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 (ARUKBC), Daphne Tsalli (CUKBS) and Georgios Evangelinos (ARUKBC). Fighting against Bušauskas was Dom Parfitt, a Cambridge local (and CARISMA srudent 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.

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.

There is no need for booking for beginners: please just turn up at 6pm at Kelsey Kerridge.

CARISMA, the official coaching body for both universities of Cambridge, will offer its broad expertise and experienced coaches to ensure the best possible technical and fitness preparation for all participants.

All fighters from Cambridge University and Anglia Ruskin University interested in getting involved should contact us as soon as possible and consider a training regime of no less than three times per week from now till the event.

More information about spectators, travelling arrangements and other details will be announced here so watch this space.

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Originally posted on CARISMA Website

(http://www.carisma.org.uk/universities-of-cambridge-vs-bath-december-2011/)

ARUKBC  is paying for the drinks and if it goes well, we’ll move on to other night-spots later.

RSVP to the Facebook event’s page http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163385103688745 if you’re coming as we need to know the numbers for the budget.

This will be a chance to welcome beginners from both ARUKBC and Carisma, celebrate victories from the Bury-St.-Edmunds competition on Sunday and just generally have a good time.

Anyone interested in attending, get onto Facebook and join the events page to confirm: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149781435057527