Modern Association of Contact Karate

Pete Richardson fought five gruelling 2 minute rounds to secure the BLCC British Title Belt at the Pakistani Community Centre in Derby on Sunday 29th November. This is the second Title Belt that MACK has won in the past twelve months.

After a gruelling five hour grading, we are pleased to welcome three MACK Students to the ranks of 1st Degree Black Belt.

Sean Willis, Pete Richardson Jnr and Alex Funnell all achieved this massive milestone over the weekend. Congratulations to all involved. 

We entered nine MACK Fighters in to the event held at USKA Fight Factory in Birmingham. On the day, Dean Alson had to pull out because of a back injury, which left us with eight.

First up was HQ’s Marina Lawson, who, even though she had be struggling with a cold, still fought the three rounds with a very leggy opponent. Marina kicked and punched her way through three gruelling rounds, but she wasn’t at her best because of a blocked nose. Well done to Marina for even fighting on the day, and even though she didn’t get the decision, her kick rate was really very good, and she is showing promise.

Alex Funnel from MACK Kings Heath was next up, and he fought very well. Alex’s head was far higher than it usually is, and his stance was much improved. Another fight that went the three rounds with Alex holding his own throughout the fight. Again, the decision went against MACK.

Pete Richardson from MACK HQ, fresh off his European Title win, was up next. The opponent was very tough, and kept coming for Pete throughout the three rounds. Pete’s movement frustrated the other guy, and Pete used his hands and legs very well to secure a unanimous win.

Brad Hennessy opened his account with a very very strong first two round, with the MACK Fighter easily outpointing the opposition. Brad’s engine stalled towards the end of the second round, and his energy level dropped drastically. After a count from the Referee, Brad was stopped because of his energy levels. As far as Kickboxing is concerned, Brad was the better Fighter, and with a little more experience of three round fights, it will not be long before Brad takes his first win.

Dane Hennessy from Acocks Green took his fight to the end of the third round in a very technical and well controlled fight where he earned a draw. This is a great start to his fight career. Unbeated after one fight!

Rebecca Taylor from MACK HQ fought her second fight, and out pointed her opponent all the way through the fight. She took a unuanimous win from all three Judges, and she now has two fights and two wins!

Sean Plested from MACK HQ fought against the a sixteen year old with seven fights experience. It is always tough getting a match for Sean because he is such a big lad for his age, and he had to give away three years in age. Sean’s asthma played up terribly, and the medics would not let him continue. A real tough fight for Sean, and well done for taking this guy on!

Curtis Alson took a demo fight, as his opponent was more experienced. The experience in his opponent showed, but Curtis kept coming forward and pressing the basic techniques that his Corner had instructed him to use. This was great experience for Curtis, who will hope will be able to get his first real fight fairly soon.

Well done to all fighters, from Instructors, Pete, Steve and Andy. We were inpressed and proud of you all.

The Directors of the International Combat Organisation have deemed it appropriate to award Mr Andrew Hennessy with his Sixth Degree (Dan) Black Belt.

I am sure I speak for the whole Association when I offer our whole hearted congratulations on this massive achievement.

Pete Richardson from Digbeth Saturday Class is the new ISKA LC -45kgs European Kickboxing Champion.

Pete received a bye in to the Semi Finals where he fought a French Fighter over three rounds. After brushing aside the Frenchman, Pete was against one of his own countrymen who had also made it through to the Final.

Pete’s movement, bobbing and weaving was the best I have seen from him, and three rounds later, was pronounced the NEW ISKA European Champion.

Hannah easily beat her first opponent over three two minute rounds, and went in to the Semi Finals where she absolutely trounced her opponent in all three rounds, only for the German and Ferench Judge to give it the other way. Worst decision of the day!!!! Hannah won the fight hands down, but I later learned that the Judge from Germany had a Daughter in the same category and she obviously wanted Hannah out of the way.

So, MACK now has Midland, English, British, European and World Champions!!!

Well done !

The MACK Marauders attended this event, with a Team of five Fighters, and two Cornermen.

Hannah Richardson had to pull out because of illness which left the remaining four Fighters to do the business for us.

First up was Pete, who fought badly. He didn’t seem to get out of the starting block, and lost his fight. Not a great start.

Rebecca Taylor overpowered and outpointed her opponent in her first real fight. She won a unnanimous decision, and won all three rounds. She fought in from of her Mom and her Team Mates who were all very proud of her. Well done Rebecca!

Sean Plested fought a very experienced guy, and whilst he lost the fight, I thought that he improved as the fight went on. In the last round, I thought he did enough to draw the round. Nice one Sean. You are getting better with experience.

Pete fought again, and only really found his fighting spirit in the last round. A real wake up call for Pete, as he lost both fights of the day. Both of his opponents were beatable, but Pete looked tired. It’s time for a rest for a while I think. Let’s have you back in a week or two fighting fit.

Dean Alston gave away 30 kilos to fight someone at 127 kilos. Bearing in mind that Dean has lost 36 kilos since starting training with MACK, he was not bothered. Dean outpointed his opponent in the first two rounds. He won the rounds quite easily. In the third, he developed a massive fatigue which meant that he drew the last round. A massive win for Dean, who is now undefeated in his two fight. Well done Dean!

Well done to Jenny and Chris who kept everyone ready to go, and cornered each Fighter throughout the day.

Pete Richardson, Rebecca Taylor from MACK HQ Saturday and Dean Alston (MACK Acocks Green), represented the MACK Marauders on the BLCC Fight Circuit in Telford on the 10th May 2009.

Rebecca and Dean had never fought before, so we were very proud that they had the courage to compete at this level. Dean picked on someone his own size (not easy to find!) and the result was a draw:

Rebecca was up next against Kaleigh, a member of the England squad. Kaleigh was helping Rebecca to gain confidence in the ring, so we asked her for a demo fight with the speed right down to help a first-timer. Thanks for being a good sport Kaleigh, and good luck in Rome!

Lastly, Pete Richardson fought. This was the best I’ve ever seen him fight (and I’ve heard the same said of his opponent). Pete didn’t win—he let his opponent off a couple of times, but it was a very creditable performance and the fight of the day. We found out after the fight that his opponent had weighed in 6.5 kilos heavier than Pete, so well done Pete for fighting someone a stone heavier.

Well done to all.

Both MACK Fighters that entered the ISKA English Amateur Championships came away with the Gold. Both Pete and Hannah Richardson destroyed their opponents to earn their place amonst Europe’s elite in Rome this October.

Pete won his category of nine fighters, and Hannah won her category of seven. This is Pete’s first major title win, and he cruised his way through the final with a devastating display of hands and legs.

Peter beat the current ISKA World Champion in the Final.

Hannah danced her way past her final opponent, and even started to showboat by using rear-slip, after rear-slip with the occasional Jab and Axe Kick thrown in for good measure.

Pete and Hannah would like to thank everyone who has trained with them, sparred with them and helped them in the gym. Well done to both fighters, and good luck in Rome.

Pete’s Fight Record….

17 fights 10 wins.

British Sports Martial Arts Champion 2008,

ISKA English Amateur Champion 2009 (Current)

Hannah’s Fight Record…… 

31 Fights 28 wins.

WAKO Midlands Champion 2006,

ISKA European Bronze Medallist 2006,

ISKA English Amateur Champion 2008 

ISKA English Amateur Champion 2009 (Current),

ISKA British Champion 2005,

ISKA British Champion 2006,

ISKA British Champion 2008 (Current),

BLCC British Champion (Current),

ISKA World Middleweight Champion 2008-9 (Current),

ISKA Fighter of the Year 2008

The Weapons Course was held at Swanshurst School, with over twenty people attending. The course was lead by Andy Hennessy who taught basic use of the Tonfa, or American Police Baton.

 The feedback from all involved was very positive, and everyone enjoyed the course, and has started to use the basic strikes and blocks well.

Well done to all who participated in this course, and carry on practising as there will be an advanced course (should anyone want it), at a later date.

The Directors of ISKA UK have voted Hannah Richardson of MACK HQ as their Fighter of the Year 2008. This is an honour as it involves all fighters in all weight categories. Well done Hannah!