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Please visit our new website, www.wickercamp.co.uk for latest news and events from Wicker Camp Sheffield Thai Boxing Gymnasium.

Devastating Elbow Seminar - January 2009

After the huge success with his Crippling Knee Seminar in November 2008, Mick Mullaney invites you to his exclusive Devastating Elbow Seminar on Sunday 18th January 2009 (11am - 2pm). This 3 hour workshop will explore the brutal art of using elbows in MuayThai.

With over 30 years experience in MuayThai and producing over 35 Champions to date his knowledge and expertise is unrivalled in the UK. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

To book a place call Mick 07801273124 or download a booking form from the website and return by 12.01.09.

Super Fights - Wolverhampton and London

Wolverhampton Civic Hall 30th November 2008.

Haji Imran Khan will be fighting for his 3rd World Title on this show. The ISKA World Title belt is currently held by Rung who Imran has fought and defeated once before. This will be an important fight for Imran as the winner will represent the UK in a World Championship Event in Cambodia next year. Imran has started his training and is really looking forward to fighting Rung again. Good Luck Imran


Helene Garnett European Champion is also fighting for a World Title on this show. She will be fighting a Dutch girl who are renowned for their tough aggressive style. Helene has wanted this opportunity for a long time and is training very hard and we are very confident that she will become World Champion. Good Luck Helene.

We are having a coach trip to this event so if you fancy a good night out supporting your club sign up on reception.


London
On the same evening in London Daniel Hudson (World Champion) will be competing in a big eliminator show to decide who will represent the UK for the 2009 Contender TV Show. Daniel is the most under rated fighter in the UK and has an excellent chance of winning this event. He is training hard and looking awesome already. Good Luck Dan

Thomas McCormick vs Yodmongkon. Rajadamnoen Stadium, Thailand.

A big congratulation to Thomas McCormick on a spectacular win at Ratchadamnoen Stadium on Sunday 22 June, against a much more experienced Bangkok fighter.
Thomas, 19 yrs, beat Yodmongkon,20 yrs, on points over 5 rounds at Ratchadamnoen’s “Farang” night. Thomas has had a lot of junior experience in the UK but only had 10 senior fights. This was never going to be easy for him facing the upcoming Bangkok pro with 70 fights under his belt ! He was announced into the ring as -“Thomas Wicker Camp UK !” Yodmongkon, his opponent, is the Promoter’s boy, which means he fights regularly on this Promoter’s bill at Ratchadamnoen Stadium.
Although the Thai was very strong, Thomas was much sharper than the Thai and started scoring with strong kicks to the Thai’s legs and ribs. The Thai wanted to clinch but Thomas persistently scored with his knees and threw Yodmongkon to the canvas. The Thai came back with heavy punches, and furious kicks, but couldn’t land a clean shot on Thomas. By the start of the 5th round Thomas was the clear winner catching the Thai with strong kicks and a couple of good elbows. The fight was just about over with 1 minute to go, both fighters moving around the ring touching gloves, waiting for the final bell.
Some may think that “it’s only Farang night” (although Thomas was the ONLY Farang fighting...) and that it is not an important achievement for Thomas to win in Thailand; I don’t agree. I know that Thomas has much to learn about fighting, and this win doesn’t exactly make him Thailand champion, BUT it was an experience that will change Thomas for the better, and make him the great champion I know he will be, one day soon.
A BIG thank you to my old friend Jitti, who set up this fight for me, he also let Thomas train for 4 days at his camp, fed him, and got a massive discount on tickets for our 30 fabulous supporters at ringside.

Imran vs Anuwat. Paris, France.

What a great opportunity for Imran Khan to fight an awesome fighter like Anuwat Kiewsamrit. Sadly, we were only offered this fight TWO WEEKS before, so Imran and Mick had very little time to prepare for what would obviously be a tough fight anyway; Add to this the fact that Mick wouldn’t be in Imran’s corner and the French authorities would not allow elbows – Imran’s preferred weapon of choice, and the fight was never in Imran’s favour.
This was a great fight at the wrong time for Imran. As he’d not been training regularly, Mick was concentrating on getting Thomas into fighting shape ready for his big night at Ratchadamnern Stadium. We got the call from Paul Henessey only two weeks before, Imran jumped at the chance, but it was soon obvious in the gym that he wasn’t very fit. He got to train with Mick twice a day for 12 days (real vomit and tears stuff . . .) until it was time for him to recuperate ready for battle. Imran is not naturally a fit guy, but he is the toughest when it comes to mental will power.
Imran knew he wasn’t at his fittest for this battle, we were hoping and praying that the French would allow the elbow, but thought it was on the cards that they probably would not. Dan Hudson agreed to take Imran to Paris and corner him for the fight as Mick was flying out to Thailand on the day of Imran’s fight.
Imran lost the fight on points but was in extremely high spirits as he knew that Anuwat was at his fittest and STILL couldn’t stop Imran !!! Imran got dropped twice during the fight, but largely due to exhaustion and not Anuwat’s power. Mick spoke to him by phone the day after the fight and Imran was buzzing. He is absolutely certain that he will beat Anuwat in a rematch ! The guy was super fit and powerful, but Imran was the better Thai-Boxer. If he’d had more fuel in the tank and able to use his elbows, Imran feels he can not only beat Anuwat, but stop him in a rematch.
Mick and Jitti Damriram spent time negotiating a rematch in Bangkok. Anan, Anuwat’s Manager from Kiewsamrit, is still considering at the time of writing. Mick’s friend, Jitti, is trying to get a rematch at either Ratchadamnern or Lumpini for Imran. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear from Thailand.

Birmingham Results

Mehdi Firoozi (77kg) fought Shaun Lomas (78kg) from Combat Sports (Sheffield) on Saturday 26th April at the Tower Ballroom Birmingham for the ISKA British title.

This was a strange fight as Shaun (an ex student/Instructor for Master A) has also trained at Wicker Camp for a short while last year. He then disappeared and reappeared running his own club asking to fight Mehdi! He’s had quite a bit of experience training and fighting in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. Really confident and with a strong physique he was up for the fight.

Mehdi took his time expending as little energy as possible making Shaun miss and forcing him to chase Mehdi the whole fight. Mehdi landed one of his great head kicks in the 2nd and Shaun took an 8 count and recovered!! Shaun was relentless but Mehdi kept his cool and kept scoring with the knee and his hands. His performance wasn’t up to his usual standard but a unanimous decision awarded Mehdi yet another British title.

Thomas Mc Cormick (63kg) fought Carl Copstake from K-Star (62kg) also for a ISKA British Title. Thomas is known for his skill and movement and this was no exception. Catching Carl with well timed pushkicks early in the fight and perfectly turning him in the clinch Thomas looked like this was his fight. Carl took everything in his stride and weathered the storms, he was relentless in his attacks and worked the whole fight. Thomas couldn’t match him for work rate and although Thomas was visibly the better fighter Carl earned the decision in the end.

Mr. & Mrs Bawden

Everyone at Wicker Camp would like to congratulate Sam and Jemma who were married on Friday 4th April in Essex. Sam is one of our Instructors and he now lives and works in Essex and is sadly missed. He has a beautiful wife, Jemma and a fantastic son, Matty and they make a lovely family (pictured). We want to wish them happiness, good health and a long life together.

Junior Thaiboxing Show Manchester

Jaz Meates 46kg (English Champion) fought at Ordsall British Legion Club against Georgie 'boy' Powell from Staunch Muaythai in London. Georgie had a few fights experience on Jaz (13f to 10f) who was taller and 1kg heavier.

The fight was over three rounds and Jaz took control from the very start. He started landing some strong solid leg kicks and by the 2nd round they were visibly hurting Georgie. Georgie was a strong fighter especially in the clinch where he dominated the fight. Jaz used good footwork to keep scoring and moving and by the end of the fight had won unanimously.

Another strong performance from Jaz who is eager to fight at the next Wicker Camp Gym show. Well done.

The Ladykillers II - Feb 2008

Congratulations to Helene Garnett who won in the 5th Round at the Ladykillers II show in Manchester on 16th Feb 2008.

Some comments posted online:

"Helen garnet v Zoey Mason. A composed performance from Helen throughout, Zoey never stopped fighting but Helen was always just a step ahead. She picked it up in the last round and forced the ref to stop the fight after landing some bit heavy head shots."

"but fighter of the night for me was Helene Garnet, i was looking forward to seeing her fight so much. She is just pure class-credit to Zoe Mason who took some punishment in the face, Zoe did well-she just kept going and against a less powerful opponent probably would've won easily but Helene has ridiculously strong punching power for someone her size. Zoe was visibly upset at the stoppage but Helene showed true sportsmanship and went straight over to console her." - Marianne, www.teamphoenixuk.com

"Helen Garnett is such a nice down to earth lady outside the ring but when the 1st bell goes she is possesed by the evil devil of mashdown-ness she was fantastic and a pleasure to watch as always.....got to give props to her opponent for stepping up to the plate i dont think she was as experienced but put in a good account of herself against IMO the best pound 4 pound female fighter in this country....would love to see Helen fight for a world title on the next LadyKiller show." - Liam, Badcompany

"Well done to Zoe Mason and the Touchgloves team for taking such a tough fight against Helene Garnett who punches like a heavyweight!!! Well done Zoe." - Kevin Dorman

"Helen Garnett was impressive as always, and agree that she definitely deserves a world title shot.Credit to Zoey Mason for taking the fight&having great heart throughout the fight."

"Helene Garnett- who i have never seen fight before was for me the best fighter on the show, she was an absolute treat to watch, i would however like to give Zoe Mason from touch gloves some credit for her gutsy performance, im sure even helene will agree that give Zoe more experience and a bit more power and she will be a real force to content with for the future, she showed some guts and some real quality"

Rachael Clements also represented Wicker Camp at the show and put in a valiant effort in her first adult fight against a more experienced fighter and we hope to see her in the ring again soon.

Next Generation Thai Boxing Show

Next Generation Thai Boxing Show

DATE : SUNDAY 24^TH FEBRUARY

VENUE: SHEFFIELD THAI-BOXING GYM, EFFINGHAM ROAD, SHEFFIELD, S4 7YS.

DETAILS: Weigh-in 11am, Medical 11.30am, doors open 12 noon, 1^st bout 1pm.

Tickets Adults = £10. / Under 16 = £6. available from the gym. Telephone ticket hotline - 0114 2795470/ 07801 273 124 / 0774 359 6420.

All Instructors receive ticket commission on tickets they sell + travel expenses.

All fighters receive big quality trophy + hot Thai meal voucher.

Featuring Wicker Camp's next generation of adult fighters vs the rest. Plus other exciting fighters from around the UK.

PLEASE NOTE : THIS IS NOT AN INTERCLUB. Fighters do not pay to compete.

Contact mick@wickercamp.co.uk for further details.

Image vs Substance

It is through language, imagery and participation that we learn. We choose our values and make our judgements from the things we see, hear and experience.
Today there seems to be a disturbing trend that is affecting the values we choose and the judgements we make. Some of us are more concerned with image and how something “appears” to be (how it looks), they live in the moment without any thought for substance or deeper meaning.

We see this preoccupation with image all the time. Politicians that spin their true intentions to sensationally steal a vote, vacuous media “celebrities” that fail to contribute anything except to display their beauty, wealth and bad habits. Virtually ALL advertising has this vulgar obsession with image and lifestyle that affects every choice we make. We see it too in music, the cinema and sport. Let’s not get too excited by flashy demo’s and spinning kicks or by individuals that are so image conscious they believe they are more important than the rest of us, and make little or no contribution to our community unless it benefits them.

The current success of MMA and the UFC is a great example of this. These new breed of fighters bad mouth and slag each other off, peer into the camera grimacing and snarling in an attempt to intimidate their future opponents. I find it ridiculous that anyone would be intimidated by this superficial and theatrical act of arrogance; - just because someone says they are the best or the most dangerous, doesn’t make it true. It is propaganda, it is marketing, it is spin. It is not the truth but an illusion that grabs our attention for the wrong reasons. What seems to be more important is hitting the sunbeds and getting ripped, having just the right tattoo’s or that special haircut to become the fighter that everyone’s talking about (it happens in Thai-Boxing too).

Just because a fighter appears in the Martial Arts magazines all the time, doesn’t mean that much and doesn’t necessarily make them any better than you or I. Look beyond the surface image at who people really are. Take away all the sensationalism and look at what fighters really do and the skills they actually use. Image conscious individuals would rather spend time on things that will impress others. Focus your time on developing real skills that take time and are hard to come by. Do things properly and don’t rush just to get to some ideal standard. Never be frightened of failure, it is an important ingredient to becoming great. Making mistakes and getting things wrong is an essential part of learning. Image conscious people are afraid to explore, they don’t like to make mistakes for fear of looking bad.

Remember, whatever you focus on becomes your idea of reality. If you focus your attention on image without regard for substance, you are measuring your self worth by what is on the outside. YOU decide what is on the inside by holding yourself to a higher standard. You have the power right now to control how you think, how you feel and what you do. Standing up for what you believe, focusing on what you are deeply committed to will give you a healthy self worth that will help create your destiny – You are not defined by what you say or how you look..., but by what you do. One of the most important things I want you to realise is that you have absolute control over your own internal world – you decide what things mean and what to do about them.

A Very Special Message for Mick and Trix

Well what a year, our anniversary and probably the best year we have ever had. The fighters have been absolutely amazing and its been a fantastic privilege for me to be in the corner with Mick and Trix to witness so many wicker camp victories. How many champions have we got now?, that many I have lost count a long time ago (something to do with getting smacked in the head a lot lol) having so many champions and good fighters that keep winning to me means only one thing that Mick Mullaney is without doubt the No.1 Thai boxing trainer in the country and has been for a good few years now (round about 30 to be precise) but as they say behind every good Thai boxing trainer is a bloody good female Thai boxing trainer and Trix March fits that bill superbly having trained thousands and thousands of juniors to the very highest standard in the world and many of them have gone on to be adult champions i.e. Imran Khan, Chilli, Thomas and of course many junior champions too.

Not only are they fantastic trainers, but they are also fantastic friends to anyone who pops there head round the door and joins the wicker camp. I’m sure you will agree with me when you join wicker camp you join a very special family the atmosphere and friendliness down at the gym is second to nowhere else. I have been there for a lot of years now and Mick and Trix have done so much for me and hundreds of other students way above and beyond just being instructors, it's awesome. So I guess what I’m trying to say is Mick and Trix I love and respect you and would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the last 30 years of wicker camp and look forward to the next 30. Wow we are going to have some amazing champions to come.

If like me you are proud and humble to be a member of the very best Thai boxing club in the world please take this opportunity to leave a few words to two of the best people I know .Also i would like to to say thanks to all the instructors that also do loads for the gym cheers love you all; West, Dan, Lee ,Daz ,Helene, Ali ,Sam ,Imran, Paul

lots of love mick trix n roo

Kru Pete Mccormick

MUAYTHAI SUPERFIGHTS 2007.

The MuayThai Superfights show at Wolverhampton Civic Hall hosted the must see fight of 2007. The showdown between our very own Haji Imran Khan and the number 1 in the UK, Richard Cadden; and what an amazing fight it turned out to be. Also from Wicker Camp was up and coming star Thomas McCormick who proved he is a force to be reckoned with.
Thomas stepped into the ring 1st to face the experienced Yogendra Parekh. Yogi is a superb fighter, but we felt he wasn't in the best shape for this fight (thankfully)had he been, Thomas would have had a much tougher fight. Tom used his reach to keep him at distance, working to Yogi's body and legs with his strong teep, landing some solid leg kicks and showing very good skill in the clinch. Mick wanted to see Thomas use a range of different skills in this fight to develop his timing in the clinch and test his defence against a very strong puncher. Thomas won every round easily on points over 5 x 2 min rounds. Good exposure for Tom on a big show.
Imran was very nervous. I think he felt the pressure was on to prove what everyone at Wicker Camp expected, that he would beat Richard easily. In the changing rooms he paced nervously, doubting his ability and his preparation. The truth is, Imran was in the best shape of his life. Private tuition twice per day with Mick for the past 8 weeks (even during Ramadam), ensured that he was extremely well prepared.

The fight didn't start that slowly, both fighters were eager to stamp their own aggressive intentions. Not many realise that Imran is a consummate master of defence, it is very hard to hit him. Cadden tried but Imran's blocks were up like lightening. His hand speed is awesome, his power surprising and his knees and elbows are absolutely devastating. It was no surprise to us when Imran cut him early in the 1st round and dropped him with another sharp powerful elbow that forced the Doctor to stop the fight. John Blackledge the Referee, as ever the experienced Pro, stepped in and insisted the Doctor examine the cut.

A final word about Richie Cadden - I know he was disappointed, who wouldn't be. He is still the great fighter he was before this. I don't think he's past it or over the hill, I don't think that he is lacking in skill or any of the things critics may think to say about him. This fight was all about style, a matching of different styles. Richard is such a nice lad. He is also a noble ambassador for our sport, always a gentleman, proud in his many great victories and gracious in this one defeat.

Results Middleton Civic Centre 27th Oct 2007

A special congratulations to Dave Kantor who became the new Light Heavyweight English Champion beating Anthony Sabinda (Kings Gym).

This was a real test for Dave as it was only his 2nd fight. He started off really nervous in the 1st round and Anthony landed some strong body kicks, although they didn't seem to phase Dave. As he settled into the fight he started to land some strong kicks and some solid punches to the body and head. Anthony seemed to look tired by the 3rd and Dave's confidence grew. He proved to be more resilient wearing his opponent down and as the fight progressed looked stronger and much more aggressive throwing his opponent through the ropes in the 4th round. By the end of the 5th it was clear that Dave was the winner, he really pulled the goods out on the night. Respect must go to Anthony a tough opponent and his trainer Dave McClennon who was very professional and a nice guy.

Well done Dave a fantastic performance. X

Results Middleton Civic Centre 27th Oct 2007

Congratulations to Mehdi Firoozi who became the new Light Heavyweight British Champion beating Gareth Brady (Master A's Camp).

The fight was the final bout of the evening and Gareth had loads of support. Mehdi was really nervous, he was 3kg lighter, less experienced (10th fight)and he'd also agreed to put up his English Title belt, so the pressure was on.

After a cautious start both fighters started scoring and Mehdi caught Gareth in the 1st round with a right hook, it didn't rock him but he stumbled and this gave Mehdi the confidence he needed. In the 2nd Gareth caught Mehdi with some strong punches and Mehdi landed some solid leg kick combinations and a couple of good elbows. It was a tough battle with both fighters being dangerous all the time. The 3rd round saw Mehdi unleash some good combinations and again landed a solid leg kick (full shin) to Gareth's left leg. Gareth fell to the canvas and was unable to continue.
Thank you to Master A for this opportunity and to Gareth Brady who's proved to be a great fighter.

A fantastic performance Mehdi and what a year, an English Title and two British Titles, well done.X

Junior Show Manchester Sunday 21st Oct

Jaz Meates (pictured) became the new 41kg English champion providing an excellent performance against Zak Adams from Jaimie Rickets Camp. Jaz has been waiting a long time for this and deserves it so much.

Lewis Lazenby 50Kg performed beyond expectation and won his first fight against Matt Runner from Peles Camp.

Dale Gordon 55Kg had a tough 2nd fight against a more experienced Juran Jones from K-Star, unfortunately the contest was stopped after Dale accidentally caught Juran with a knee to the head.

Congratulations to all fighters and look out for these up and coming stars in the future.

Upcoming Title Fights

Amazing Muay Thai Championships (Manchester)

Mehdi Firoozi is fighting for his 2nd 78Kg British Title in 2 months (I.S.K.A British title) and on the same show Wicker Camp newcomer Dave Kantor fights for a 78Kg I.T.B.F English Title

Mehdi Firoozi v.s Gareth Brady 78kg

(Wicker camp) (Master A's)

5x3 mins Full Muay Thai Rule

Dave Kantor (Wicker) vs Anthony Sabinda (Kings Gym) 79 kg I.S.K.A British title

Middleton Civic Centre
Fountain Street
Middleton
Manchester
M24 1AF

Mick's comment on Imran Khan vs Richard Cadden.

As some of you may know, I'm not very familiar with the Internet and its internal workings. However, some of you have mentioned the general debate that's going on in the odd Internet forum concerning the forthcoming fight between Imran and Richard Cadden.I would like to add my thoughts for all ( who are bothered ) to know.

I have known Richard Cadden for many years,I've had the privilege of watching him develop from an enthusiastic novice to the great champion he is today. He is a fearless and skilful fighter who has taken on the best fighters in the UK and abroad. I have nothing but admiration for Richard, I appreciate him for his skill, admire him for his indomitable courage and respect him as a friend. He has been taught by one of the best teachers we have in Richard Smith and I am sure he will be perfectly prepared for this match.

This fight will be business as usual for both camps. It is not about whether or not these two lads like each other ( although they do...), it is about putting their respective skills to the test against each other. Imran is working extremely hard with me every night (- that says how much we rate Richard Cadden -) even though he is fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan, he will be ready to face Richard. I say good luck to them both, it will be one hell of a fight.

I urge all Wicker students to refrain from criticizing individuals over the Internet, it is a cowardly and crass way of behaving which says a lot more about you than it does about anyone you may criticize. I hope not to speak anymore on this subject.

Wicker Camp 30th Year Reunion Party

Do you remember the old gym in the Wicker, do you remember our first Charity Gym Show in aid of the Chest Heart and Lung Foundation. Do you remember Hugo, or Stanislav the Russian Kickboxer, Darren Castledine winning his British Title, going to Scotland in a minibus, going to Knowsley Safari Park. What about the red and grey tiled floor in reception, the tiled skipping area at the back of the gym before we extended the mat? Do you remember the show we had at the Royal Victoria Hotel, or Ponds Forge, or The Irish Club? Going to see Trix and Ismael fight at the Tower Ballroom in Birmingham? What about that huge dog Jasper?

If you do remember any of these things then you must come to celebrate 30 years of Muaythai. Wicker Camp are hosting a Reunion Event for all past and present students at Takapuna Bar & Restaurant, West Street, Sheffield. Sunday 9th December 8pm til 1am. (Tickets: £5)

Give us a call: 01142795470 / 07743596420

How many Titles this year?

It has been a memorable year for Wicker Camp and you should be so proud. In its 30th Anniversary year we have managed to scoop 8 Titles (2 World, 1 European, 3 English, 2 British).

And we've not finished yet.......................

21st October sees Junior fighter Jaz Meates challenging for a 43.5Kg English Title

27th October features Mehdi Firoozi fighting for his 2nd 78Kg British Title in 2 months and on the same show newcomer Dave Kantor fights for a 78Kg English Title.

I congratulate all our fighters for their dedication and hard work. Thanks to all the pad men/women who help prepare them, our corner man Pete McCormick for his unfathomable loyalty and most of all to Arjarn Mick Mullaney who willingly devotes so much of his time, knowledge and experience to ensure Wicker Camp remains one of the best Muaythai Camps in the UK.
Trix