Alfie Davis Wins Silver at the Irish Open 2010
Alfie Davis from Enfield ECKA had the trip of his life when we went to the Irish Open for the very first time. The event, one of the biggest martial arts tournaments in the World was held in Dublin over the weekend of 5th, 6th and 7th March 2010 and attracted some of the best fighters in the world. Over 2150 competitors from 31 different countries battled it out over three days to try and win the most sought after of titles. Alfie was in awe as we watched his heros’ fought it out on the mats to win the prestigious Irish Open Titles. The likes of Raymond Daniels, Jason Bourelly, Jack Felton and Michael Page to name just a few, were all there to win and demonstrated unbelievable skill.

Friday was spent checking in to the hotel and registering competitors for the weekends action. Friday evening saw the event begin and we watched the Full Contact preliminary rounds and the semi contact team event. The final of the teams, a brilliant contest between the Hungarian ’ Kiraly’ Team and Raymond Daniels ‘American All Stars’. The All Stars just edged it in an extended period final fight show down.

The second day saw our very own Alfie Davis in action in the mens advanced light contact division. Alfie had 17 competitors in his group. He had a bye in the first round and then won two fights to secure a place in the Final. His first fight was up against a German opponent who was simply out classed by Alfie’s skill, he won easily with a unanimous decision. The second fight saw Alfie square up to a fellow Englishmen, and again Alfie just blew him away with his trade mark back kicks and spinning hook kicks, winning once more unanimously. The final was contested between Alfie and a tough Irish competitor who sadly got the better of our boy. Alfie ran out of steam half way through the fight and just couldn’t pick up the pace to pull back the lost points. Needless to say Alfie lost, but what a competition he had. He is very proud and rightly so of his Irish Open Silver Trophy a fantastic achievement, especially as he has now moved up to the senior categories.

Sunday, and The open weight semi contact Grand Champion division saw 147competitors try their luck at winning arguably one of the hardest titles in the world today. Raymond Daniels was victorious once more winning an incredible 7th Irish Open Grand Champion Title.