September Newsletter
Andy Thrasher
Following on from his great knockout win earlier this year when Andy Thrasher beat existing World champion, Dave Newbrook, by third round KO to become WKA World weleterweight Champion, Andy had another great outing last weekend. He faced the Portuguese Champion and winner of this year’s Pain and Glory tournament, who has a big KO percentage of wins in his 90 plus fights. Andy dominated from the start winning all five rounds in one of his most technical and composed performances to date.
Andy’s next outing will be arguably his most important to date. On the 7th November at the Reebok in Bolton, he will rematch French and European Champion Redwan Ameur. They fought two years ago when Andy took the fight at short notice, losing a split decision. I’ve watched the fight and I though Andy won the fight, as do most of the judges I know who saw the fight. After two years of campaigning Andy has his shot and revenge, and as a sweetner, Redwan’s WMC European title will be on the line. The fight will be on the undercard of an amazing day’s Thai boxing. The bill will feature two of the country’s most exciting fighters; Andy Howson and Liam Harrison, one of my personal favourites and a very technical fighter Panikos Yusuf, and to top it off the show will feature one of the best Thai Boxers ever from Thailand Saenchai Sor Kingstar.
Tickets are at the gym now, although I only have 40 normal tickets. The tickets are based on a first come first served basis and I can’t get anymore until all these have been sold. With a bill like this the tickets are selling like hotcakes, so don’t miss out on what looks like one of the best shows on an already amazing year for Muay Thai promotions!!
New Junior Class
In response to the demand for an additional junior beginner class we will be starting a new class with effect from Sunday the 27th September. From that date we will be running a one hour class for juniors aged 8 and above. The class will be aimed at beginner and intermediate level. I know a few people struggle with the current time of the junior beginner class, some not even been able to make it at least once every week, let alone both classes. Hopefully this new class will assist people to make training more often.
Gradings
I have finally changed the grading syllabus to represent what and how we teach in the gym. As you know we have changed what we teach quite a lot over the last five or so years, but were still using the syllabus which followed Master Sken’s. This meant we had to start doing different things for a grading, which seemed daft!! The syllabus now represents how we train all the time. Gradings are a good test of your skill and can highlight things you are both very good at and also the things you need to work on. It’s a great way to measure your progress, especially if you are not fighting, although the way the syllabus is now done, it would assist those who are thinking of fighting. I believe I have found a more reliable source of armbands, which was another problem, so I will be pushing the gradings more from now on. I am planning on doing a grading at the end of the year, giving time for everyone to practice should they wish to take a grading. Anyone interested should speak to their instructor.
Monthly payment
Don’t forget you can save yourself some money by paying monthly by standing order. Pretty soon I will be moving everyone onto standing order so jump the gun and set yours up now. Just ask for a form from reception.
Interclubs
At the moment I am planning to do another interclub on November the 14th at our gym. If you are thinking of fighting you need to do interclubs to start with. Even if you are not thinking of fighting, and interclub is another good test of your skills and mettle.
Website
We’ve changed our website again, so if you haven’t already, have a look and let us know what you think.
The gym in general.
As many of you will know we were planning on a massive expansion this year, but that has now fallen through. We are still on the lookout for bigger premises to move to, but in the mean while if anyone has any ideas on how we can improve the gym and the services we offer you please do not hesitate to let me know.
Hope to see you all soon
Darren