The four battled it out, and we've seen a lot of the basics landing. Side kicks being followed by blitz was among the favourites. Jake finished 1st, Kevin finished 2nd and Marcus and Richard tied at first place.
No surprise my fight came next, with time flying by so fast. Slow deep breaths, and a determined mindset have surely helped cool down the nerves. Combinations were pre-planned, and my overall attitude set. Throughout the three fights - my movement was loose yet sharp, and kicks were carefully placed. I've noticed that my opponents have adopted a weird continuous guard (for some odd reason), which made landing kicks much easier when they charged in for the bait. Judges were happy to see a clean fight.
Daniel and Owen were next to fight. Both have never competed before, and Daniel has only been training for several months. Same again, the main focus was to land kicks when the opponent was making their move. Daniel hasn't failed to demonstrate this, with his opponents (yellow belts) running into him, desperate to score a point or two. He finished 1st place! Owen has revealed his pattern, in the pattern section. Every shot very crisp followed by a thump in the vocals. You can see he practised it thoroughly and wanted nothing less than a 1st place.
Ella came face to face with her opponents who are oblivious that she is a deadly kicker. Her techniques prepared, she was ready. Cheers roared as she began landing classic text-book blitzes and reverse punches. Forcing the opponent into retreat and panic with the shuffle kicks - it's no surprise she won all her fights flawlessly.
Eventually, the last fights came around. After waiting over an hour of delays, Caroline has stepped onto the mats. Observing all day, she knew what combinations were the winning ones. She was the only coloured belt in her category, so black belts lined up as opponents. Quite a terrifying sight, yet she was determined and backed up with our support. We were all cheering, despite ploughing through a tiresome day of fights. Long range punches and kicks connected excellently as scores began racking up. Her movement have surpassed mere attempts from her opponents to corner her. Winning 1st place, we were all happy - the day was over.
In total, 14 medals were racked up by the crew. Nerves and fear aside, everyone has placed their best efforts and gained experience.
Roll on Best of the Best September
. 
