SWD Classic 2011

Picturesque George was the location for the 2011 SWD Classic, and if nothing else proved to be a cooler venue than last year’s sweltering Oudshoorn. The tournament itself proved to be better in every regard, especially in terms of the number of participants and the number of new events on offer.

But for the Western Cape and West Coast contingents, just making it to the location proved to be its own tournament division. Numerous stop-and-go’s along the N2 led to some competitors making it to the venue mere moments before their divisions were to start. Minor travel glitches aside, a good time was had by the competitors. Win, lose or otherwise, everyone benefitted. Experienced fighters were able to hone their skills further, while newcomers to the sport picked up invaluable experience and impetus to up their game for the upcoming Cape Classic.

Selected highlights from the tournament include:

• The launch of the MMA Light fighting divisions, with Shihan Paul’s NMA students making a clean sweep in their respective divisions.
• Sensei Karel’s demonstration of the three-way wood breaking to be implemented in future tournaments (3 strikes, 23 broken boards).
• Sempai Lutcin making the finals of the Black Belt Open division.
• Two students, Tom (Rondebosch) and Duane (Durbanville) competing for the first time in the Sport Full Contact category, with Duane emerging the eventual and deserving winner.
• Angie making her long awaited comeback after an injury layoff to claim second place in Light Continuous.
• A jubilant Delia dominating her Light Continuous division, much to the delight and approval of the spectators.

This in no way lessens the achievements of our other competitors; it is but a sad reflection of the poor state of the writer’s memory. Well done to all who made the time, effort and last-minute accommodation arrangements to be there. You did yourself and your Academy proud.

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