Dale finally lifts lifts world title !
On October 28th Jesters head coach, Dale Wood realised his dream and went 12 rounds to become the ISKA World super middleweght champion . Dale took the current world champion, Brian Aston 12 round and with a unanimous verdict was crown world champion . Dale has already put forward a challenge to the current WKA world champion, Ramin Abtin which will be considered in the new year .
Joe lifts belt on Mayhem in Matlock
On Sunday September 2nd Matlocks Jesters gym promoted their first light contact day show . As part of the ever growing British Light Continuous Council circuit .Headlining the show was Matlocks very own Joe "the Freak" Firth . Joe challenged for the BLCC 30-35kg 10-12yrs Midland Area title. Joe faced Zeeshan Khan from Derbys Ace kickboxing gym. The fight started at a fast pace with Zeeshan pushing forward with long range kicks to put Joe on his back foot. Joe moved well countering with a good mixture of hands and feet as the Derby lad tired. Joes fitness allowed him to pull through out working Zeeshan in the later rounds and lifting the BLCC belt. Joe will now make his first defence against Birminghams Haroon Khan next month . There were 30 supporting bouts throughout the day with 13 fighters representing Jesters gyn . Stepping up for the adults were Dan Cooper , Duncan Russel , Neil Maltby , Rohan Aked Slack , Jez Shimwell and Clinton Wayne . And for the juniors were Jess Sellors , Josh Spencer Louis Hatton , Bradley Banks , Liam firth , Jaz Aked Slack and Emma Erskine.
Dale steps in for world title with 24hrs notice !
Due to problems with Italian fighter Franseco De Cosmo , Dale Wood was asked to step in as a replacement with only 24hrs notice for the ISKA World Middleweight title against Brian Aston . Dale who has not fought for 3 1/2 years and was not expected to be a back in action until May 13th accepted the invitation . Dale stepped in with nothing to loose and took a strong points lead over Brian rocking him in the first round , By the 9th round Dale was well ahead on the score cards but the short notice was telling its toll ! Brian came out strong in the 10th and Dale pushed forward for a finish to no avail giving Brian a 10th round stoppage win and the World title ! ......... This performance has brought Dale back to the circuit with a bang and a rematch for the world title a possibility ! ,,, watch this space ! ....pictures on picures page
ISKA European championships, Hungary, April 5th
Local Mixed martial arts gym "Jesters" are currently celebrating their latest win . Junior Jesters Liam Firth 10yrs and Joe Firth 12yrs have just returned from Hungary where they represented Britain in the ISKA European kickboxing championships. Both youngsters qualified for the British team by taking Gold and Silver in the ISKA British championships at the end of last year. After months of hard work and dedication they flew out to Hungary well prepared for the challenge ahead. Upon arrival it was obvious of the size of the competition with 4 fight areas set up in the Szentes sports stadium the sight was nothing less than intimidating, but undeterred they set about business confidently taking wins against some of Europes top junior fighters. By the semi finals both Liam and Joe were still in the competition but had to face two top fighters from Hungary and Germany to see the final. First up was Joe pushing forward with a true display of determination going forward from start to finish taking a well earned win and a place in the final. Next was Liam facing a very awkward German fighter. After being caught with two low kicks that had the german on a warning Liam dug deep showing real heart moving around the mats out scoring his opponent with superior footwork to take the win. After a well earned break the Matlock brothers were facing each other in the final, just as they had 5 months previous in the British finals. Both fighters started cautious, but the pace soon lifted as they settled in putting on a great display of kickboxing. When the referee called a halt to the fight it was left to the judes to decide on a winner of a very close fought bout. Eventually the result was announced and Liam took a split decision giving him the 2007 European gold medal with Joe lifting the silver. At the awards ceremony Liam was voted the best fighter of the competition in the under 18 divisions and was presented with a belt to go along with his medal. With a turn out of over 400 fighters in the competition this was an outstanding award to recieve especially at such a young age. Both Fighters will now travel to Poland in August next year to represent Britain in the ISKA World championships..... check out photos in pictures section
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Jesters show , PAV nightclub , Saturday March 31st 2007
Bakewell’s Rachel Rose and Lincoln’s Teresa Kendal wasted no time setting a high work rate straight from the bell of their full contact bout.
While Teresa worked for space to mix her kicks, Rachel powered forward with strong boxing combinations and her typically aggressive style earned her the decision.
Ian Longson and Ripley’s Andy Wragg were embroiled in a bout that had them toe to toe with little room for error, a hard-fought draw the outcome of a show of real heart from both lads.
Last but not least into the ring for Jesters gym was Jason Curtis. Although not a local fighter, Jason flies the Jesters flag under the instruction of gym co-owner and coach Dale Wood.
Challenging Danny Byrne for his British light-middleweight crown, Jason found himself on the end the Leicester fighter’s lead leg in the opening round.
Danny had done his homework and was keeping his distance from the short range power that has seen many an opponent of Jason’s in trouble.
But Jason slowly edged his way in and made his mark on the champion with strong hand and feet combinations.
The advantage slowly began to turn in Jason’s favour as the rounds edged away, but at the final bell it was left to the judges to separate a very close fought battle.
As the crowd patiently waited, the score cards were collected in and the decision was given by majority decision to Jason Curtis, making him the new British light-middleweight champion.
Jesters Gym would like to thank sponsors AK Construction, Lumshill Stone, Muschamp Machine Services, S. Marples Roofing, B. Wood Builders and The Wheatsheaf, of Bakewell, for their generous support towards the show, which also generated funds for local sporting charity, Sam’s Fund.
