Finals, finals, finals...

Stephen, last seen running home after training

Despite being top of the table, unbeaten and within reach of the coveted British amateur lightweight title, Stephen "Youngster" Wildboar has had his hopes dashed by a broken leg. Apparently, Kev "I am the law" Brown realised that an effective, if somewhat over-the-top counter to Ste's dreaded triangle choke was to simply break his leg before he could sink the choke on. Luckily older brother Mike is more than willing to step up to the plate with less than 2 weeks to go before the big day. Mike is now training at a secret location so that Kev can't find him, although rumour has it that Mike paid Kev to inflict the injury! Brotherly love in action.

Meanwhile, not content with dominating the British competitions, Black Country Combat is also looking to scoop Light, Welter and Heavyweight titles at the end of November in Wales. In a recent training session Glen "I could stand with Crocop" Cross said he was looking forward to being welterweight champion, and is apparently so confident that he has decided not to bother training for the event! Light and Heavyweight contenders James "i meant to knee him in the stomach" Steele and Tim "Dave Coles is rubbish" Redfern have wisely chosen against making such outragous predictions.

Hot welsh action

My...back...!! Aaarrrrgh!

Incredible and controversial mma action at the Grapple and Strike 3rd Leg in Wales. Following a successful 2nd leg, the usual fighters were joined by Lee "Westwood" Bates for his first amateur competition.


First up again was James "Man of" Steele, who continues to rise up the rankings with another win and a draw. After shooting in from over 200m away, James found himself in a guillotine attempt which was quickly dealt with by "accidently" rolling off the mat and restarting, before cranking on a perfect armbar. Second round saw lots of strikes being traded, before James took it to the ground with a double leg, where the fight ended.


When not reminiscing his past glories with every other person in the room, self-acclaimed fighter of the universe Glen "Teetotal" Cross was seen shaking hands with every other person in the room after his second fight win. Apparently, Glen checked a kick which resulted in the other fighter hurting his ankle and unable to continue. However I missed virtually all the fight, so I'm not sure it actually happened and doesn't really count.


Paul "what armbar" Dunn continues to frustrate BCC and oponents alike with his complete fight domination with typical absence of any submissions at the end of it, leading to easy draws each time. Excellent bombs being thrown in the first round and some good takedowns in the second.


Anthony "I love the welsh" Phillips was very keen to hurt someone, not only volunteering to fight for a 3rd time in the comp when another fighter dropped out, but also to take part in an amateur bout when pro Grapple and Strike takes place soon. However, luck was not with Anthony today with a draw and 2 losses, including a very dodgy decision against Ant when Grandpa ref interpreted a punch to the ribs as a tap, probably because he didn't have his reading glasses on. Anthony was last seen heading towards a gun shop...


After turning up to the competition with all his wordly possessions (apparently, its a bit rough where he lives), Lee "pimp my ride" Bates stepped onto the mat as BCC's only middleweight contender at 79kg, despite some interesting breathing exercises when weighing in. Lots of punches and kicks in both fights. Both draws.


The highlight of the competition had to be when Tim "Gracie Killer" Redfern took on and destroyed BJJ Brown Belt and all-round Redfern nemesis Dave Coles. After greeting each other like old friends (this being their third encounter) a few initial strikes were exchanged before Tim lured Dave into shooting in on him, oblivious to the fact that Tim was ready to crank on a textbook chicken wing submission. Snap! A groin injury prevented Tim teaching anyone else some respect on the mat.

Gym closed for bank holiday monday

The gym will be shut on monday 27 August for bank holiday. Spread the word to those who normally train on a monday.

Hereford again

Get away from me! Your breath stinks!

Tag! You're it!

Good armbar, except that his legs are crossed. Never mind.

Yawn... another fight, another triangle

Combat Sports Open Trials 2007: 3rd Leg

"Good day at Hereford again" were the words of Paul 3 as Black Country Combat continue to scoop the victories. The brothers both got 2 good wins each, including a very fast triangle from Stephen for a change. Melv also performed well in his debut, chasing his opponents around the mat. The only downside to the day was Glen's injury sustained in his first match, which he was winning. The important thing is... no losses! One question still remains however: who's going for the lightweight title?

Meet the fighters: Tim "5 times" Redfern

Tim loved driving his invisible car

Often seen training with his walkman on (he claims that they are earguards), the behemoth that is Tim is not a true member of BCC, since he only trains 5 times a week. However, Tim has vowed to tell his wife who’s boss, and will be making a more consistent appearance at future training sessions.

Meet the fighters: Paul "Where's the bar" Brown

Where's Paul? I think he's training with Paul and Paul in the cage.

Another boxer to have joined the Black Country Combat ranks, no one knows what Paul's real name is, but he apparently changed it to fit in with the other 5 Pauls already training here. He also changed his normally pacifist attitude to that of wanting to hurt people, again to fit in with the other fighters at BCC. Paul has always been there to support everyone in competitions, most notably when Roger was making his professional debut. While Roger was pounding his opponent and showing him the finer points of BJJ, Paul could be seen with his pint, diligently watching every move made in the cage. For about 2 minutes. And then stumble back to the bar for a refill.

Meet the fighters: Paul "Stella" Badhams

Paul kept smiling despite dropping the barbell on his foot

A regular face at Black Country Combat, ex-bachelor Paul likes to train as often as he can, unless he’s down the pub sinking a few stellas. However, since getting married this could all change very quickly, and his beloved glow-in-the-dark renault has already been changed to something that matches the wife's new handbag. Believed to be one of the pioneers of the camouflage shorts at BCC, Paul is hoping that his new “Corona” fight top will encourage Rob to install a mini-bar behind the cage for a between-round refreshment.

Welsh Grapple and Strike 3rd Leg

I'm in. Anyone else?

Meet the fighters: Paul "Heavyweight" Dunn

Paul was not afraid of making himself look like a complete prat

Many people have encouraged Paul to register his alter-ego with Marvel Comics, for he is "The Incredible Shrinking Man". Ex-super heavyweight fighter Paul has used his secret powers by slowly collapsing in on himself like a dying star into a borderline lightweight-welterweight. Being a superhero can be expensive, and Paul has been forced to sell his car and steal his daughter’s bike to get to training. On the mat, Paul uses his height to sneak beneath any jabs, slam people and somersault into a flying kneebar, injuring himself in the process while allowing his oponent to escape.

Meet the fighters: Kevin "The Law" Brown

Mean, lean hurting machine

He just likes hurting people! Black Country Combat’s resident copper likes to hone his career skills on the mat, pretending that everyone else is a felon resisting arrest, and getting the odd sly boot in while no one is looking. Having admitted that he just likes hitting people, Kev has been forced to take a few weeks off to calm down, pretending to have a shoulder injury as a cover story. Evenin’ all.