Just about a year ago, Joe Jimenez wrote a piece about a blind date with a Muy Thai boxing champion.  He wrote of his experience in the ring with Vince Soberano, owner of the Black Tiger gym in Mira Mesa.  He gave you a little insight into the training seminar that was conducted at his school.  Joe's last couple of comments were his concurrence with Instructor Louie Orlina that it was quite a memorable experience.  They were both physically drained yet very glad they had attended.  He even said that he would probably do it again, but he would make sure he was in better physical condition.  

Well, I am not here to speak for Joe Jimenez and certainly not of my own experience as a fighter, but on Saturday night, March 4, 1995 at the Black Tiger gym in Mira Mesa I witnessed the most thrilling Cepeda Brothers competition I have seen in my thirteen years with this school.  After what I have seen in Maui, Laughlin, Sam Diego, or anywhere we go I continue to be amazed by the awesome skill and power that our students exude.  No matter what type of competition: tournaments, demos, or just in our regular class, ours are the best.  That night, I fell under the spell of the ring.  Sifu Dan, Sifu Fred, Sifu Jo Jo, Sifu Rudy, Sifu Richard . . . how could you lose with these corner men.  What a powerful ensemble!

The evenings events opened with a couple of shorts exhibition rounds between two very young fighters.  I was quite impressed y the skillful and very intimidating ritual performed by the muy thai boxer named David.  He was clearly the better trained fighter and the fight was over as soon as it had begun.  Our first fighter was Kevin Lynds.  He literally exploded into the ring using some great combination punches.  He was able to sustain all hard stinging thigh kicks delivered to him by his opponent through all three rounds.  I couldn't believe it.  Kevin was like a tree trunk that wasn't going down unless this guy had a chain saw.  After three rounds, Kevin won by a split decision.  

Our next fighter was Mike Bahl who came barreling out with a vengeance to face his opponent, Harry "the Cowboy" Vaquero.  Mike was by far the faster, more aggressive of the two.  He began his match with precision and keeping his distance with fast footwork.  However, he began to tire in the third round and Harry the Cowboy connected with a mean leg sweep that got Mike's knee.  Fortunately our boy had the good sense to stop.  I'm sure Mike would love to have his first round back.  He could have used some of that energy.  He'll be back stronger next time, and he'll win too.  Just like our next fighter did.

This was the second trip for TK Tran, and he knew what he had to do.  He had trained hard and serious enough to know that he could do it.  I could tell you TK's opponent managed to survive three rounds.  That would sum up the fight, but it would not be fair if I didn't give TK the credit he deserves for a beautiful exhibition of boxing Cepeda Brothers style.  His opponent kissed the canvas three times even though they only counted two of them.  TK's combination kicks and punches were clearly superior to his opponents and it had been evident he had been practicing his bag work by his execution of knees to the chest.  He did get two points deducted for for use of his elbow . . . typical of our school, must be the bag work paying off.  Great work, TK!!

That would bring us to our main event.  And who better to represent our school than our own Wild Bill Sadik.  He was unbelievable.  It was like watching an old Popeye movie.  Propellers instead of arms, knocking out anything that got in his way.  Well, that was our Bill - so strong and powerful.  Lucky for this guy Bill was a little inexperienced in the ring, otherwise he wouldn't have made it.  I remember at one point Bill backed him up so hard in the corner with combinations that Sifu Dan's eyes got so big I know he saw this guy going into orbit.  After the first round and a few adjustments Bill did find this man to be a very formidable opponent and the mighty duo had to settle for a draw.  

I'm telling you, these muy thai boxers are going to have to regroup and come up with some new counters for the next tournament.  No matter where we go, or who we face Cepeda Brothers can always play you at your own game and teach you some new tricks.  Great work, guys!  I have never been prouder to be part of this school.  No more blind dates.  Our students are well trained for these bouts and continue to be ready to rumble.