On Sunday 26th February 2010 forty fighters from SMA of all ages went toe to toe at the Admiral Lord Nelson School in Portsmouth for a truly inspiring kickboxing competition. Put quite simple it was Judgement Day.

The main hall was split into three matted fighting arenas, each with a team of two judges and two referees with plenty of helpers on standby. Trophies for the anticipating fighters were displayed ready and waiting along side a wonderful history of Sensei Boh's martial arts achievements to date, photos, medals and certificates too many to count reaching back to his Shotokan Karate days.

Parents, families and guests arrived on mass to support the entrants for what would prove to be an incredible show of skill, sportsmanship and passion. Fighters were put into their groups based on age, grade and ability levels. There was a real sense of excitement and nervous anticipation in the air. The month's worth of hard and sweaty training in class was about to be put to the test.

The gloves, gum shields and head guards went on, the shoes came off and battle commenced at 10 o'clock sharp as the first fighters stepped onto the mat! The preliminary rounds started off setting a great pace for the day. Each fighter would have to fight all competitors in that group. For the juniors the fights were two times one minute rounds. For the seniors the fights were two time two minute rounds.

The junior bouts were fast and furious amazing spectators, judges and referees alike with their focus and commitment to the fights. Emotions ran high but all fights were fair and friendships remained intact. Definitely providing some great highlights for the day!

The adult beginner and intermediate bouts were a fairly bruised and bloody affair with referees and helpers on standby to coach, encourage and clean up some of the wreckage. Skill level was high as was the pace and commitment given. A great display of the up and coming senior talent in the club!

The adult advanced bouts (black and brown belt) were as almost as bloody as the intermediates bringing the expected increase in technical ability and accuracy. This was a display of skill not to be missed and a definite source of inspiration for the junior grades.

After the opening rounds had concluded and the finalists had been decided, Sensei Boh was asked to give a demonstration of Jeet Kune Do and the associated martial arts studied at the school. As always Sensei was on form and gave a very knowledgeable insight into the background of JKD including its formative years by the legendary Sifu Bruce Lee and its continuation and evolution by Guru Dan Inosanto in recent years. This was followed by a practical demonstration of the arts (including Win Chun, Jun Fan Gung Fu, the Filipino arts of Kali and Pantukan) as assisted by Sempais Paul and Speedy. The pair were thrown around, punched and kicked with an incredible level on control and accuracy much to the on looking crowd's amazement and awe.

After a swift break, preparations were for the made for the finals. The spectator chairs were brought in for a closer view and all remaining fighters lined the mat. The moment of truth had come…

The finalists all fought with heart and all the energy that could be mustered. What a fabulous conclusion to a memorable day of martial arts excellence.

The fights concluded at around 4pm, just in time for tea and medals! All finalists received a trophie and every fighter who entered was presented with a medal and certificate by Sensei Boh.

A special award was presented by Sensei to Gareth Bezani for his oustanding support and contribution to the days proceedings as head referee. Gareth had not only lead the team of SMA referees for the day but had supplied and organised much of the equipment and matting used for Judgement Day.

Also Sensei presented Dave Stocks with a signed copy of Guru Bob Breen book "Fighting" for his noteable commitment to the day's organisation.

Thank you to the Referees, Judges and Assistants:
Gareth Bezani, Paul Matthews, Mia Shirodkar, Speedy Gonsalvez, Matthew Taylor, Rob Brownsmith, Sarah Dowden-Smith, Lisa Taylor, Kelly O'Neill, Nicola Robson, Dave Stocks, Paula Adsett, Jacqui Boh, Peter Lindemere, Mark Neele, Paul Carroll.

A special thank you to Sensei Boh, as said by Sempai Paul Matthews:

"Events like this wouldnt happen without Sensei's organisation, much of which happens in the little spare time he gets".

Thank you to all who helped organize, watched, supported, and fought on the day.

Congratulations to all who showed the bravery to enter Judgement Day, you are all winners!!!