Huntly Kickboxing at WAKO Nationals

May 6th 2006, 8 fighters and their supporters ventured to Te Awamutu for the WAKO semi-contact Nationals 2006. Our small group contained 5 novices to semi-contact fighting and 3 from last years WAKO event. Our first fighter was Rebekah Hammond. She was in the under 15 years (she's only 13) under 54kg group. It was her first tournament and she achieved a 3rd place. A valient effort for a newbie!!!!

Vikki Harbottle was next. She was semi-contact champion from 2005 under 15 years girls. Alas there was no other contestants in her age group this year, so she entered into the adult womans open. She came second and fought in the final with last year's woman champ from TOA and New Zealand rep to the world cup in Hungary. It was a hard fight, but Vikki walked away with new found respect when everyone realised she was only 15 years old!!!!

Cody Brooks and Judd Nelson fought in the under 15 years, over 54 kg. Cody achieved a second place and Judd a third. Both showed exceptional skills and ended up fighting each other in the semis with Cody winning a close decision and going on to fight the eventual champ from Phantom kickboxing. This was the boys' first time at semi-contact and both learnt what was needed to win their next events.

Blake Harbottle and Simon Mence fought in the under 84 kg men division. This was Simon's first time in semi contact. He made it to the semi final were he met last years champion and NZ rep from TOA. It was a David verses Goliath battle. Simon giving away 30 centimetres in height. Simon scored with some good shots, but was eventually overcome with skill and height advantage.

Blake, a seasoned full contact fighter brought those skills to the tournament floor with sharp hand combos and stinging kicks. It came down to the last second and Blake was outscored by 1 point, a loss, but still he and Simon won third place.

Then came Shaye Brooks. Like Blake, Shaye is an accomplished full contact fighter. He was 2005 champ for semi and NZ rep from last years world cup. He has spent most of this year concentrating on full contact training. Shaye had a close fight with lightening hands and penetrating kicks. It went down to the wire with another last minute point decision to a TOA fighter.

Last of our fighters was newbie Tauira Ponga. He has only been training for 3 months and was in the heavy weight division. He had an awesome fight scoring with strong hand combinations and fast and powerful leg kicks. His opponent was more versed at semi contact and won the match, but one of the judges said he can't wait to see Tauira in the ring!!!!!

It was an awesome day. Everyone enjoyed themselves and went home with new skills for the next semi-contact tournament.

Huntly Kickboxing would like to thank WAKO for a great day and professional organised event another sucess for Rick and his crew.

Jim Harbottle
Huntly Kickboxing