Back from a long and successful weekend at the Flanders open in Antwerp Belgium.

BKO took a team of 9 to this tournament which has the best of Europe competing and no beginner or intermediate categories.

Saturday was the Kids and open weight.

First up was Maggie who used her kicking power and follow up combinations to fight through several rounds reaching the evening finals.
Charlotte came up next and was looking strong in her section, but some unfortunate decisions lost her the fight this time. Charlotte then came into the u37kg category and blasted her way through with her movement and powerful kicks into the final.
Maggie then cam on again in the under 32kg category and once more proved dominant winning all her fights and reaching the final once again.

Robbie won his first fight and was unlucky not to reach the semi finals after a close fight when a kick was scored on him in the last seconds. He then moved up a section to the heavier weight and fought bravely pushing the bigger opponent but was unlucky not to proceed this time.

Rossi used his characteristic movement to avoid a very tough and hard hitting Russian. The fight was close and Rossi attempted a lovely blitz attack in the final seconds but eventually lost by a point.

George was up next in the Open weight against a large Italian. He was moving well and hit with his front hand against his opponents side kick, but the refs were scoring the kick and at the final bell George lost. One of those fights where it is hard to see what happened.

The finals took place at the evening show with lights, demos, presentations etc.
Maggie was up first in her 2 round final. Her opponent was clever and strong, but once again Maggie's strong and accurate kicks and her backfist won the day making her our first gold of the tournament.
Charlotte came up next and repeated Maggie's success. She was confidant and played a tactical game scoring with a wonderful side kick to the face to open the gap between her and her opponent. Gold for Charlotte.
Maggie then re appeared for the heavier final. Maggie pressed the fight all the way, but it was a difficult task against the bigger opponent. She chased her down at the end of the fight, but couldn't make up the points so a Silver for Maggie this time.

By the time the presentations were done it was 11.30 and we had been at the venue for over 14 hours! So it was back to the hotel and up early for the adults sections tomorrow.

The next day saw the adults sections.

Liz was up in the ladies points and had to meet the open weight champion from last night. Liz employed her movement around the mat and was attempting to pick her points. On one clash she unleashed her right cross and the Italian felt it hit her hard. Liz put up a great performance, but was unable to beat her experienced points opponent.

George came to form today fighting one of the best Italians in the under 74kg section. Points going either way and George just losing out in the final seconds.

In the U79kg section he hit his stride and cleared his first opponent, then dominated a very good German and cleared another one to reach the semi final

In the semis the points went either way and George was working the fight and looking dominant, but the refs were seeing other things and what should have been George clearly ahead at the bell was instead a draw. In extra time it was the same thing At the end of the round George pulled his opponent into a side kick and hit him with a backfist, but the kick was scoreds and left George with 3^rd.

The evening was Andy's turn to fight under the lights in the men's u74kg vets final.
Andy came out pumped and was in the mood to fight. His timing and striking was good, but a few mistakes left him chasing the fight. Andy stepped out twice unaware that an extra set of mats had been put around the area. His attacking reverse punch was scoring on his opponent all the time and his pulling and pressing was great but he could not make up for the earlier lost points. A well deserved silver.

The Flanders Open is one of the best, well run and smallest tournaments on the WAKO circuit. With top level fighters no crowds and good organisation. Plus we found “all you can eat ribs and curried Frogs legs!
We will be heading back next year.

The BKO kids club tournament took place last Saturday>
This is our first try at running a small club comp designed to give experience to kids that have not competed before and some mat time to those who have.

It was a round robin tournament under WAKO rules with 5 sections of mixed boys and girls  covering higher and lower grades.

There was a great atmosphere and many of the club's younger members turned up to compete. There was no prisoners taken as all tried their best to win a medal. Some great bouts were seen and also great team spirit. Certificates were handed out to 2nd and 3rd places and all participants.

The day was such a success that we are planning to run a series of four torunaments of this type throught next year and have a club league ranking system. Eventually we hope to make it an open local tournament for all comers.

Winners.

110cm. Josh.
-120cm Jasmine.
-130cm Katrina.
-140cm Robert.
-150cm Dan.
Higher Grades
-130cm Robbie.
-140cm Dan.
-150cm Joe.
+150cm Adam

BKO members  Belinda, Grim and Jenny took part in a sore 7 hour spinathon ride to raise money for the kids team. The ride was  at the local Tesco store and consisted of the team taking it in turns to keep the bike going. Belinda also helped out with other charities and so was constantly cycling throughout the day.

The BKO kids turned up to collect money, give out leaflets and key rings and generally be around

Thanks to everyones generosit and also Nicolles sponsorship trawl we raised £557 which will go towards paying entry fees for the kids team and any child that wishes to compete on the national circuit.

Well done all. A brillant effort.

Ron

Neil and George went to the Infinity south west tournament on Sunday.

Neil fought in the light con class. In his fight he showed some good movement and long range kicks and scored well, but needed more combinations to take the ffight. Neil eventually lost to the winner.

George was getting mat time for the upcoming World Championships and was very tired after his band's tour. He  won his under 80 section well. scoring strong points and dominating his opponents.
In the lighter weight class he was the victim of a couple of strange decisions after he hit his opponent with a back kick and several punches that weren't scored.

CIMAC 17th September 
Fighters on the day Robbie – Maggie – Rossi – Rory – Ken – Charlotte – Michelle – Nicole – Jamie and myself – hopefully not forgotten anyone, please correct me if I have 
All fighters did brilliantly, was a very long day as always and great team work and support from family, friends and our favourite photographer Steve Gridley - nearly left off our team camera man Richard Brown - who was running more than anyone making sure we had footage of all the fights - great efforts as always

Charlotte and Jamie had the misfortune of being on a matt where the refs had trouble seeing shots being scored on the right side of the matt. Both fighters did so very well and got very frustrated with points not being scored. Jamie was showing great improvement and even got his opponent with a head kick twice which was missed both times by the refs.

Robbie fought in the Advanced Semi contact under 12 boys 34kg – although did well didn’t get a placing, but continues to improve in his fighting. Robbie finished 5th overall
Maggie was under extra pressure in the Advance Semi under 30kg, as took the first in the last one which put her 2nd in the League, this time although she was sharper and using hands finished 5th.

Rossi went out with extra conviction in the Advanced Semi contact under 12 boys 34kg, winning his first bout and putting me on the edge of my seat (was told to sit down a few times) as he drew first of all and went to extra time, then drew again and it went to sudden death and Rossi finally got the last score in and we all went wild. He unfortunately didn’t win his next bout finishing 4th overall. Rossi also took part in Advanced 30kg finishing 5th place.

Mitch took a 1st place in the Intermediate +65kg Semi Contact category, it was a great moment and never seen Mitch smiled as much ever. Was a great result seeing as Mitch had a sprained ankle and many were trying to deter Mitch from fighting due to her injury. Mitch also decided to compete in the Semi Contact Advanced 65+ taking 4th.

Ken Advanced Men Semi Contact took on Mr Muscle man but unfortunately even though was leading at the start lost in the final seconds, but still put on a good performance.

Nicole Intermediate +65 Semi Contact arrived without any kit (prepared as ever) but lucky for her Robbie Brown lent her all she needed and she walked away with 2nd Place.

Rory Intermediate Men -75 Semi Contact – although didn’t see his category as was coaching Ken at the time or fighting, same old waiting all day and then all being called at the same time. Rory if you can add details of your fighting that would be great – do know that Rory took first place – Well Done Rory Campion

Last was me and thanks to Ron I’ve had to continue in 3 Categories, I somehow managed to let Ron convince me to do all three at the start of the year and now leading in 2 and 2nd in another I’ve had to continue – I fought in Ladies Advanced Semi Contact +65 taking 3rd place, having to contend with a giant in the category, then advanced Light con +65kg having to fight the same giant taking 2nd place overall then also the advanced light con -65kg taking first place – it was hard work and was feeling it, but Team Brown encouraged me to carry on and finish all the categories

Was a great day – well done all

Liz.

Well done to the team fighting at Chessington Today.
Great team spirit With George and Paige working the assistant coach duties and looking after the little ones today. Thanks to parents and helpers as well today
Jake fought his heart out today in his first ever competition and had 5 fights against some larger and more experienced opponent. He went from strength to strength in his fights never backing down and scored a lovely side kick.
Dan had loads of fights and was cool and composed in all of them. Showing his great timing and skill he won them all convincingly and got a gold.
Ellis also fought some more experienced girls and was scoring some nice reverse punches. When she gets that confidence in her abilities she will make them tell more.
Belle and Jasmine had the fight of the day in the under 120cm final. 9-9 at the bell and only one point in it after extra time. Very close. Jasmine won her first competition and Belle was 2nd.
George had to dig deep in his first fight against an opponent that was jumping in, kicking low and hitting hard, George was hurt a couple of times, but got up and kept firing reverse punches until he won. This affected his later fights and he had to settle for 3rd this time.
Paige showed her strength and power against a good determined opponent in her final. She kept cool and continued to follow her plan. Paige's focus was great and today it earned her a gold.
Dave had four fights in the men's section and improved on everyone scoring many points but just missing out on the win. A lovely sweep/backfist combination gained appreciation from his opponent and the refs.
A great start to the second half of the season and good experience for everyone. I am proud of you all!

Ron

Well done Yellow belts last night. 2 hours of hard work and showing what you can do. Bagwork, sparring, focus pads etc all worked through. 

     

Little Ninjas class. Kickboxing for under 5s. Using fun and movement to develop skills and understanding.
Due to the success of this class We have lots of space now and are recruiting for September as most of our Ninjas have moved up to the Kids class.
First lesson free!

Saturdays 9.30-10.15am

With over 130 people who have successfully completed the BKO beginners course so far and many moving up the grading ladder or competing, the next beginners course will start 6-7pm Thursday 21st September. £38 for the six week course plus all other BKO classes free for the duration of the course. 
(10 per week) Message me to reserve a place.  

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We also have regular pay as you go adults and children's classes. First lesson free.

New BKO wristbands have arrived!

They come in all grading colours. When you grade you will get a belt and a wristband. If you want backdated ones they will be 50p

Remember all BKO gradings are Free

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Liz makes the gazette.

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