Hi

I recently did my 1st tournament, which was billed as a semi contact tournament.

I was shocked at the level of contact which was allowed and the tactics employed by some of the clubs.

Is it normal for semi contact to really mean full contact but with protective gear on?

There was a fair bit of following through punces with an elbow and I'm sure that some of the instructors were getting their fighters to dig in kicks to the same area (and incur warnings) leading to their opponent protecting the repeatedly hit area and leaving other targets open to be exploited!

Personally I couldn't see much art in the martial arts being used!

I wouldn't say it put me off doing future tournamnets but I'd have prepare diferently if I'd known what it was going to be like.

BTW I got silver in the points sparring but was out in the 1st round of continuous.

Cheers
Nic

Hello Nic,

First of all good work on the silver... :)

Where was the competition held out of interest? And what organisation are you with?

With regards the 'dirty tactics' as it were your always going to get a bit of that. You only have to look at the Calz v Hopkins fight to see how Hopkins used every trick in the book (from taking rests to head butts!) In my opinion you either rise above it or take the game to them.

Fraid 'winning' is often about exploiting the rules.

Well it was an open tournament in the South West so not restricted to any one organisation, but arranged by a kickboxing club.

I take the view that I will give an opponent the respect for their health and well being they are due. I.e. I'll use proper control if my opponent does but if you try and mash me up!!!!!

It was very good experience but some of my team mates left with cuts and bruises they felt they hadn't signed up for. Our instructor has commented that he felt that alot of the clubs taking part were trophey hunters.

Cheers
Nic

haha I was once mugged in a Kickboxing competition.....

I arrived wearing my world champs dobok, 10 oz boxing gloves (id never used in my life) to learn that it was also open weight...





Got humilated, and I can still remember the gasps as I got shin kicked on the chin by a 90kg chinese lad that just wanted to hurt me. haha, all life experience though.

check out www.Combat32.co.uk... the majority of these fighters are from the semi scene but this contest allows them to use full contact techniques, take alook at the trailor, some top talent on display. Cheers

Danny

excellent work on your silver, some of us get booted all round and only get bruises, bottom line is that at the moment its about fighting. When you watch the dedicated black belt and onwards you see the art emerging, still kick with the power of a donkey but a lot more prescisley. Dont be put off, grit your teeth and use comp sparring to enhance your speed and skills, good luck in your next comp