Octagon 2007 Highlights

The long-awaited highlights from the Octagon 2007 are finally here! Please see highlights below.

Full DVD of this show as well as previous shows available to purchase from Wicker Camp - Contact Mick or Trix.

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Paul "Chilli" Carnell


Thomas McCormick


Helene Garnett - European Title


Daniel Hudson - World Title


Mehdi Firoozi vs Gaz Cooper (Master A's, Manchester) - British Title


Imran Khan vs Rung (Thailand) - World Title


Christian DiPaolo

MuayThai kids summer camp in Czech.

Jan Dominec, President of the Czech MuayThai Association, has sent me a letter of invitation to a MuayThai children's summer camp July 14 - 22, 2007. The venue is a sports centre just outside Prague for Kids aged 5 - 15 years.

This will be the world's first junior MuayThai summer camp in Europe. The camp is open to any kids in the UK , currently training in Thai-Boxing, from any camp or organisation in the UK. Cost is Kids 25 euro per day(all inclusive). Parents, Guardians, Family members 35 euro per day(all inclusive). This price includes full board, 5 meals per day, full medical cover and ALL tuition.

The programme of events will include; cultural aspects of MuayThai, its values and traditions, MuayThai techniques, Yok Kru, how to train and practice, yang sam khum, be smart-train smart and MuayThai against drugs. Couse tutors this time will be Andrej Grydin, Martin Karaivanov and Stefan ( Fox ). This course has the full backing of the World MuayThai Council under the auspices of I.F.M.A. ( International Federation of MuayThai Amateur )

However, the deadline for applications is 8 June 2007. Anyone interested should contact Jan direct ( mobile - 602 303 784, e-mail - cmta@cstv.cz ) or through MicknTrix if you prefer.

Now that MuayThai is a member of the Olympic family, we must play a much more active and important role in youth development, especially as we now have juniors in our World Championships, and are planning to hold separate JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in the near future.

Mick Mullaney
President; U.K.M.F.

Senior Kru - Pete McCormick.

Pete McCormick started MuayThai in 1992, and had his 1st fight after only 2years training. His Ring name was “Painted Bull” due to his relentless fighting style and his tattooed physique ( and because he dislikes the colour red.) He was a very tough, hard hitting Thai-Boxer who could hurt with both hands. Pete has trained in Thailand numerous times at such famous Camps as Vorapin, Sityodtong, Kiat Busaba, Jitty’s and the W.M.C. camp on Koh Samui. He says his toughest ring battles have always been againt his fellow training partners like Lee Chesters and Christian Di Paolo.He once got a fractured cheekbone in sparring whilst preparing for a fight. He finally decided to retire from the ring in 2001.

He now concentrates on teaching here at the Gym. Pete teaches all levels of the syllabus and is probably our best Children’s Instructor. He is also an invaluable part of our corner team when our Fighters compete. He is our expert in Thai Massage and prepares the fighters before they go into the Ring.

On his philosophy of teaching, Pete says this ; “ I never thought I would do anything like this ( teaching ). I find it challenging and rewarding at the same time; especially teaching those people that aren’t naturally talented. I get a buzz from seeing people improve. It must be enjoyable for them, it is up to the teacher to make sure the students enjoy what they are learning.”

Mick on Pete : Pete is a fantastic asset to the Gym, I’ve known him so long. His knowledge on MuayThai is now immense. He is my right arm when it comes to preparing fighters, organizing Gym shows, fund-raising and teaching. I have tremendous respect for his tenacious spirit, his rock-solid loyalty and reliability and his hidden sensitivity, which is sometimes difficult to see in such a hard man.

Mick

Imran Khan beats 'Boo' for World Title

Imran Khan of Wicker Camp won 2nd World title yesterday by beating Thai champion Seangagatit 'Boo' Sasiprapa yesterday on points at Club Isis, Liverpool. The fight was televised around the world on the internet.

Imran (26 years old) has had 18 professional fights and Boo (26 years old) has had 120 fights.

I have a few clips from the live stream - apologies for the poor quality but I'm posting in the belief that low quality video is better than no video! Double click the videos to make them play.



Boo stands for Thai national anthem.

Imran drops Boo with a head kick (commentary by Ronnie Green - slightly out of sync with the video! sorry about this...)

Well done Imran, Mick and Trix, and all at Wicker Camp!!! 
Another World Title!

Pain is weakness leaving the body.

"Deep in the soul, below all the pain,

even below the distractions of the fight,

is a vast silence - an infinite ocean of calm,

that which we seek with passionate longing,

we find within ourselves,

we must go beyond the fear of pain,

as pain is merely weakness leaving the body."

Imran Khan vs Boo - Sunday 20th May 2007

Imran Khan will be fighting Seangatit 'Boo' Sasiprapa for a World Title this Sunday (20th May 2007) in Liverpool. Boo was champion of Thailand in 2004 . ~Arjarn Mick Mullaney said that Boo is known to be very strong, lightning fast and ruthless! We wish Imran well for the fight.

The show on Sunday will be at Club Isis, on the East Lancashire Road (A580) in Liverpool.

It includes two World Title fights, European and British Titles and a number of Junior Area Titles.

Tickets are £25 each and Jo Astley should be contacted asap if you would like to go on 01744 739043.

One World, one MuayThai.

As a Thai-Boxing teacher my primary concern is the student's ability to achieve his/her potential. Whether that student is a beginner, advanced, a slow learner or an elite performer, I want to help them to achieve the highest standard of which they are able.

In order to do this I have to develop a very close relationship with my students. Knowing them personally is a vital key to understanding how an individual learns. Good teaching ability requires sensitivity and communication. These skills require as much cultivation and development as any technical skill.

We must approach our students as the diverse individuals they are, people just like us who have been shaped in a million unpredictable ways by lifetimes of experiences we can never fully grasp. They have their own reasons for wanting to learn MuayThai and have their own ideas as to what they will get from it. Because of this they also bring well developed beliefs and values; they bring an ability to analyse and question us and ( very often ) a whole set of opinions about what they can and can't do, what they will and won't do.

My experience has taught me that these attitudes and beliefs are perfectly natural and should be expected. We must learn to tolerate behaviour we might, at first, interpret as disrespectful.

Let us not forget that students may come from different cultural beliefs and not want to experience all aspects of MuayThai - especially its deep rooted Buddhist traditions. For example, many Muslim students feel uncomfortable using the traditional "Wai" in class and will never reciprocate this as a gesture of respect to their Kru. This is because the religion of Islam does not allow a Muslim to bow the head for any reason except to worship and honour God.

As experienced teachers we should not be offended by this cultural protocol, rather we must respect our student's cultural differences and embrace them to our Martial Art. Of course I appreciate that teachers of Thai-Boxing want to keep Thailand's cultural traditions alive ( as I do ...) by bowing in the traditional Thai way, performing the Wai Kru and Wai Mongkon etc. It shows the depth of a teacher's knowledge that he/she can impart these cultural customs to non-Thai students of MuayThai.

I have been to Thailand many times over the past 30 years AND trained at numerous Camps and never once ( in 30 years ) have I been forced to Wai to any Arjarn, Kru, Monk or Buddha image !! When I was at Pinsinchai camp in Bangkok (many years ago) the head trainer Patnoy, had Muslim Thai Boxers. These fighters never performed Wai Kru or Wai Mongkon but would always do the Ram Muay before the fight. Indeed there are many Muslims in Thailand,(predominantly in the south) an estimated 4% of the population ! My old friend Samit Murnramon, a great fighter and teacher, is a Thai Muslim in the UK. He is a very humble, private man who explained to me that Thai cultural traditions are more complex for a Muslim Thai. He will Wai sometimes ( like when he met King Bomipol ) but never in ordinary life or whilst teaching.

No doubt Thai teachers would be offended if their non- Muslim Thai students didn't Wai when expected, but most Thai's are aware of our cultural and religious differences and do not generally expect "Farang" to Wai.

The World MuayThai Council has adopted the slogan - "One World, one MuayThai" in recognition that Thailand's national sport and cultural heritage, is Thailand's most unique gift to the Martial Arts world. It is now a multicultural art that belongs to everyone. It will never lose its original flavour, its fighting spirit will never change, but it has been re-interpreted, in some small way, to be accessible to all.
A real challenge to teaching Thai-Boxing is to develop a deep self-awareness in the student, a spiritual understanding which not all students are ready for, but we have to try and cultivate this consciousness just as we would the physical body. If our student is already on this journey of spiritual understanding, it is our duty to assist them and not try to hinder them in any way.
Mick.

As rare as Diamonds

"Top boxers are as rare as diamonds. Their edges are cut by years of training, their techniques are polished to perfection as the surface of the glittering diamond; magnficent in its beauty and unique in its strength"

- from an old manuscript on Thai Boxing.

A few pictures from 2005/2006

Poster for 2006 Show held at Octagon Centre, Sheffield.

Watch highlights from the show here:
Imran Khan

Christian DiPaolo

Daniel Hudson

Mehdi Firoozi


Christian Di Paolo (Wicker Camp) beat Nicolo Ragulmuto (Italy) by 3rd round KO
@ England vs Italy & Thailand Show (Altrincham Leisure Centre, 19th November 2005



Imran Khan (Wicker Camp) beat Chad Bishop (Oude Western, Holland) by 3rd round TKO @ Master Sken's Show (Urmston, Manchester, 25th September 2005)

MuayThai means more.

To the Thai’s MuayThai means so much more than what we see in the ring. I know that Thai culture may sometimes seem illogical to us in the west, but it is a complicated Martial discipline which is intertwined with a deeper philosophy and encompasses much more than physical effort. Nak Muay (Thai-Boxers) should also be an example to those around them on how to live a life of significance.
Some children today seem to live their young lives through a computer screen, immersed in interactive chatrooms or the next generation Gameboy. They spend their time in a fantasy world, a fast-paced often violent parallel of our own existence. A growing number of young people experiment with an alternative level of consciousness in an opiate or alcohol inspired sub-world. Other youngsters may follow an undisciplined path of anarchy or crime, using violence, intimidation and insolence as currency for their actions. Many young people don’t have a strong work ethic. They don’t want to work hard, but would rather be a “celebrity”, famous for doing nothing.
As Thai-Boxing Teachers’ , it is our responsibility to help young people cope with a real world. Instil in them a sense of fair play. As you know, Thai-Boxing isn’t just an act of violence. Organised in a sporting manner, its participants have a full on physical experience pitting their skills against others. They must also have the self discipline to keep to the rules ( not winning at any cost ) and respect an opponent in victory or defeat. Some students definitely see Thai-Boxing training as a form of therapy, channelling aggression in a positive way to ease the frustration and stress contained in their lives. We have to encourage (the good), motivate and inspire them to become well balanced, principled adults that will be able to cope and to serve the next generation.
So, you have to ask yourself, what kind of a teacher am I? AND what kind of an example am I setting for those around me? Well I know I am not perfect, but it’s not about being perfect, it’s about striving to have a positive impact on those people we have influence over. We should encourage our students to develop patience and compassion with a clear intention to play a pro-active role in our community.
An important ingredient in our existence is “intention”. We should strive to make a difference in the way we live our lives, the words we choose and the things we do. Without a thought for Intention, the life we live will feel empty. I believe we have a fantastic cach'e of really great Thai-Boxing Teachers in the UK, but I notice one or two who don't seem to care how their students develop. We must think about the consequences of our actions. Do we really just want to sit back and watch the next generation prepare to under achieve?
I don’t want to do that, I think we should lead the next generation and encourage them to be healthy, strong and brave. We should teach them to stand up for themselves ( and others ) with integrity. Not to stand in the shadow of anyone, to be happy and follow a path to greatness.

Mick.

The Long Range Elbow?

Last Wednesday, Westley Smith whilst teaching the use of the elbow in the Beginner 1 class said the elbow is a short range weapon 'unless your name is Imran and you can move at the speed of light!'. The clip below shows Imran Khan demonstrate the long range elbow (around 2:25) - Sandy Holt commentating says he lands the stepping elbow from 6 feet away!

Wicker Camp Constitution- Author Mick Mullaney,1977.

Article I. Name & Purpose.

Section A : Name.
Part 1. The official name for this Organisation is Wicker
Thai-Boxing Camp.
Part 2. This Organisation may also use the name Wicker
Camp, Wicker MuayThai Camp, and Sheffield Thai-Boxing
Gymnasium in publicity materials and correspondences.


Section B : Purpose.
Part 1. The primary purpose of this Organisation is to
Promote and practice authentic MuayThai and pass on its
Traditions in its entirety so that its original Cultural
Heritage will continue.
Part 2. The secondary purpose of this Organisation is to
Operate as a full time Community facility encouraging
Fairness and Equal opportunities for all, and will never
Discriminate on the basis of Age, Race, Gender, Disability
Religion or Creed, National Origin, Ethnicity or Sexual
Orientation.
Part 3. Its further purpose will be to raise funds for
Itself, local, national and international charities and other
Humanitarian causes, whilst not promoting any particular
Political or Religious beliefs. The Organisation will
Welcome any and all individuals who respect this Policy.

Article II. Membership.

Section A. Requirements
Part 1. Membership is open to anyone over the age of
Five (5) years.

Part 2. Individuals who require special needs are also
Welcome to practice and learn to the best of their
Abilities, provided their particular special needs can be
Met by our Voluntary Staff and our Facilities.



Part 3. All members are required to pay, in part, for the
Facilities they use, prior to taking part in any organization
Activity.

Part 4. The right to FREE or Complimentary use of our
Facility is for any and all individuals who are unable to
Pay for the Facilities they use. All Members on low
Income will automatically receive subsidised Training
Fees, together with all members under the age of
Eighteen (18).

Part 5. All members must apply for a Licence and
Grading Record Book; which is renewable every twelve
(12) months.

Part 5. All members are eligible to attend any General
Meetings and Events of this Organisation.

Part 6. Members may have their Membership withdrawn
For any behaviour that opposes this Constitution.

Article III. Meetings.

Section A. Frequency and Type.

Part 1. A General Meeting will be convened once in
Every year.

Part 2. Special Meetings will be convened every three
(3) months By All Voluntary Staff to discuss daily running
of the Organisation and to implement any new procedures
and / or withdraw any practices that are detrimental to
our Organisation.

Article IV. Practice and Safety.

Section A. Syllabus and Procedure.

Part 1. The MuayThai Syllabus will enable students to
Identify and practice the CULTURAL, STRATEGIC,
TECHNICAL, and PHYSICAL (fitness) demands of MuayThai.

Part 2. Students will learn in stages appropriate to their
Ability, allowing a safe and progressive approach to the
Art of MuayThai.

Part 3. Participant safety is of paramount importance.
Students must adhere to stringent safety practice at all
Times, taking Instruction and guidance from their KRU
(teacher) or Assistant Kru.

Part 4. Misuse or abuse of MuayThai skills will not be
Tolerated. Matters concerning Bullying, intimidation or
Other anti-social behaviour will lead to expulsion from
Wicker Camp.

Exclusive Personal Tuition in MuayThai.

The massive popularity of our Personal tuition program means we now have even more Instructors available for private tuition than ever before. Male and female Instructors with years of MuayThai experience are ready to teach you in our full time Thai-Boxing Gym, 7 days a week.
All our Instructors are taught by Mick Mullaney, and hold an Instructor’s qualification recognized by the World MuayThai Council in Thailand. They all have extensive ring experience, have trained in Thailand at professional camps, and understand how to make you improve. They are all fully insured to teach you safely and for your extra peace of mind they are regularly checked by the Criminal Records Bureau for their suitability to teach children.
A one off private lesson can be arranged any time to suit you, and will provide intense tuition on a one to one basis. It is also possible for small groups of 2 to 4 individuals to share the same lesson if you wish, so that you can share the cost of the lesson. (maximum number of students is 4). Please try to give 24 hours notice if you wish to cancel your private lesson. Failure to do so will result in a £5 charge for non-attendance.
The most common and cheapest way to book personal tuition is to book a short course of lessons so that your instructor can plan your improvement in Thai Boxing over a length of time. New students may opt for an emphasis on self-defence or fight training and conditioning or the beginner’s syllabus; it really is up to you. Everyone booking a course of lessons will be given a free private fitness assessment before you begin your course of lessons. The format for achieving successful results is fairly intense. You will improve very quickly by having personal tuition, and will experience a variety of different types of warm up, flexibility and stamina training. You’ll be introduced to shadow boxing, padwork, ringcraft, clinchwork, bagwork and sparring. From time to time more experienced thai-boxers may be introduced to your lesson to help perfect certain techniques and skills. Meticulous details will be kept on performance, techniques studied and progress made to ensure an accurate assessment of improvement. An appropriate diet sheet will be given if required.
These courses can be booked in 5 lesson blocks and must be paid for in advance. Discipline and respect are important to us: late attendance will be deducted off the hour booked. Please note that these lessons are fixed times and cannot be changed. If you cannot make a pre-booked lesson with your Instructor you may lose that lesson. We need your commitment to each lesson to guarantee your improvement. (NB: if you cannot commit to block booked lessons, you should consider one off private lessons instead).
Private tuition is fun and challenging and can be tailor made to your individual needs. You will develop a very unique mentoring relationship with your Instructor who will take time to ensure you enjoy the experience and reach your full potential. Interested? Then give us a ring on 07801 273 124 (ask for Mick), 07743 596 420 (ask for Trix) or email us at micktrix@btinternet.com.

Traditional Thai Bagwork class.

These fast paced bagwork classes are the ultimate fitness experience. They are suitable for all levels of ability in Thai- Boxing, in fact anyone who wants to push themselves to the limit, even non Thai-Boxers. It’s TEN rounds of relentless bagwork done in a circuit type format, with gym tests and exercises in between each round; there’s even old fashioned shin and medicine ball conditioning for those that want it !!!
You will certainly test your physical limits as you train alongside Mick’s awesome fighters and Champions in this extreme hardcore MuayThai session. This class offers only basic tuition as the main emphasis is on stamina, strength building and MuayThai conditioning. Some of the extreme exercises in this class you won’t see anywhere else.

We’ve got a wide variety of different apparatus for you to use from very heavy bags, bell bags, maize bag, shin conditioning bag, speedballs, floor-to-ceiling balls, wall pads, clinchwork dummys, 6ft Thai bags and a full size “Bob XL” !
Of course you can pace yourself – remember, it’s up to you; do as much or as little as you want to. No one will pressure you into doing more. You’ll soon feel the energy and adrenaline pumping through your body as you get fitter every single session.
The Thai bagwork classes are on 5 days a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at 10am, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 8pm. The class lasts for one hour, bring your own water bottle (you’ll need it, we’ll provide the water.), a towel, a skipping rope if you’ve got one ( we can supply ), bring lots of energy too for this exhilarating experience you will never forget !

All new Junior beginner classes.

These energy-packed classes are the ultimate personal coaching program for your children, designed for kids between 5 – 15 years, it will provide them with physical fitness, confidence and life skills.
For the kids, it is an exciting journey of discovery that has a cool blend of MuayThai to develop, flexibility, strength and co-ordination. All our Junior classes have an underlying learning theme which encourages independence, responsibility, self esteem and leadership skills.
Its core is based on the key Martial Arts principles of discipline, respect, integrity and trust.
As part of their personal development program we will re-inforce safety awareness skills like “stranger danger” and anti-bullying tactics. We liase with many Junior and Secondary schools in the area and are kept informed of any bullying incidents concerning our juniors here at the Gym. You will automatically be a part of our informal Parents council with regular meetings to discuss your child’s progress/issues of concern etc. This way we hear directly from you the problems your children face.
We offer regular gradings with nationally recognised qualifications in Thai-Boxing, so you can measure your child’s progress as they improve and learn. We also offer regular competitive events both locally and on a national scale if you wish.

Our team of Instructors are fully qualified and insured with years of experience teaching kids. ( all Instructors are registered and checked by the Criminal Records Bureau for your peace of mind.)
I want you to view our life changing classes as an educational investment that will replace boredom and lack of motivation, with enthusiasm, focus and concentration.
Mom’s and Dad’s, if you want better behaved children who are physically fit, have super confidence and respect, MuayThai is the answer. It helps develop a positive attitude and self discipline which leads to a happy, well balanced child.
If you are interested in helping your child achieve more and reach their full potential, call me now on 07743 596 420 and ask for Trix, or e-mail me at micktrix@btinternet.com
Junior beginner’s classes are every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5.30pm til 6.30pm. Remember that our Saturday class is a great Family class where parents can train with their children in a fun, high energy session ! ( Tuesday and Thursday – kids only please )

Wicker Camp Team Sparring Championships,Sunday 15th July, 2007.

This our 30th anniversary year, sees the revival of the annual Team Sparring Championships at Wicker Camp. We've dusted off the big silver cup from the trophy cabinet in the Gym in preparation for this prestigious event.

Sunday 15th July will see our two teams ( Red team & Blue team ) battle it out for the Camp Cup. We've had quite a few entries already, but are looking for students to take part in this fun event. It's only 3 x 1 minute rounds and any graded student can enter. All bouts will of course be matched fairly between students of similar weight, age and ability. All participants will wear full protective gear - body shield, big gloves, leather shinpads and ( where applicable )head guards.

I'd like a MAXIMUM of 20 bouts, so the whole thing doesn't take all day. We've also got a fantastic outdoor barbeque planned ( hope it doesn't rain ...) with free food and soft drinks for all competitors. ( Yes, I'm afraid spectators will have to pay for food n drink ! )

It will cost you £2 to enter, will be excellent experience and will give you an extra fitness goal to ensure you perform well on the day. We are also going to charge spectators a massive £2 entry to this event, but all money raised will go to St. Luke's Hospice. So, any spectators out there - you are most welcome to come along.

Be quick - I guarantee we'll be inundated with entries for this fantastic, fun event !

"Be as soft as silk, as hard as a diamond, be calm and never show anger, but if you have to fight, be strong and be resolved in your purpose"

Old Thai proverb.

Helene Garnett-World Title fight

After a fantastic win in Sheffield for the European Title against the tough Scot Michelle Doig, Mick has been offered a World title fight for Helene in Utrecht, Holland on the 1st July against the very experienced Germaine De Ramdanie.

This is a great opportunity for Helene and win or lose will test her ability and put her on the World stage. Good luck to her.

Trix March

Imran Khan vs Rung

After 10 weeks of hard training, Imran was very confident and ready to fight Rung. The problem we had was Imran had to be very careful during this fight and make sure he did not get injured as he is due to fight Seangatit (Boo) Sasiprapa for a World Title in Liverpool on the 20th May, only 4 weeks after the Sheffield show.

Our game plan for the fight against Rung was to cut him with an elbow early in the fight. Unfortunately Rung's skin is like leather after 200+ fights, and Imran didn't manage to cut him with an elbow until the last round (although he landed plenty). Imran easily out-pointed Rung with his clever tricks and feints, out-boxing him, out kicking him, out-grappling him resulting in a unanimous victory and able to be back in the gym 3 days later preparing for 'Boo'.

It was a real pleasure to meet Rung who is such a nice guy, and Stevie Nesbitt who we've worked with in the past and has my respect.

Mick Mullaney

30th Anniversary World Championship Show

In Celebration of its 30th Anniversary (1977-2007), Sheffield Thai Boxing Gym held a World Championship Show at the The Octagon Centre Sheffield on Sunday 22nd April 2007. The fighters from Wicker Camp (Sheffield Thai Boxing Gym) were:
Daniel Hudson
Haji Imran Khan
Sam Bawden
Grant Goodison
Mehdi Feroozi
Christian Di Paolo
Helene Garnett
Thomas Mccormick
Paul Carnall

The Results

Grant Goodison put in another solid performance against a much taller lad and took it on points. Grant is getting stronger and more technical with each fight, a great prospect for the future.

Paul 'Chilli' Carnell won by a 2nd round knockout. He got caught with a decent punch in the first that rocked him but came back even stronger.

Mehdi Frozer put his opponent down in about 10 seconds into the first round with a perfectly placed head kick. His opponent got back up only to be put down again towards the end of that round , this time not quite gaining the composure he needed to continue. Mehdi won the the British Title.

Thomas McCormick, what can I say, the lad is class, anyone that was there will testify. He totally out classed his opponent and stopped him comfortably in the 2nd round. Thomas is following in the steps of Imran Khan, this guy is destined for greatness on the Muay Thai circuit.

Cristian was up against a Belarussin that in my opinion didn't look like he was going to pose any threat at all and escaped a good hiding in the later rounds by getting a nasty cut from an elbow in the 1st round. Cristian remained calm and composed and did what he does best.

Imran Khan put in a solid performance against a well respected experienced Thai. Imran took control of the fight from the first bell and pushed forward to a convincing points victory over the five round. How hard was Rung's head!

Helen Garnett had a very good fight again a very tough opponent. Helene's opponent started off throwing a lot more kicks in the earlier round with Helene using sharper boxing skills. Helen changed tact and started working the Scottish girls legs and took a points vistory to win a European title.

Well done lass.

Daniel Hudson, oh Daniel Hudson. Daniel started very strong from the beginning dropping his Hungarian opponent with a knee to the head. The Hungarian got back although got caught with another knee that opened up a nasty cut before the end the 1st round, the towel was thrown in by Farhad Ali.

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=201861&page=2

Wicker Camp Gym

The Sheffield Thai-Boxing Gym, home of Wicker Camp, is a non-profitmaking, Charitable Business founded in 1977 by Mick Mullaney. He now runs the Gym with his wife Trix March and his team of 12 Instructors.

The Gym is dedicated to teaching authentic MuayThai, and operates as a fulltime Community facility which offers classes, courses, seminars and Private tuition. It is currently one of the oldest and biggest Thai-Boxing camps in the UK., and boasts the most Champions of any Thai-Boxing Gym in this country !!!

We are a full member of the World Muay Thai Council (World governing body,Thailand) and The United Kingdom Muay Thai Federation (UK governing body). All our Instructors are fully insured and qualified to teach Thai-Boxing, and the Gym also offers Bona Fide Licence Book with Grading record and member to member insurance cover.

The Gym comprises a massive 3000 sq.ft. with a complete range of “no frills” facilities. This Gym is not a sanitised corporate fitness establishment you might see in the city centre; You’ll know you are in a traditional pro Gym when you smell the boxing liniment. We cater for the complete Beginner through to Instructor level. Our facilities include; Large platform boxing ring, fully matted training area, a large variety of different punch bags, speedball, floor to ceiling ball, wall pads, clinchwork dummies, Thai pads, belly pads and much, much more. We also have a separate weight training room with bench press, lat pulldown, cable pulley, T-bar, dipping bars, heavy duty pull up bar, incline ab bench, hyperextention, leg extention/curl, leg press, calf machine, mechanical stretch machine, and an extensive assortment of free weights and dumbbells. We have separate male and female changing rooms with shower and wc., comfortable lounge/ reception area which offers hot and cold drinks and snacks, TV, DVD and video facilities.

Gym Address: Sheffield Thai-Boxing Gym, Unit 14. Clarence Works, Effingham Road, Sheffield. S4 7YS, UK

Arjarn Mick Mullaney

Mick Mullaney first became interested in MuayThai in 1976, and became fascinated by the way the Thai’s fought, He travelled to Thailand to train at some of the best Professional Camps – SOR THANIKUL, SITYODTONG-PAYAKARUN, SOR VORAPIN, CARRYBOY AND PINSINCHAI in Bangkok, as well as Camps in the North-east at Nakon Ratchasima and Roi-et.

Each year Mick would travel back to Thailand to learn alongside some of the top fighter’s in Thailand, learning more skills to make him a better fighter. These days a lot of people don’t realise that Mick was a very experienced Fighter with more than 68 fights to his credit. There was no Thai-Boxing in the UK at this time, so Mick would fight anyone using his Thai-Boxing skills. His toughest fights were against the Malaysian DONNY LYMM, whom he fought twice losing the 2^nd fight on a cut under his left eye, and Adul “Crazy Horse” whom he Knocked out with his left shin. He also fought the tough Hong Kong fighter, MANG CHAN WEI and lost on points, but not before breaking his opponents arm in a tough & bloody battle!

Mick was a very aggressive, fighter who forced many lesser opponents to fall before the end of the 1^st round. His best weapon was his rock hard left shin that crippled & knocked out many fighters. His last fight was in 1984 – and by all accounts was one fight too many; he received two broken ribs from a strong knee, and a very bloodied face.

Now Mick has retired from fighting, he concentrates on teaching MuayThai at his full time Gym in Sheffield. He has put his knowledge to good use and over a number of years produced some of the top Champions in the UK including 27 British titles, 10 European & Commonwealth titles & 4 World titles. He was an inaugural member of the World MuayThai Council, Thailand’s governing body for MuayThai worldwide, and was honoured to be awarded the rank of ARJARN (Master) by the late General Vorayuhd Messomonta in September 1998 at Samut Prakarn.

Mick Mullaney is currently President of The United Kingdom MuayThai Federation which is the democratic voice for ALL MuayThai organisations in the UK, both Amateur & Professional. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of MuayThai in the UK, from Syllabus preparation for other MuayThai Organisations, British Team Selection, Seminars and Training Courses. You may contact him by telephone at his UK Headquarters on 0114 279 5470, or his Secretary’s London office on 01923 770 811. Alternatively, you can contact our Public Relations Manager, Craig Beachell, via our Web site - www.wickercamp.com