Another year is about to finish and again many of us thought it was a good idea to go out and celebrate. Here are some of the pictures that Duncan (who has full copyright on these pictures and let us kindly using them) took on the night; more are available on his site:
Another succesful grading session on Sunday 4 December. Four Blue Belts, 3 Green Second, 1 Orance Second and 7 Yellow belt awarded. The picture here one the right is from Duncan (who has full copyright on the picture and let us kindly using it); more are available on his site:
A combined team from Cambridge University Kickboxing Society (CUKBS) and Anglia Ruskin University Kickboxing Club (ARUKBC) defeated Bath University by four fights to three with one draw on Thursday evening; both teams are coached by CARISMA a martial arts club established in Cambridge for over 12 year, represented by its head coach Massimo Gaetani.
The event, held in Bath, was attended by approximately seven hundred spectators, and included half time entertainment from Bath University dancing groups and a pre-event cheerleading display.
The first fight was between Nikos Konstanidis (ARUKBC) and James Boxall (Bath). Konstanidis counterpunched well against a determined opponent, landing a number of good shots to the head. In the end he was unlucky to only be awarded a draw by the judges.
The next three fights all went to Cambridge with wins for Julius Bušauskas (CUKBS), Daphne Tsalli (CUKBS) and Georgios Evangelinos (ARUKBC). Fighting against Bušauskas was Dom Parfitt, a Cambridge local (and CARISMA student during summer months) studying at Bath. Parfitt did well in the opening exchanges, troubling Bušauskas with some good punching combinations. As the fight went on however Bušauskas’ speed and kicking ability began to tell as he landed a series of impressive strikes to the head. Daphne Tsalli performed particularly well in what was her first fight, dominating her match throughout with some excellent punches. Evangelinos also did well in his fight against Robert Dinsey, Bath’s most experienced fighter. Dinsey worked hard but was mostly unable to find a way through Evangelinos guard and had no response to some excellent punching combinations.
Bath fought back however and won the next two fights against Cambridge kickboxers Tim Williamson (CUKBS) and Alex Elliott (CUKBS), both of whom were fighting for the first time. Williamson fought bravely but couldn’t quite do enough to take the decision against a good opponent. Taking on Elliott was Bath Captain Chris Harvey. Elliott struggled early on in the fight, finding it difficult to deal with the speed and movement of his more experienced opponent. He did have some good moments as the fight went on however, getting Harvey against the ropes on a number of occasions with some determined boxing. Unfortunately in the end that was not enough and the judges’ decision went the way of the Bath fighter.
Next in the ring was CUKBS vice-president Ollie Osunkunle (CUKBS), taking on Bath University Kickboxing Club Chairman André John. Osunkunle fought an impressive fight and emerged as the clear winner, with John unable to deal with his speed and power.
Last up for Cambridge was Alex Kaus (CUKBS), fighting against Ahmed Suleiman. This was a closely contested match with both fighters landing some good shots. In the end it was the Bath man who came out on top however, after doing just enough to secure the judges decision.
Overall the night was very successful for the Cambridge team; for the first time CUKBS and ARUKBC were joint against a third opponent and all fighters performed well and gaining valuable experience in the ring.
Last year’s Xmas Dinner seems like yesterday: it may come as a surprise that not only is the next grading on Sunday, December 4th, but it is to be followed by the time-honoured tradition of the Carisma Xmas Dinner.
This year we selected an exclusive venue for our traditional Xmas Party. The Box Café is usually closed on Sunday night so we are the only booking for the evening; the place is run by Ozi a Turkish chef and restaurant owner that will provide the full Turkish and mediterranean cuisine experience, in a rich three courses meal.
The starters made of a rich Meze platter will include:
Mains made on the BBQ including:
All the above served with Rice with vermicelli and sesame seeds
Dessert made of Fresh Fruit platters and home made Baklava
All of the above for £20 per person with a BYO (bring your own) alcohol policy and no extra charge for corkage 🙂
Downpayments for booking will be collected at classes.
Please RSVP a.s.a.p.!!! you can express your interest on our Facebook event.
The next CARISMA beginners course, will start on Thursday 19 January 2011 to run for 4 consecutive Thursday and Tuesday classes (e.g. 19, 24, 26, 31). We had a couple of very busy beginners’ course lately (see picture) and we usually have Tues and Thurs classes (our busiest ones) with many people training, between 30 and 40 individuals.
January is usually one of the busiest times in the year thanks to the “New Year’s Resolution” effect that involves people of all ages. So if you would like to join (or you know somebody who would like to) please do it on the 19 January.
Please notice: you must join the beginners’ course just if you are a total beginnner. Any previous experience in striking martial arts (kickboxing, muai thai, karate, tae kwon do, kung fu, etc…) is appreciated and will allow you to join without without going through the beginners’ course. Please get in touch with us if in doubt.
If you’d like to check our prices please look at this page.
There is no need for booking for beginners: please just turn up at 6pm at Kelsey Kerridge.