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VUW 19 years strong |
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by Ben Ruck In 1988 Master Tan founded the Victoria University of Wellington Kickboxing Club which is still going strong. At the helm now is head trainer Mark Hampton who is continuing the impressive record of the club at local and national level. The fight year in 2001 was excellent for the club. V.U.W. fighter Vince “The Blade” Betham capped his busiest year yet (6 fights in 6 months!) by winning the Middleweight division at the inaugural New Zealand national championships, and Tom “The Stone” de Groen brought back a New Zealand national title after winning a tough fight in Nelson by T.K.O. For a change of pace, V.U.W. fighters entered the N.Z. San Shou championships held in Wellington, where their kickboxing skills were pitted against the striking and throwing techniques of the San Shou artists. The fighters adjusted well to the change of rules, proving how versatile the basic Muay Thai style is. With Mark yelling encouragement on the sidelines, Peter “The Surfer” Bailey took out the under 80 kg title and Dan “3rd Degree” Burns claimed the under 85 kg division to go with his three University Games karate medals also won last year. On top of this, several new fighters were blooded in 2001, and as always they provided exciting attacking entertainment as they adjusted to the nerves and the adrenaline of the ring. As one of those newcomers myself, I can attest to the benefits of having Mark’s cool head in the corner, and the honour of fighting alongside the more experienced club members. V.U.W. is continuing a tradition passed on through several top trainers at the club. Master Tan, who learned the art of Muay Thai through more than 50 professional fights in the sports’ home of Thailand, paved the way by bringing his international Muay Thai teaching experience. The club began at a time when Muay Thai was practically unknown in Wellington, but by organising and promoting numerous fight nights Master Tan was instrumental in bringing Muay Thai to the attention of the public. At the time it was difficult to find opponents for the fighters – often fights would only be taken if it were agreed that knees were not used!! But as word spread several more clubs appeared on the local scene and many more people were attracted to the sport. Fight nights now are a major event, attracting big crowds of fans and loyal supporters and always providing an electrically charged atmosphere. Master Tan’s impact on Muay Thai is still around today in the form of the Otago University Kickboxing Club (formed by Jim Herries), the Kapiti Kickboxing Club opened by Steve Elliot, and the Freestyle Thaiboxing Academy created by Justin Forsell, all former students of Tan. After Master Tan departed in 1992 to fulfil work commitments in Singapore, the club was taken over by Mark Norton, with Mark Hampton as assistant trainer. Mark Norton, himself a New Zealand Welterweight champion, coached Mike “The Axe” Cope, Steve “No Limits” Ross, Daniel “Turbo” Brooks, and Sonny “The Original” Steele to New Zealand titles. After winning a world amateur title Mike is now a top ranked professional living in Australia. In 1997 Mark Norton passed the reins to Jim Herries who was returning from a successful fight career in Thailand. Jim not only added his own name to the list of national champions but also that of Steve “The White Elephant” Hamilton, and he coached Peter Bailey to a North Island title. In 2000, Jim passed the leadership on to Mark Hampton who himself had recently returned from his OE including time training in Thailand. Jon Williams has also helped to run the club working tirelessly as assistant trainer before going overseas. The club also has a fully equipped gym that allows up to 9 training sessions per week. V.U.W. is continuing the club’s strong emphasis on excellence in all areas of Muay Thai such as the grapple and knee and a strong kick, a strategy that always pays off come fight-night. The friendly atmosphere of the club caters to all levels of training, from beginners and those interested in increasing their fitness, to top-level fighters aiming for national and international competition. 2002 promises to be even more exciting than 2001. An intensive three-day training camp is coming up in mid February where those serious about fighting will hone their skills and fitness for upcoming events. With the long line of top trainers and fighters contributing a sense of tradition, the future of the Victoria University Club is looking extremely bright. |
