The World Association Of Kickboxing Organisations (NZ) held the first Grand-Prix of three events which are linked by the competitors results. Each competitor gains points dependant on their place. 10 points, First place, 8 points, second, 6 points, third, 4 points fourth and 2 points, for any other place. The first three in each competition win trophies at each event and accumulate points until the final to be held in November. Each division competitor with the most points at the end of the final event will receive the Grand-Prix Champions Prize and be declared Grand-Champion.

The day was a huge success with clubs from all over the North Island attending and different styles competing against each other. Goju-Ryu, Kyokushin, Kotaga Ryu, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing all competing under the umbrella of the title 'Kickboxing'.

Tysin Langridge of MODKA (Taupo) took both the Junior Forms and under 1.6meters winners trophy. Young Max Dobson (8yrs old) of Te Awamutu Phantoms had hard fights but retained his unbeaten record in the final against ITF fighter from Waikeria Hawks, Zeb Corbett. Waikeria Hawks Clint King took the Adult Forms win but lost his final fight against the formidable Carl Van Roon of Toa Fighting Systems. Toa also proved a tough crowd with Laura Wilson-Sims gaining a second place in the Womens -75Kg to Phantom Georgie Tutaki.

The ITF ladies did well with Anna Hall of Te Awamutu ITF winning the Womens Forms and Jasmine King of Waikeria Hawks ITF winning the Womens -60Kg fighting section. Joe Howells for team Phantom demonstrated some awesome kicking techniques in the Musical forms division, and Whakatane's Kotaga Ryu team showed their worth by taking a number of trophies home. MODKA's Awhina Nepia fought well to win the +75Kg womens.

Wiki Tutaki of Otorohanga Phantoms had a hard section meeting his arch rival Jess Carney of Joshinmon Karate in the -74Kg division to take the 1st place trophy. The +84 Kg section had some big boys in it but Bad Boy Brad Johanson of Te Awamutu Phantoms cruised through with ease.

The Grand-Prix competition is set for September and November, but the next Semi-Contact competition is the big one for New Zealand. The W.A.K.O. (NZ) New Zealand National Championships are set for May 28th at the Te Awamutu Intermediate school in the Waikato. This will have more weight categories and the prizes will be the Titles of New Zealand National Champion and the WAKO gold medal for the winners, silver for second and bronze for third. The winners of each section will have the opportunity of competing at the WAKO World Championships later in the year. Only the countries national Champions are eligible for a shot at a world title. National President Rick Dobson has TV interest lined up and National Press coverage.

Clint King & Carl van Roon	Joe & Josh Prince
Carl & Scott	Carl van Roon & Scott Beal
James Ogle & Wiki Tutaki	Jess Carney & Shaun Harper

Brad & Richard Ogle

Any fighting art is eligible to enter the WAKO National Championships further details can be gained through contacting Rick Dobson on 0800 542 548, or E-mail [email protected] or write to WAKO (NZ) PO Box 397 Te Awamutu 2400.

Rick Dobson
National President