Best Fighter - WAKO World Cup, Italy

WAKO World Cup 2008

Report by Miss Joann Rolison 2nd Degree


Between the 6th and 8th of June 2008, was the 13th Best Fighter WAKO World Cup, which took place in Salsomaggiore, Italy. Through this action packed weekend it was full of competitors in their thousands from around the world, to fight for the title of world champion! These sparring bouts consisted of point scoring and continuous fighting of which we all wanted to win…

Up first was Joann Rolison in the point scoring division, under 42kilos, up against the Hungarian National Champion. It started off quite evenly matched, but as the second round got underway Joann started to pull away using techniques and speed coming away with a world title at the age of 13.

Lucy Wolf fought with determination using her head and her heart. First round going tremendously well leaving her opponent stunned, second round was up and unbelievably, Lucy didn’t get the decision, but you win some; you loose some. Furthermore Lucy did exceedingly well in the open weight best fighter category; she won through to the quarterfinals, but then was drawn up against a huge person! Lucy used her skill and cunning to strike in and out, the points were very close, unfortunately she did not win but fought excellent anyways.

Charlotte Jones put up a good fight in her efforts in both sparring events, fighting astoundingly against accomplished fighters in her division but enjoying every moment. Gaining experience is very important and Charlotte learnt a whole lot of from this, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.

Later on the next day Michael Belle triumphed to win the silver in his continuous division; but was not allowed by the medical team to compete in the final due to an injury. Through the previous rounds Michael used his vast array of techniques to catch his opponents off guard and dig them in, deserving the silver.

Christian Thomson (Dojo Physical Arts) accomplished a bronze in the under 74kilo division in continuous sparing, unfortunately in the same category as Corey. Nevertheless they both wanted to win and held nothing back, battled punch for punch and kick for kick; but in the end someone had to come out on top…
Corey Cain (also member of the prestigious Team SWAT) was able to achieve a silver in the continuous sparring, using his ring craft and skill to cruise through the prior rounds, but was unfortunate to not get the decision in the final.

Jamaine Hemmings fought his way through many rounds of his division, which as usual, was one of the biggest divisions of the tournament. He fought with skill and determination from kicking circles around his opponents to knocking them out of the ring. Jamaine also entered the open weight best fighter category where you can get drawn up against anyone of any weight, so a big challenge and a great learning curve.

Reuben Hemmings fought exceedingly well against more experienced opponents than himself. He battled well using his techniques to land kicks and punches left, right and centre on his opponents stopping them in their tracks, and at one point knocking his opponent into Master Wolf! Much experience was gained, by this promising young fighter.

The whole team did remarkably well in this prestigious and tough tournament and we would all want to thank Master Wolf for coaching us and making us the best we can be. THANKYOU!!!


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