Monday, 28 April 2008

Fighters Only at Seni 2008 (behind the scenes and more!)

We're back from London after a very long weekend at Europe's biggest martial arts expo, and man what a weekend it was.

The FO Stall

It was a big year for us at FO, as this marked the launch of the Fighters Only World Mixed Martial Arts awards. We've teamed up with The Sun, the UK's biggest newspaper, to give you a world's first for MMA. The awards, which will take place later in November in London, were a major talking point for fans and visitors to our stand.

The voting station, where people could register and cast their votes

The awards

Speaking of visitors, we had plenty of them at our stand, with everyone from fans to fighters dropping by to say hello and pick up some of our brand new apparel or back issues of the magazine.

A few fans grabbing pics of The Machine

One of the lovely Sun girls who helped out all weekend

The Stall

'El hefe' Rob briefing the team (or is he engaging in some roleplay? "So pretend I’m a customer, what are you going to sell me?")

Of course Seni isn't just about selling stuff. In our case, it's always a great chance to catch up with people from around the world. Networking is a huge part of Seni, and with everyone who's anyone making their way to the expo, by the end of the two day-show our hands were sore from all the handshakes.

Jim talking to a few readers who stopped by

Ian and 'Judo' Jim Wallhead joking about

Jeff Monson drops by to say hi to Ian

Cage Rage champ Robbie Olivier and trainer Nigel (on left)

When legends collide: Royce Gracie with FO's own Rosi Sexton

FO's MD Rob chats with Parhom from Grapplewear

Sam Varney of Bushido Fight Gear and Davey chatting away

It may be hard work but wherever the FO team go, we’re sure to have a laugh. Seni was no different, with plenty of jokes and messing about filling the few spare moments we had. Like they say, if you can't laugh you'll cry, and we're not big on shedding tears around here.

Jim shares a moment with a few readers

Too cool for school: Jack and Davey

"Where's Hywel got to?"

"So, what are you doing later?" says Arianny.
"Sorry, I'm busy, another time maybe," says Hywel.

Davey scopes out an opportunity for a prank

Found one! Catching Jim unaware…

Fed up, Jack decides to tunnel to freedom

This was our third year at Seni 2008 and we've seen it grow each year, but not only that, we've seen it evolve from what was once predominantly a martial arts expo into a festival of all things combative. The ratio of traditional martial arts to modern forms of fighting has gotten to the point where a good third of the event or more in to do with either MMA, BJJ or Muay Thai / kickboxing.

There were dozens of stand and stalls to check out, with companies selling clothing, equipment, supplements, media and more. Spoiled for choice, sensible shoppers wisely did a few laps of the place before making their purchases, such was the amount of bargains and more to be had. We all went home with bags full of gear, very happy to get our hands on the latest bits of kit.

The FO Team
(L-R, Editor Hywel, Sun girl Natalie, intern Jack, MD and publisher Rob, Sun Girl Lucy, business and development manager Davey with marketing manager Jim in front)

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and said hi, and even bigger thanks to all those who have supported the mag and made us what we are. You guys rock.

Until next time,

Train hard, fight easy…

posted by Fighters Only Mag Editor at Monday, April 28, 2008 - Read Full Post -

Sunday, 27 April 2008

Seni 2008

Wow... That was a long weekend, but it was a lot of fun.


Thanks to everyone who came by the FO stand to say hi. I'll put up another blog in a few days with pics and a few stories.

Now to catch up on some sleep and rest these aching feet

posted by Fighters Only Mag Editor at Sunday, April 27, 2008 - Read Full Post -

Friday, 18 April 2008

UFC PARTIES

Its common knowledge that there's nothing better than a live MMA show. Only problem is, not many of the big shows are on my own doorstep-or my own country for that matter! So the next best thing, is to sit back and relax with a few mates and watch it on the TV. We all do it. You know- the girls check out the fighters six pack, the guys secretly wait for the ring girl to strut past the screen, but everybody has an opinion of the action! Some more than others after the Shandy's come out! Every time the UFC hits our screens, I usually go round to my good mates Foo and Baz's crib. UFC 82 was no different. Here are some highlights:


Baz spots someone holding onto the cage!

Guess who bet on Silva!?



If you have any footage from your own UFC parties that you feel should be seen by the world! Get them into us at the usual address!

Til next time folks!

David
Fighters Only Magazine

posted by David Kirkland at Friday, April 18, 2008 - Read Full Post -

Thursday, 17 April 2008

The Aftermath

It's been three weeks since my semi-pro Title fight and I can honestly say I'm: 10 % heavier, 20% as fit, 50% as attractive and 100% happier then I was last time I blogged on this website. As the DVD hasn't been released yet I can't comment on my performance but I can say I'm happy with the result and everything else, except the fact my opponent; Christopher Spang was better looking then me, I'm pretty devastated about that.

After the fight my manager: David Kirkland (Fighters Only's Advertising Manager) and my Dad walked into the changing rooms to see me but they got more then they bargained for. They found me with my head in a bucket, filling it with the contents of my stomach. Standing beside was my coach Eddie Ng laughing at me saying: "that happened to me the 1st time I went the distance". I found out the hard way I had fell into the trap of eating too much food after being weighed in. I felt a little bit sick before the fight, but thought that was just nerves. Turns out it wasn't. What really annoyed me though was I was too ill to enjoy a post fight pizza and had to resort to going to bed on an empty stomach!

After a fight is when your most inclined to binge on the type of food that just isn't meant to be ate: MacDonald's, KFC's, pizzas, chips....and the list goes on. I've been eating nothing but this religiously for the past 3 weeks resulting in muscle loss and fat gains. Every time I attempt to get back on track with a good diet the chocolate brownies and cookies sneakily work their way back in there. If I keep putting weight on this fast I'm going to become the first fighter to jump 3 weight classes in 3 months!

posted by Jack Sexton at Thursday, April 17, 2008 - Read Full Post -

Wednesday, 26 March 2008

Issue 37 put to bed

aaaaaaaand we all take a deep breath out.

Deadlines are always pretty hectic. Add to that a four day weekend right before you go to print and all manner of (usual) last minute changes, scrambling for content, proofing, amending and all sorts, and you've got a bucket of stress right there.

The days after the mag goes to bed are always a bit weird. I find myself full of energy but don't quite know what to do with it. I started working on the next issue well before we finished this one, and there is always something to do, but I get this anxious feeling, like things aren't moving fast enough.

I guess it's because I don't get to train that much over the final week of production, and it's my training that keeps me sane. Well, I'll be hitting the gym tonight to choke some suckers out, so that'll be good.

Anyway, here's a uber-sneak peek as to what the next issue will contain. It goes out on sale in the UK April 3rd.

posted by Fighters Only Mag Editor at Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - Read Full Post -