From 14-17 June 2007, the WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation) European Full Contact Filipino Stick Fighting
Championships took place in Terracina, Italy.
Roger Barnes, Damien Mills and Andy Hudson travelled to Italy as part of the Great Britain Squad to take part in
this bi-annual event...and man what an event. Here are the results for the JKD Northampton GB Squad members:
| Roger Barnes - Light Heavyweight (Veterans) |
Single Stick - Gold (European Champion) Double Stick - Gold (European Champion) |
| Damien Mills - Heavyweight |
Single Stick - Gold (European Champion) Double Stick - Bronze |
| Andy Hudson - Light Middleweight (Veterans) |
Single Stick - Bronze Double Stick - Silver |
click here for team some photos
Roger ended up in the finals for both single and double stick fighting against a fellow GB Squad member, both fighting for Gold position on the podium. It was a hard fight and whilst sustaining an accidental elbow check to the solar plexus Roger managed to dispatch his opponent with stinging combinations that pleased the judges. Roger also managed a double disarm to bring the battle to an end during the Double Stick finals. Roger is now a European Champion in both Single and Double Stick Fighting.
Damien is well known for his forward approach, speed and powerful combinations which destroy his opponents, thus earning him the nickname "Tank". Damien did very well and cleaved his way through Italy's number one contender in his weight class and also dispatched off his German opponent (the Director of WEKAF Europe & German team coach) to secure Gold position for Single Stick. During Double Stick he beat another member of the German team & went on to fight the same Italian he beat in Single Stick & in that fight he suffered a low blow (middle wicket) and still managed to secure Bronze position on the podium. Damien is now a European Champion in Single Fighting and a European Bronze medallist for Double Stick Fighting.
Andy fights were excellent as he showcased his footwork and tenacity towards his opponents. He battled his way through to the finals to meet a GB Squad member, both team mates hungry for Gold. Andy commanded the first round with relentless angles of attack. Unfortunately his opponent, well known on the world and international circuit, drew on his experience and clawed back the judges decision. Andy is now a European Bronze medallist in Single Stick Fighting and a European Silver medallist for Double Stick Fighting.
Northampton as a whole did very well, with the guys from United Arnis Fighters (along with their coach Jimmy) bringing home their own medal haul, Frazer Cross taking a Gold medal in Double Stick & a Silver medal in Single Stick, & Sean O’Boyle bringing home a Gold in Cadets, a Silver in Mens Single Stick, & a Bronze in Mens Double Stick.
The GB Squad brought home 40 medals in total, the biggest haul so far. This feat actually earned us a further winners country trophy.
The fights were hard and furious…combined with the hot weather and no air-conditioning I don't think we did too bad.
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