Caged tigers just pussycats

SYDNEY, Mar 13 2008, SYDNEY (INNER WEST WEEKLY: Maria Tan) - Mixed martial artists battled for supremacy at the Sydney Showground’s Amphitheatre on Friday in the 12th Warriors Realm series of cage fights. 

In a masterful display of skill applied from a range of disciplines such as Kickboxing, Ju Jitsu, Kung Fu and Capoeira, 14 martial artists competed in 7 matches across 3 divisions throughout the evening.

The highlights of the event include the fiery performance of Concord’s Sinosic-Perosh club fighter Chi Kit Cheung, and the controversial appeal made by Japanese heavyweight Masayuki Kono to concede his contention during the match with current Warriors Realm (WR) heavyweight champion, Brad Morris. 

With 1:54secs remaining in Round 1 Kono tapped his foot twice on the mat whilst pinned in a ‘top four corner hold’ by Morris, after which referee and judge Steve Percival concluded a ‘tap out’ defeat. 

Amidst Kono’s attempts at an appeal after realizing he had surrendered in the featured International Superfight, the crowd “boo-ed” loudly at the fighter’s remorse. 

In a split decision made by judges, the Sinosic-Perosh Martial Artist Chi Kit Cheung was defeated by Sean Sutherland in the most notable fight of the evening. 

During 2 explosive rounds both fighters executed calculated strikes with composure and flair.  With Sutherland’s reach being a tough challenge for Cheung in Round 1, he bounced back with a strong 3 hit jab, punch and shin angle kick combo on the opening of Round 2. 

Sutherland responded with a simple, yet effective jab and cross onslaught where Cheung maintained his guard and continued to advance on his opponent, looking for an opening. 

After Cheung connected a right hook with an audible slap, an enraged Sutherland broke his state of composure seconds within the round’s end, producing loud roars of excitement from punters.

For Kempo disciple Andrew Brice (a.k.a. Bricey), winner of his debut lightweight division match, martial arts is a way of life. 

“I live at the dojo with my sensei”, Bricey said.  “I was originally classed as a featherweight but had to gain more weight because my opponent dropped out”. 

Working within financial services, Bricey kept his passion for Kempo alive by using his spare time to train for the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition over a 3 year period.   

The untold story of these cage fighting competitions unfolded behind the scenes at the Thursday night weigh in prior to the event. 

Dave Frendin, replacement fighter for headliner Gordon Graff wandered in from the Central Coast after a hard day’s work, dressed in a blue and yellow shirt with a plumbing logo across the back. 

“We know you’re all tired so we’ll just do these weigh ins and then there will be food platters served”, said WR President Shane Balmer. 

Although opposing contenders, there was no animosity between these men as they sat down and ate meals together, and talked about their day.  

It is this same dignity and respect these men carry with them in the cage, in stark contrast to the ‘brawling thugs’ they have been labelled.  

As WR Event Coordinator Jenni Walke put it, “Once you get to know them, they’re pussycats”.

(Words & Photos: Maria Tan, Inner West Weekly)