2008 was a testing year for Combat32, which saw its second annual event hosted at the magnificent Disneyland Resort Park, Paris as part of the European Festival of Martial Arts (EFMA). A year in the planning saw a fruitful partnership develop with the EFMA team and the success of both the festival and Combat32 was a testament to the dedication and commitment shown by both parties.
It was always going to be a hard sell especially in this tough economic climate but as they say ‘the show must go on’ and what a show it turned out to be.
Travel Day 26.09.08
It was a crisp autumn morning that welcomed the athletes at the first GB team pickup point on the M6, Manchester. With a team of 16 from across the UK all fighters prepared themselves for what was set to be a long coach journey ahead. After one or two delays the coach arrived on time for the scheduled 14:00 ferry crossing from Dover to Calais.
One fight to saviour was that of Andy Cleeves and the ‘Ruff Neck’, Jamie Goulding. This was a real scrap with both fighters letting loose with some heavy blows. - Danny Harrison
The team eventually arrived at their destination late in the evening eagerly awaiting to check-in to their accommodation to get some well deserved rest as the tournament was the next day. A quick check by the C32 promoters on the European team was all that was left to do that night. Confirmation by team coach Pat Lynch assured the promoters that all had arrived safe and sound.
Tournament Day 27.09.08
The EFMA junior tournament series ran throughout the day giving both teams a little R & R before the show that was scheduled to commence 19:00 hours that evening. With a quick re-arrangement of the venue the scene was soon set for Combat32 SERIES II, the doors opened and the seats where soon filled.
The show started with an amazing demo by the incredibly talented Team Resurrection, headed by the ever polite Joe Hallett, who had the crowd out of their seats clapping and cheering.
Team Event
The teams then entered to a rapture of applause, with team GB being led out by Chris ‘Fly’ Williams. Pat Lynch won the toss giving team Europe control over the choice of opponent. Harold Schmidt from Germany was the man to step out first picking Nigel Harvey from team GB. The fight was fast paced from the outset with the ‘MesserSchmidt’ getting into his stride almost immediately, giving Nigel no time to settle. Harold took the bout quite convincingly.
Another fight that impressed was the match-up between Andy Cleeves and the Croatian, Zovanko Gribl. Andy, sticking to his game plan neutralised the superior kicking abilities of Gribl with take downs, sweeps and clean follow ups. Andy enjoyed the win booking his place in the second round.
Gareth Mostyn, who looked in great shape, was unlucky in his fight against Irelands Shane Lynch. After settling in the second round it was a case of too little too late from Gareth, however I am convinced he will be back.
Richard Belle did not fail to impress in his first round with a fine display of combat showing just why Mr TKD is the hottest asset on the Tae-Kwon-Do circuits.
Austrian Gunther Wenninger seemed to struggle against the ‘Predator’, Owen King, whom controlled the fight throughout, earning GB another win.
After some incredible bouts it was Chris Williams Team GB who conquered, earning Chris the well deserved ‘Team Champions’ award….Congratulations.
2nd Round
The action continued to come thick and fast in the following rounds with Robbie Hughes surprisingly choosing to be matched against one of the favourites Harold Schmidt in the early stage of the competition. His boldness was not rewarded as Harold’s kicking skills carried him through to victory after an incredibly brave display by the young ‘Lion Heart’.
One fight to saviour was that of Andy Cleeves and the ‘Ruff Neck’, Jamie Goulding. This was a real scrap with both fighters letting loose with some heavy blows. After receiving an accidental knee to the head Jamie grappled through catching Andy with a devastating hand strike splitting Andy’s forehead and scoring the Ruff Neck a TKO.
Jacey Cashman had to endure a gruelling fight against Lee ‘Hammer’ Matthews whom I might add lived up to his name. He caught Jacey with some big hits but power alone was not enough for the ‘Hammer’ as ‘2fast4u’ was indeed for Lee on this occasion.
Semi Finals
As at SERIES I, SERIES II claimed it’s victims as the sheer intensity of the tournament took it’s toll on the competitors. One of these victims was the talented Carl Swaby, whom after doing incredibly well withdrew from the semi final with concussion, gifting Harold Schmidt a free ticket into the final.
The second semi final was not as clear cut as ‘2fast4u’ did battle with the ‘Ruff Neck’. Both fighters put on an amazing display of speed and pure technique a shining example of the aesthetic abilities of the modern day martial arts combatant. Point for point, the fight continued with Jacey the eventual victor in a closely matched contest.
Final
The final was now set, it was the German ‘MesserSchmidt’ against GB’s ‘2fast4u’, 2 x 3 minute rounds would decide C32 SERIES II Champion with the winner taking the title and the money.
The fight started with the ‘MesserSchmidt’ swooping down firing out his legs like bullets, peppering ‘2fast4u’ with multiple kicking combinations. Score after score, the ‘MesserSchmidt’ did not ease off the pressure, ‘2fast4u’ was clearly struggling to find an answer to this constant barrage of fire power. The second round could not come soon enough as Jacey desperately needed guidance from his corner.
Jacey seemed to have turned the corner in the second round as he started to get a foothold in the fight but it all seemed a little desperate. Harold continued to control, eventually winning the fight with points to spare.
So there we have it, Combat32 has a new champion. Series I champion ‘Venom’, who was unable to compete due to injury, wasted no time jumping on the mic challenging the ‘MesserSchmidt’ to defend his title at SERIES III.
SERIES III will see the tournament return to the UK where the ‘North Stars’ take on the ‘South Siders’ in what is being billed as the ‘Clash of Champions’. To participate register free of charge at www.Combat32.co.uk . The tournament is open to all styles with all registered fighters automatically receiving an invite to the squad sessions, if your good enough you will make the cut it’s that simple. While on the site feel free to check out the ‘2009 Top Ten’ fighter rankings to give you some background on the C32 fighting elite.
Special Thanks:
Referees: Robbie Hughes, Joe Tierney, Peter Markland, Richie Allan, Roy Baker
out first picking Nigel Harvey from team GB. The fight was fast paced from the outset with the ‘MesserSchmidt’ getting into his stride almost immediately, giving Nigel no time to settle. Harold took the bout quite convincingly.
display of speed and pure technique a shining example of the aesthetic abilities of the modern day martial arts combatant. Point for point, the fight continued with Jacey the eventual victor in a closely matched contest.
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