Arriving at Trust Stadium to setup for the K1 was an exciting and tense moment. This show is legendary and being a part of it was to be a huge honour for our fighters. The biggest thing for Mania was, would the ring be too hard for the fighters to grapple on.

The K1 boys fight standing and because of their kicking style often with one foot in mid-air. So the ring has to be hard and have a textured grip on it.

The Mania fighters arrived and practiced a few throws. It was evident they couldn't use some of their techniques on this surface; if they did we might have broken bones on National T.V. The girls were concerned and a little disappointed at these limitations, but the feeling was "Hey we are at the K1, we'll deal with it, and love the opportunity"

Dixon McIvor and his wife Robyn (The organisers) were really lovely and our fighters were taken with how concerned and involved they were with us when they had such a huge event to arrange.

Dixon apologized about not being able to get padding put under the ring surface, he said at such short notice (we were added to the card only weeks before the show) it just wasn't possible to arrange. "Fair enough Dixon, we just love being here," was my answer.

Next we headed to the backroom and talked to the fighter's trainers and physio. There wasn't much to say except the Physio laid down some pretty heavy rules about calling off fights. He was nervous about the ring and concerned for the safety of the fighters.

Normally our physio is pretty laid back; he isn't usually so wussy but we love him for his professional attitude and concern……."Harden up Ben."

The atmosphere in the Stadium was ROCKIN'. It is something to be experienced knowing that you are to be a part of the biggest and best fighting event in N.Z. The music in practice and the lighting combined with everyone's excitement all helps add to the build-up to the show.

The other fighters all looked to be getting into "The Zone". We were careful not to disturb them, so didn't talk to them but enjoyed the experience of watching the boys get prepared.

THE DOORS OPEN.

At this stage we kicked out the journalists and tried to get focused. The show began.

The first fight out was Ron Sefo and Peter Graham…..I couldn't wait to see the outcome of this bout. At the press conference the day before Peter had given Ron a right royal rark-up about his brother. Apparently Peter finds it offensive that Ray is considered the best in the Oceania when he hasn't fought here for ten years.

Ron did really well not to leap over the table and sock him one right there. In fact he was very restrained. He said "I don't care what you think of my brother". Peter was a good speaker though, and with his awesome fighting experience he is one to be listened to.

ANYWAY Peter won that fight.

Next up Hepi and Van den Bos. Hepi won and I was glad…….Van den Bos had made comments to the extent that it was going to be an easier ride to the top here than in his country. This might be true, but I didn't like hearing it.

Then there was Chris Chrisopoulides and Daniel Tai…..Chris fell out of the ring and landed very badly on his shoulder……it had to of hurt. The fight was won by Daniel.

NOW WAS OUR TURN.

First up was Tabitha VS Tellulah. Tabitha is tall and has a very confident manor, while Tellulah is shorter and more subdued (but no push over). Tabitha set the tone by bouncing on top of the ring edges and encouraging the crowd to get involved. This is not something we stop our fighters from doing they all have different personalities and show them in their own style.

Tabitha (blue) pinning Tellulah (red) and trying for a choke, which she eventually got, and won.

The fight didn't go the way everyone expected. Tellulah is a kick-ass fighter and was expected to dominate, but not having fought a tall fighter before I think she was a little at a loss as to how to deal with her opponent.

All three takedowns were flying scissors by Tellulah and all received well by the more experienced Tabitha. The outcome was that Tabitha won, one submission to nothing.

It had been an exciting match up as the day before Tabitha had let rip at the press conference with comments about how she was going to kick her all over the ring. Tellulah had simply replied "if you going to talk the talk, you better be able to walk the walk". I guess Tabitha followed up……but hey Tellulah you'll get her next time.

Next was Nellie Vs Sarina this was the club champ (Sarina) VS the very experienced very calm and well thought of former national judo champ Nellie. The outcome was a convincing win to Nellie……and we have a new club champ.

Nellie (blue) causes club champ Sarina (red) some pain in her famous armbar. Nellie won and we have a new club champ.

Last up was a tag fight (four fighters).

Odette (blue) has her tag opponent Tana pinned and going for an armbar. Tana links hands to resist.

Melyta and Odette VS Demelsa and Tana. Melyta is another of our girls who has a personality that was meant for big crowds, she got out there and encouraged them to get involved. It was a good fight and could have come out either way, but the win went to Melyta and Odette.

Demalsa (red) in a sticky position as she finds herself around the wrong way to get a submission on Odette.

I (as their manager) was very proud of my fighters. But at the same time felt a bit bummed that on a hard surface we couldn't fight to full potential. There were a few injuries; nothing they can't heal from. Hopefully we can work with Dixon on future shows and come up with a better arrangement.

Oh and I say a BIG thankyou to our beloved HIMBO'S which is a boy version of Bimbos. These guys lead us into the ring and did the ring cards. The crowd thought it was a huge laugh that good lookin' big boys were doin' the girls' job. The guys did a good job of it and won some hearts.

HALF TIME.

After half time Shane Chapman fought Alan Sylvestre and Shane won. I liked this fight because it wasn't straight K1, it was modified Thai. They were allowed to hold and grapple. Both fighters had been very respectful of each other at the press conference, and remained that way after, although Shane was clearly disappointed that the fight finished early with Alan having a dislocated shoulder.

Next was Paul Slowinski and Sydney Asiata…… Paul won 3 points and the fight with a TKO.

Next was one of the girls' favourite fighters Hiriwa Te Rangi, who comes out on stage as "The Hillbilly" VS Pola Mataele. At the conference these guys seem to have a laugh with one another. Pola said he was going to try to straighten out Hiriwa's eyebrow (he has some kind of shaven design on them). Pola won this fight but Hiriwa put up a great challenge.

Hiriwa was also one of the guys who took the time in encourage our fighters….. THANKS HIRIWA.

Last fight of the night was Matt Samoa who danced his way on stage to his native dance (i think) he did have a good rhythm and the crowd loved the show of personality. He fought Jason Suttie, who usually likes to dance too (so I'm told) but he came out in silence. This was a tribute to the fact that his dog (who he loved) had died the day before. Jason won the fight by technical knockout and made a humble and touching speech about his pet.

I am an animal lover and have a cat I adore. I can honestly say myself and half the room felt his pain and respected him for fighting on…….good on you Jason.

All in all it was a great night……and for this first timer one never to be forgotten.

There was so much that was impressive firstly the quality of the fights. Secondly the great personalities of the fighters and the organisers and thirdly the atmosphere and special effects on show night, you just don't get all that when you watch it on T.V …. it is sooooo much better live. I will be there every year now, if we are a part of it or not.