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Dave and Becky Ryan, once again put a another successful show (Only The Strong)
Which was held in a new venue, the Decorum sport centre, Birkhamsted, on Saturday 25th September 10.
The show was a little smaller than usual due to the WAKO Worlds and the BKC tournaments going on at the same time. The show got off to a late start due to some of the officials arriving late but when the show got under way it was wicked and ran smoothly with Dave Ryan, doing another good great job in matching up the fighters.

Watford had three students on the bill including Dave Ryan, chief instructor and coach to Watford Freestyle and Team Renegade.
Rubie Plason, from Canvey Island, got the show underway with her creative samurai sword demonstration.
First fight of the night was between Philip Howell, from Nemesis (Reading) against Ben Davis, from FIMA (Tunbridge Wells) this contest was fought over two one and half minute rounds, which got the crowd going, after two well slogged out rounds between the two fighters, Philip was the one to have his hand raised aloft.

Only The Strong Ladies -65kg Southern Area Champion, Helena Martins, (Richmond GBMAA) was back to defend her title against Emma Harper, from Corey Cain’s, South East Academy (High Wycombe) Both Ladies gave it there all to obtain that Southern Area belt, after four entertaining rounds, Helena kept hold of her title.

Mark Williams, was first up from the Watford trio, Mark was against Mark Dayrell,
From Ed Lofts, East Susses, Martial Arts, Mark Williams, got to a great start by stealing the first round, Mark Dayrell, come on stronger in the second round when he attempted a leg sweep which caused an injury to Mark Williams, knee but the warrior that Mark, is tried to carry on but the pain was to much and he had to retire leaving Mark Dayrell, being awarded the decision.
 Luke Scott, got the show back under way after a short break with his amazing open hand creative form with lot of flips and twists.
The fight a lot of people were waiting to see was Dominic Specchio, (Fighting Fit Academy) against Ed Lofts, (East Sussex Martial Arts) this bout was full of a lot of pace in each round with both fighter refusing to take a step back, after a split decision it was Dominic’s hand that was raised.

Dave Ryan, (Team Renegade, Watford) was up against Wajek Runik, (fighting Falcons) Dave, felt it was time to done on the glove to compete for the first time in about 5-6 years, it was a very exiting fight with Dave, showing he’s
  Still got it and managed to pull of his signature move, the outside Axe kick from the rear leg, Dave won on all three judges score cards.

Patrick Hogan (Team Renegade, Watford) and Andrei Demyanchuk (London Warriors) where involved in the evenings most exiting fight, both gave it there all to be crowned Only The Strong, Junior Boys English Champion.

The fight went into extra time due to a miss calculation on the score cards by the judges, both fighters were very tied, Patrick, managed to maintain his performance and took the vacant Junior Boys Championship title.

Craig Liddle (Body Focus, Bristol) was against George Olaru, (Phoenix, Croydon) in what was a very close fought contest with Craig, winning on a split decision.

Last fight of the evening was against John Black (FIMA Tubridge Wells) and Dean Hanley (London Warriors) both warriors slugged it out in hard hitting bout from start to finish, both fighters kept referee Peter Markland, on his toes. For the two fighters effort throughout the fight both fighters deserved to have there hands raised but there can only be one winner and that was Dean.

We would like to thank all the fighters and officials because without you there would be no show, all the spectators for creating a great atmosphere, the medics (Alpha medical services) who were second to none, right down to those serving refreshments and Becky, for her input.

The next Only The Strong, will be held some time in March, April, 2011
Date for your dairy, The Won, (Watford Open Nationals) 30th January 2011