5 weeks ago Hastings Kickboxing were invited to compete in our first Sanshou event, after a quick seminar and crash course in shanshou with Lee Whittington. Nathan, Carrie and Josh had about 10 classes to practice our new skills and put them into action.
First up was Nathan Smith, in the first fight of the evening so we didn’t even have chance observe other bouts. Nathan fighting an experienced fighter went in with solid pressure hand heavy shots and battled through the fight being stronger and more aggressive than his fighter with a couple of take downs and even a few head kicks, Winning all 3 rounds.
Next on to the lie tai Carrie Cooper in a last minute title fight, matched against a British Champion and well known strong Germany in the sport gave Carrie a tough fight, Carrie’s first Sanshou fight first full contact fight and first 5 round title fight, although it didn’t go our way I feel Carrie made a massive step forward and took huge experience away from last night’s bout. If this had been kickboxing I feel the decision may have gone the other way.
Third up was Josh Simmonds, again first Sanshou and first full contact bout. This was a good test of skill and fitness; Josh’s fighter had many fights in Sanshou giving him a massive advantage. Josh fought with heart giving his fighter a good challenge and made him work hard for the win, in a very close fight.
Thanks to Gemma Salter and the Sanshou organisation for inviting us along and to the HKA team that came up and brought the noise and I think the loudest team in the stands.
We will be back and ready for the next one in April.
But for now our focus is now firmly on Fight Night 2, March 22nd and The Hastings Centre.
For more details on Shansou and Fight Night please get in contact
