Once again I must start with an apology, classes have been full on as has work, so my time for posting on the blog is becoming less and less. Well here is a long overdue update for those who are interested.

SJJ NZ Nats Palmerston North
A couple of weeks ago a team from GSW decided to head to Palmerston for the SJJ Nationals. Only Miguel has participated in these comps before so it was a learning curve for the rest of the crew as the rules are a bit screwy.

The team consisted of, Sacha, Hemi, Miguel, Adrian, Kane, Ben, Ray, Wynne, Jarrod and Carl. Once we got our heads around the rules the day progressed well. Some of the boys had bad draws or just bad fights but there were several highlights. Crazy too out a couple of Blue Belts on his way to 3rd in the under 100 division. Miguel had some epic match's and defeated a Black Belt in his weight division. Wynne had a couple of stunner's, playing a great game to the rules.

Kane, as per usual, turned it on for the comp surprising a couple of his competitors before succumbing himself, Sacha, Ben and Ray were unlucky to be take out early in their divisions after waiting hours for their match's. Surprise of the day was Jarrod who plowed through his competition to take the 100-110kg division on the 110+ division against some monsters. Unfortunately in his second to last fight he suffered a bad injury to his left knee and has been off the mat.

Hemi continued his dominant form by sweeping his division (90-100kg) fighting Crazy in to 3rd place then defeating Adrian to take the win. Adrian, although severely hampered by the rules and unable to use his years of Judo training effectivly, was able to plow through his division, including fighting Munter of the day, before losing to Hemi for 2nd place.

Alex Richardson MMA "Ring Wars" Porirua

Alex had another fight on Saturday the 29th at the Kennel club, run by Rex Redden and Dave Hitchens it was the new incarnation of their successful shows. Relaunched under the name "Ring Wars". Alex faced Simon Dome from Eugene Hynsens school in Paraparaumu. This time I was finally able to attend the event and corner Alex. It was a great night and Alex and Simon put on a good show for the punters. One thing that struck me was the crowd actually seemed to understand some of the action and even appreciate the exchanges on the ground.

I think that change is thanks to Sky and their airing of the Ultimate Fighter series. It really seems to have had a educating effect on the populace. Alex and Simon's fight was a great display with each gaining the upper hand at different points through the fight. Simon came close to finishing Alex with a surprise arm bar, but Alex was able to escape, reverse and secure a choke forcing Simon to tap out.

Alex is now Ring Wars light heavy MMA champ. Congrats big guy. He is also off to Australia next week to fight on a show bearing Mark Hunt's name. This could be a great shot for Alex as there are rumors of Pride scouts being at the show Fingers crossed.

Will Machado BJJ NZ Nationals Dec 9th

We've hosting this years Machado Nats. At the MVD on the 9th of December, most of the information has been nutted out but there is a little bit of fine tuning to do in the next few weeks. All the information can be found at the BJJ NZ site
http://www.bjj.co.nz/news.html
This comp is open to all Will Machado Schools in NZ....

John Will at GSW

John is once again returning to GSW for a seminar session. John will be here on November 22nd from 8pm, cost is $60 for the night and with mat numbers being as they are the place will be packed. See you there!

GSW Christmas Do

2 Days after John's visit we are having our xmas do at the syn bar. Thanks to Phil for jacking up the venue for us. The night will be a great get together for the crew before the madness that is Christmas. So mark Friday November the 24th in your diary. Syn Bar Bond St.