Thank you for your support and understanding.

It’s always been an in-house event with two teams (red vs blue) sparring for the Wicker Camp Team Sparring Championship Cup (it’s a proper really big silver one). The two teams are coached by a team captain and bouts are judged by Mick, the contact is light technical sparring. Competitors are matched fairly and given their own special ‘ fight ‘ name.

This Team Sparring event on Sunday 5th February is for Trix’s charity ‘ The British Heart Foundation ‘. The entry fee is £5 and any graded student can enter, we want seniors and juniors and we encourage all students taking part to try and raise some sponsorship for the BHF, sponsorship forms are available from reception.

Have a chat with Mick or Trix and put your name down on the list on reception, teams and matches will be published the week before the event.

Our women only class takes place every Sunday 5 – 6:30pm. The gym is totally closed to men at this time to allow women and girls (from 12yrs) to train in a completely all female environment.

Trix March, co-owner of the gym and ex- World, European, Commonwealth and British champion instructs this class. With over 20 years experience she’s designed it for any woman who wants to get fit, lose weight, gain self confidence and learn a practical martial art which can be used for self defence.

The classes are progressive so you DON ‘ T have to be fit to start, you will have the most fun you’ve ever had training. You don’t need to book in or join you can just pay as you train of pay for a single month.

Interested? then call Trix on 07743596420.

Jamie was really nervous on the night, his fight was the main event and we knew Anthony, who looked the stronger of the two had good boxing skills. Jamie started off very well using his footwork to keep away from his opponents big punches and scored well with his long knee and low kicks. Anthony landed a few good kicks and scored well with punches but Jamie tied him up in the clinch immediately landing some excellent wing knees to Anthonys body and was winning in the clinch. The fight was close in the early rounds but we felt Jamie won the first 2 rounds but by the 3rd started to look tired. Anthony’s boxing remained sharp throughout the fight and he started to land some solid punches in the 3rd and 4th round and Jamie looked in trouble a few times but he kept moving and tying Anthony up in the clinch and managed to survive to the last round. He was really tired going into the final round but he needed a strong round and he gave everything. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough and the final decision was a points win for Anthony. This was a great fight to watch with both fighters showing good skill and Anthony remarked after that it was his toughest fight to date, a real compliment to Jamie.

Get back into training after Xmas with these great special offers. Membership includes access to instructional classes, bagwork classes and use of weights room. Sign up before Xmas and receive a £5 gift voucher.

2 months training for £60 (includes full insurance) Valid only for 3rd January to 29th February 2012

3 months training for £75 (includes full insurance) Valid only for 3rd January to 31st March 2012

The venue was a big stadium and the show had 34 bouts with Thomas’ fight being top of the bill. It was sanctioned by IFMA (Thailand) and the Greek Federation.

James Ogden vs Andrealus Nikolaus

James, who has had 11 fights and usually fights at 76/77kg was matched with a local Greek fighter who fights at 82kg and has had 30+ fights and is known for his big punches and knockouts.

James started off well landing strong leg kicks and using his ringcraft well to avoid the big punches. Towards the end of the 1st round the Greek landed a solid right hand that rocked James a little but he cleverly tied the Greek up in the clinch and got back into the fight. The 2nd and 3rd rounds were pretty much the same with James starting to use his long knee more and some of the leg kicks were visibly hurting the Greek who was prepared to exchange the kicks and knees to land his big punch. By the 4th and 5th rounds James had taken a few big punches but managed to stay out of trouble and was scoring with his leg kick and long knee on a regular basis. James looked the better fighter using a wider range of Muay Thai skills; the Greek was obviously heavier and stronger than James and relied on his boxing skills constantly looking for the big knockout. The judges scored the punches higher than the kicks and knees and the decision went to the Greek fighter.

James’ performance was excellent and gained much respect from the Greek crowd and his opponent who personally came into the changing room after to pay him respect explaining it was one of the toughest fights he’d had.

Thomas McCormick vs Seangagatit ‘Boo’ Sasiprapa

This was a great opportunity for Thomas who has only had 25 fights against Boo who has had over 200 fights.

The 1st round was very Thai style with both fighters settling into the round slowly. Thomas had the higher work rate scoring with more kicks and catching Boo’s kick and taking him down towards the end of the round. In the 2nd round Boo stepped up the pace coming forward constantly looking to stop the fight early. He landed some strong body kicks and tried scoring with the elbow but Thomas’ footwork was too fast and he managed to slip away each time; a few times Thomas countered with a strong right hand to Boos face but towards the end of the round he looked a bit tired and all the moving around took its toll on his stamina.  In the third and fourth rounds Boo took advantage of that scoring with his knees and kicks and he used more clinch work which took its toll on Thomas’ stamina even more, Thomas landed a few good punches cutting Boo on the cheek in the 4th round and scored with some elbows but Boo’s experience paid off finding his way into the clinch and scoring well with his knees and taking Thomas to the floor a few times falling on top of him. In the last round both fighters looked tired but Boo’s experience saw him through and the final decision went to Boo on points.

Thomas performed fantastic given the short notice he had and it was his fitness in the end that lost him the fight and Boos vast experience that won it for him. Thomas also gained the respect of the crowd and Boo was very impressed with Thomas’ style and speed and said he had a great future ahead of him, a real compliment coming from such a great Thai fighter with so much experience.

We would like to thank Mario and Georgia for inviting us to fight on their promotion, their hospitality was excellent and we were looked after very well. All the fighters were very friendly and we made some good contacts from Italy and Corfu for the future. Boo was as humble as ever, he is such a nice guy.

Finally, a big big hug for Thomas and James from me, we had a great time and they made me very proud to be in their corner. Trix

Kristian Bainbridge vs Scott Court (Thaitans)

This was Kristians 2nd fight and gave a little experience away to Scott and he was nervous about being the first fight on. He came out for the first round very fast and strong burning a lot of nervous energy but catching Scott with strong punches and knees. The referee warned Scott for rolling his head too low but he kept trying to pull out away from Kristian who seemed to be in 5th gear constantly! Towards the end of the 1st round Kristian clinched Scott and threw a knee to the body but Scott once again rolled low and the knee caught Scott full in the face breaking his nose. The referee stopped the contest and the judges gave the decision to Kristian by TKO however as it was the first round the decision should have been a no contest.

Gavin Duce vs Nasser Soud Al Farhan (Martin Carter)

This was Gavins and Nassers first fight and Gavin felt very confident and not too nervous during the days running up to the show; on the day however at the venue he was feeling very nervous and this definitely affected his performance. His opponent was smaller and more muscular and started the first round very fast and Gavin didn’t really get started and got caught with several strong punches in the 1st round. His 2nd round was much better and he seemed to settle into the fight more using his footwork and knees in the clinch. After an exchange of  knees Gavin pushed his opponent back into the corner and threw a well timed left head kick which knocked his opponent down to the floor, the referee stopped the contest and Gavin won by TKO in 2nd round.

Michal Woroniak vs Man (Reaper Gym)

This was Michals 2nd fight and he was understandably nervous. His brother had come over from Poland to watch so he was eager to do well. Michal was very strong in his first fight and relied too much on that raw strength so we were hoping he would relax more in this fight and try to control the fight better. The first round went very well with Michal using his footwork very well and he moved around the ring to control the fight. He started to land some strong leg kicks and punches and won the first round. He stayed with the game plan taking his time and scoring when he could and moved around the ring, both fighters scored well but it was Michals leg kicks that started to take their toll by the 3rd round with Man taking an 8 count and struggling to stand and fight on two legs. We thought he wouldn’t come out for the 4th but he did to our surprise and with our respect kept trying to fight until he could no longer stand!! Michal won by TKO 4th round.

Danny Jordan vs Steve Allen (K-Star)

Danny is a good strong technical fighter and did very well in his first fight. He gave a little weight and experience away for this fight  but we were confident he would cope with that. Out of all our fighters on the night Danny was the most nervous and the size of the venue and the fact that his opponent was a local lad made it worse. He was very tired in the warm-up which shows that lots of nervous energy has already been burnt. The fight was well matched and both fighters used good technique and defence throughout but Danny was very tired from the outset and just couldn’t do what he wanted to do although he scored with punches and kicks Steve had more energy and just outscored him throughout the fight. A hard fought fight for Danny who lost on points.

Dave Childs vs Oleg (8 Limbs)

This was Daves 2nd fight and he was looking forward to it. Dave is very strong and has a strong fighting spirit. The fight was well matched with both fighters exchanging good combinations but Oleg used his legs and knees a bit more than Dave. Dave landed some strong punches and looked dangerous with his hands but Oleg covered up well and exchanged for solid kicks to Daves body and legs. By the 3rd round Dave started to use his legs more and they were starting to be affective but he kept getting drawn back to relying on his big punches. Oleg used more techniques and out pointed Dave in the ned. A good fight which the audience enjoyed and the final decision was to Oleg on points.

Ben Watts vs Jamie McIlroy (Murithai Fitness)

This was Bens 1st fight and he was suitably nervous for such a big venue for his debut. It was a well matched fight with both fighters weighing in within a kilo of each other. The first rounds saw both fighters testing the ground being cautious of each other. Ben favouring his hands over his kicks he landed a big left cross and knocked Jamie to the canvas in the 2nd round, this gave Ben the confidence to push forward but Jamie came back with some strong leg kicks. Bens footwork and use of the ring was very good and he landed some strong knees in the clinch but he struggled to get his kicks working with his hands. Jamie’s work rate was overall greater in the end and Ben lost on points.

Lewis Lazenby vs Gurtak Swali (Reaper Gym)

Lewis took this fight at 5 days notice after resting from his win at the Octagon centre on the 6th November. He gave aliitle weight away and some experience away to gurak who has been training a long time but in fairness not fought for 2 years. Lewis was definitely the under dog in this fight and Gurtak under estimated what Lewis was capable of. The first round went to Gurtak who landed some strong punches and kicks as Lewis was nervous and gave Gurtak too mush respect. Aftera  talking to from Mick in the corner Lewis came out stronger and took the fight to Gurtak launching fast explosive punching combinations followed by strong kicks to the legs and body. The following rounds were great Muay Thai to watch with both fighters exchanging kicks and punches, we felt that Lewis was definitely the aggressor with Gurtak bleeding from the mouth and looking like he was in trouble a few times. By the 5th round the fight could have gone either way although we felt that Lewis was one round up. He came out fighting hard and fast in the 5th round and bloodied Gurtaks nose and again Gurtak looked like he was back pedalling although he exchanged with Lewis landing strong kicks of his own to Lewis’ body. We were sure Lewis had the fight won but the judges decision was to red corner Gurtak Swali. A disappointing result but we were more than happy with Lewis’ performance.

Jaz Meates vs Matt McKeown (Reaper Gym)

Jaz is a promising young hopeful who is a technical fighter and has a great future ahead of him it was Jaz’s 4th fight and at 17 years old gave some experience away to an older fighter. He was nervous about this fight and rightly so as his opponent was a mature strong lookng man. He started off well using his footwork and the space in the ring to score and move keeping the fight at long range. He used his punches and kicks well in combinations but when Matt exchanged he did have the stronger technique. Jaz needed to keep this fight at arms length and continue to score and move hopefully trying to out point him to the end. Matt’s tactics paid off closing Jaz down and clinching at every opportunity he was much busier in the clinch and out scored Jaz every time who seemed to struggle to get his knnes working.  Jaz kept moving and working trying to score with his long kicks and punches but Matt just had the upper edge being the stronger fighter in the end and winning the fight on his knees. Matt won on points.

Thank you to Pete McCormick in the corner and Bear and Mehdi for their help in the changing room and to the supporters who came to watch. Thanks also to Steve Logan for putting so many of our fighters on his show and being able to keep the matches, it has been greatly appreciated.

Once again well done to all our fighters who have shown determination and committment in their preparation and great courage getting in the ring. Until next time!!

Mick and Trix

Dan Ward’s opponent pulled out 2 days prior to the show and Hussain found a replacement at the last minute. His opponent was a novice in Thai Boxing but it was obvious from his performance he had boxed before. Initially it was a tough fight for Dan, Obaid used the ring and his boxing skills very well in the first round. It took Dan the first round to settle in and find his range with his kicks and knees. Once Dan found his feet he used his Thai Boxing skills very well scoring with kicks and knees. Obaid’s boxing was better but against an opponent with better kicks and knees he eventually was beaten. Many thanks to him for taking this fight at short notice. Dan Ward won on points.

Jaz Meates vs Dan Brannon

Jaz was originally supposed to be fighting for a title on this show but his opponent was unavailable to fight. He was rematched but not for a title. Jaz came out very strong in the first round looking very confident and with a solid Thai style. Dan was older and looked stronger but didnt really get started. Jaz started landing solid leg kicks and head kicks which put Dan on the back foot and he took an 8 count. Eventually Jaz stopped him with a well timed head kick. Jaz Meates won TKO.

Lewis Lazenby vs Liam Owen

This was Lewis’s 3 fight and his first 2 fights were very tough and unfair so we were determined he had a fair match this time. Lewis looked composed and in control from the very beginning using his ringcraft and footwork very well. This seemed to faze Liam who wasn’t sure how to pin Lewis down. Lewis scored constantly with a strong left leg kick and landed his solid left cross a few times. Liam stayed in the fight but could not not push Lewis back who used hit and move tactics to his advantage. This was definitely Lewis’s best performance and showed he is a champion in the making, but credit to Liam who went the distance and would not be deterred. Lewis won on points.

Darren Castledine vs Derek O’Flynn

This was Darrens come back fight after 10 years out of the ring! His preparation went well and he was ready to give his all. Many old students came to watch him which made it the event of the night for Wicker Camp and his entrance into the ring was welcomed by a packed standing crowd. Derek had a game plan and knew that 10 after years Darren would probably prefer to start slow and ease into the fight. He came out all guns blazing and caught Darren with a strong left cross who backed up into the corner to weather the early storm. Derek continued to pressure Darren who replied with a solid right knee to Dereks body but unfazed he cornered Darren again and launched a series of punches and knees, Darren not wanting to get caught again so early in the 1st round tried rolling and slipping the punches but unfortunately rolled too low onto a knee and sustained a big cut to his forehead. The doctor stopped the fight immediately and after 40 seconds in the 1st roud the fight was over. This was very frustrating for Darren and all of us as he never got started. Credit to Derek whose strategy paid off. Derek won TKO.

Helene Garnett vs Anallissa Bucci

This was a well matched fight and Anallissa has a reputation of being a tough girl. Helene was feeling a little under the weather on the day experiencing flu like symptoms but she was determined to fight. The fight was extremely exciting and both girls gave everything they had. Helene was in control throughout the fight and definitely had the stronger technique landing solid kicks and punches. Anallissa fought back well but was unable to trouble Helene who won the fight on points.

Well done to all our fighters on the night and for all the hard work and dedication they put in preparing for the show. Many thanks to our seconds Pete McCormick and James Burke and to Mark Poole who helped downstairs preparing fighters. Finally a BIG thank you to all our loyal students and supporters who came to support the event.