AMATEUR RULES VALE TUDO 2ND DECEMBER 2000

report by Darren Currie

As part of the annual San Gokui Sponsored Charity Event a card of amateur rules (no head shots) vale tudo was held. The matches pitted a variety of styles against each other in some excellent matches. After all these years and after watching so many MMA matches there is still something compelling about style versus style.

Quick Results

Helen Smith (MMA) beat Cheryl Williams (TSD) by arm lock
Simon Wooffindin (MMA) drew Ryan Hunter (MMA)
Ian Leach (Shoot) beat Steve Humphries (TSD) by rear choke
Mark Spencer (BJJ) drew David Wooffindin (TKD)
Rory Duffield (Vale Tudo) drew Chris Collins (Shoot)
Brain Smart (Vale Tudo) drew Michael Harris (TSD)
Neil Smart (Vale Tudo) beat Nick Hopkins (MMA) by arm bar


MATCH 1 Helen Smith v Cheryl Williams

The ladies started with an exchange of low kicks and punches until Helen closed the gap and clinched. From there Cheryl tried to keep standing but eventually Helen took her down and took control on the ground. Using strikes to set up the submission Helen worked her way around into a straight-arm lock causing Cheryl to tap out.

MATCH 2 Simon Wooffindin v Ryan Hunter

An excellent match from start to finish with the action fast and furious. Simon was looking to keep the fight standing for a while using low kicks and punches while Ryan was looking to clinch and utilise his strong Judo background.
Doing just that Ryan hooked Simon leg to go to the mat where Simon immediately made good use of his guard. Simon spun under to attempt an arm lock, which Ryan defended very well. The fight stayed like this for a while with Ryan throwing some hard shots to Simon's body and legs with Simon responding punching from the guard. Ryan broke the guard and stood so Simon quickly regained his feet. The fight followed a similar pattern with Ryan taking Simon down again until the fight was stopped at the 5-minute mark resulting in a draw.

MATCH 3 Stephen Humphries v Ian Leach

As soon as the fight started the difference in styles was apparent. Steve looking to strike with Ian looking to shoot, which he successfully did with what I thought was the technique of the day. (I have a preference for grappling so maybe I'm biased) Ian shot for a double leg and slammed Steve to the mat taking a side position. The match continued from this position with both fighters landing some heavy shots. Ian then worked around to Steve's back securing a rear naked choke causing a tap out after 4 1/2 minutes.

MATCH 4 Mark Spencer v David Wooffindin

Again there was a distinct contrast in styles with David being a 3rd dan in TKD and 'Spenna' being a BJJ stylist and member of Team TMA. Both guys landed some very hard low kicks before going to ground. Spenna was on the attack looking for submission whilst David was countering with some good shots. Spenna eventually passing David's guard and attempting an arm lock that David defended. Spenna then took mount position and unleashed a barrage of punches. Unfortunately for both guys time expired and a draw was given.

MATCH 5 Rory Duffield v Chris Collins

This match started with a standing war. Both guys trading ferocious punches and kicks, Chris landed some good knees then the fight went to the ground. From the ground Rory was looking to get back to his feet which he successfully did so it was back to the standing game. The match continued along these lines with both guys landing some very powerful attacks. At the end of regulation time the result was a draw. All in all a very hard, explosive fight.

MATCH 6 Brian Smart v Michael Harris

Next was a battle of the big guys. The bout started with an exchange of kicks and punches then Brian took Mick down. Brian, having more experience of grappling, worked Mick into a shoulder hold then switched positions to apply a side choke. Mick defended well and Brian just couldn't quite get right into his neck. Both fighters then started from standing again landing some big shots mixed with more groundwork. At the end of regulation time the fight was a draw.

MATCH 7 Neil Smart v Nick Hopkins

Nick started the match by firing kicks at Neil when Neil suddenly caught one of Nick’s legs and took him down. Both guys showed good grappling skills but Neil started to work his way around and attempted a straight-arm lock, which Nick defended. Neil shifted his body a little putting more pressure on the joint with Nick having no choice but to tap.

Every one of the fighters did themselves proud and each one was presented with a medal for having the courage and skill to put it on the line and be tested.

As these matches were part of a Charity Fundraising Event, all the entry fees and sponsorship were put into the pot helping to raise around £400 for the local hospice.

Clubs taking part included:

San Gokui MMA Pontefract
San Gokui MMA Sherburn
Wakefield Vale Tudo
Tiro Luta Shoot fighting
Knottingley Tang Soo Do
Premier Tae Kwon Do
Hull Sport Ju Jitsu
Anaconda BJJ

A special thanks to all of the people involved in this session for support and generosity.

Thanks to our sponsors ALLSPORTS International Limited for their continued support.

Submitted by Carl Fisher ADCC Europe

7 December 2000

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