The WORLD ASSOCIATION of KICKBOXING ORGANISATION Full contact evening held on Saturday 21st of August went off with a bang. A fight card of ten fights and a demonstration by Hamilton Capoeira was organised by the WAKO New Zealand President and Promoter Rick Dobson. Fighters from all over the upper North Island met to test their skills against each other. WAKO Full contact rules are over waist kicks but sweeps or Low Hip throws are allowed. All Amateur fighters wear headguards, Shin & Instep protectors and 10oz Gloves. Majority of the fights were first timers for Full Contact but that didn't show to the massive crowd who'd come to see these warriors battle it out in Te Awamutu Near Hamilton. The crowd were particularly impressed by Glenview Martial Arts 42yr old Darryl Smith. His aggression and determination was an inspiration to many of the nights fighters. Smith fought 20 year old Stefan Crouch from Tauranga dropping him in the first round, the fight was stopped by the referee when Crouch was unable to continue after yet another barrage of Punches and Kicks from Smith. Glenview put three first timers into the ring and all left victorious, a credit to their instructor Wayne Douglas. There was three regional Title fights on the cards for the evening Wiki Whirlwind Tutaki of Phantom Kickboxing took on a late entry for the Middle Weight regional title, Full contact Karate fighter Jess Carney put up a great contest for the Whirlwind but was stopped in the 2nd round due to a bad nose bleed which would not stop.
The Whirlwinds wife, Georgie Tutaki had her unbeaten record tarnished by Toa Fighting System of Auckland's Tamsin Rigold for the female Super Heavyweight Regional title. Georgie fought well but Rigolds power and strength got the better of her.
Waikeria hawks Tae Kwon DO Black belt Matt Van Der Hulst was in the final event of the evening. Given a shot at the Regional Title against Toa Fighting Systems Instructor Peter 'Sugar Rush' Thompson due to a late pull out of Thompsons opponent. Van der Hulst put up an admirable attempt with such short notice against the very experienced Aucklander but the 'Sugar Rush' was too much for Van der Hulst. The fight went the full three rounds with the Aucklander taking the Regional title.
The nights event was held at Te Awamutu's Sports club and a large crowd thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Promoter Rick Dobson was very pleased with the event and would like to thank Te Awamutu business people for their support. Frank Holz Tiling, P & J Sullivan Builders, Pauls Signs, Civic Video, Superliquor, Team Waipa, Run Activewear, Bushido Martial Arts equipment, and Russ & Amanda Stuart. Also a big thank you to the support from Te Awamutu Boxing club, and Joe Howells Kickboxing for his assistance and organisation.
