Sunday the 26th of November saw the debut event of the new Combat Sports competition circuit.
The ‘Combat Sports Open Trials 1’ was a sell-out success and brought together more than twenty mixed martial artists from all over the UK to perform in front of an eager crowd.
Held in Bath, the event (sponsored by Moon Light UK and the Combat Sports Academy) was created to help promote mixed martial arts throughout the Southwest of Britain.
The rules of this new event were devised to best suit all styles of martial arts within a safe, sporting environment. The events are full contact, with no striking above shoulder level. Regulation gloves and shin pads must be worn. All punches, kicks, knees, throws, takedowns and submissions allowed.
This event, the first of two trials, allowed martial artists from all backgrounds the chance to gain valuable experience in the field of mixed martial arts competition; as well as paving the way forward for them to attempt to secure a place in the Combat Sports National Championship, to be held in May 2001.
The vast array of different styles led to some very interesting matches. The following report covers some of the highlights:
Submission fighter Paul Harding fought expert kicker Jon Williams. Paul struggled to get near Jon as he was picked off by fast and powerful kicks, leaving Paul’s lead leg clearly bruised. Only as the last few seconds drew near did the fight go to the floor. The fight ended as a draw.
Nick Jones from Wrexham made an impressive debut. Entering both Heavyweight and Freeweight categories, he displayed a good deal of competence and defeated Freeweight fighter Chris Tooze with an impressive leg-lock. Nick is certainly one to watch.
By far the most acrobatic match of the afternoon was Mat Bowen vs. Jeff Lawson. These two got themselves into some very interesting positions, and Jeff got a huge throw on Mat, slamming him hard to the mat, followed expertly by a straight arm-bar for a clear victory.
The next trial event will be held on Sunday 25th February 2001 in Bath. Those that do well in the trial events will be invited back for the Combat Sports National Championship in May 2001, to fight tournament-style for national recognition and a trophy belt.
