Shane was very much looking forward to challenging for the title on Saturday and is certainly disappointed. However, he’s more concerned for Kevin’s health and wishes Kevin a speedy recovery. Walker has assured Shane that Carney vs. Thomas will happen at the next available opportunity.

It seems that Carney vs. Thomas may well be a jinxed fight. They’ve missed each other due to injury and schedule conflicts for over two years at this stage.

We’re disappointed that the fight is not to be on Saturday and know that the scores of Kokoro members who bought tickets are going to be disappointed too. Right now though, our thoughts are with Kevin and we hope he’ll be back to full health soon.

Kokoro members that have purchased a show ticket solely to watch this title fight can return their ticket to Kokoro Gym for a full refund. Of course, all purchased tickets are still valid and it promises to be a great show. We hope those that have bought a ticket will choose to support the national MMA scene by attending the show despite the cancellation of this match!

Hard work pays off. Period. Just a few days ago, Johnny wasn’t sure that he would be fighting at Ultimate Conflict V, following the withdrawl of his opponent. It’s testimony to his mindset though, that he stayed 100% focused on being prepared to fight, training with fingers crossed!

Fortunately for Johnny, Fra McCaffery found himself without an opponent too and a quick match up was arranged. Fra fights out of Progressive Combat Belfast, one of Ireland’s strongest camps, so we knew this was going to be a great fight.

McCaffery was bigger, stronger and very tough, but ultimately Bowden was the more skilled fighter on the night and dominated in all technical aspects of MMA (striking, clinch, takedowns, grappling) and scoring criteria (control, agression, effort to finish etc). After three rounds, each a display of rock solid technique, Bowden was awarded a well deserved win.

Congrats Johnny!

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US AND START TRAINING!

It’s been a crazy weekend but it’s been worth it! Some forty or so volunteers from the gym have been working the whole weekend to get our new HQ up and running. We’re pleased to say, that training at the new place has begun!

Thanks to EVERYONE that made this possible. We’ll post alot more info and photos shortly coverinng the build and the opening nights.

Jonny Origan of Kokoro was matched with Dave Brown of Cobra MMA and it was to be a gruelling wrestling match for both. Dave’s intentions were clear from the start; this one was going going to be a ground war! A solid rugby tackle brought Jonny to the mat and Dave put his awesome size and strength advantage to good use. This was what Jonny had expected and he was well prepared. Working the guard to a well timed reversal saw Jonny on top and working the body. On went the ever active wrestling match and at the end of RD1 we were looking at a stalemate. RD2 and the size, strength, skill and some solid cornering of Dave Brown came into play. Relentless pursuit of Jonny’s back saw Origan fighting to hold out before tapping to a rear naked choke in the final seconds of RD2. Fantasic match!

Kokoro’s Thomas Nolan was matched with Tony Deane of Evolve and Nolan wasted no time in piling on the workrate. At the onset, Tony was clearly up for a standup match but swiftly changed his mind as Thomas landed a solid 1-2. Deane now wanted no part of Thomas’ standup game and had been rocked in the first few seconds. Deane wisely headed for the ground with very solid takedown skills.

Sensing he could have the standup advantage, Thomas brought Deane back to his feet within seconds. Thomas quickly landed a big right to the chin as Deane was sent backwards toward the corner. Nolan headed in for a finishing strike but Deane recovered well enough to go in for the takedown. It was a good lift but the neck was out there and Nolan was waiting. Nolan landed a few shots during the clinch, secured the neck and began sinking the guillotine on the way down to the mat. Calm and composed, Thomas ensured he established a solid closed guard before finalising the choke early in RD1. Great debut win for Thomas!

Congratulations gents!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE ON THE BUS

Kokoro Fights on Card:
Shane Thomas (Kokoro) v. Kevin Carney (Antrim MMA)
Cathal Pendred (Kokoro) v. Ciaran Morgan (Elite)
Ed Kleinbergs (Kokoro) v. Liam Ward (Evolve)
Cian Ruane (Kokoro) v. Kevin Gallagher (Strabane Ultimate JJ)

Chaos is a TOP CLASS show. Look forward to seeing you there.

Jonny is one of the smartest guys in the Kokoro Amateur MMA stable and it’s going to be great see how he fairs against his more experienced opponent. Kyoujin or a solid team with a top coach in Peter Lavery.

Things brings the Kokoro showing at Ultimate Conflict to six.

4th October 2008
Ultimate Conflict 2: Card to Date

A CLASS: Shane Thomas (Kokoro MMA) v. Richie Ivory (Next Generation)
C CLASS: Will Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Paul Brennan (Sudden Impact)
C CLASS: Cathal Pendred (Kokoro MMA) v. Karl Bruins (Elite)
C CLASS: Leo Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Sebastian Torres (Dog Pound)
C CLASS: Johnny Bowden (Kokoro MMA) v. John Redmond (Rush)
C CLASS: Jonny Origan (Kokoro MMA) v. Gareth Lyons (Kyoujin)

John Redmond is 2-2-0 and the more experience man.
Jonny Origan is 0-0-0 and making his debut.

Register your place now! Tickets will be on sale at Kokoro Gym in the next few days. If we’ve enough people coming up we’ll book a bus (then split the cost which won’t be much). If not, we’ll car share as with previous shows. Please register now if you’re looking to come up for the event.

JOHNNY BOWDEN (KOKORO) V JOHN REDMOND (RUSH)
KARL BRUINS (ELITE) V CATHAL PENDRED (KOKORO)
WILL BURDOCK (KOKORO) V PAUL BRENNAN (SUDDEN IMPACT)
SEBASTIAN TORRES (JIU-JITSU) V LEO BURDOCK (KOKORO)
SHANE THOMAS (KOKORO) V RICHIE IVORY (NEXT GENERATION)
JONNY ORIGAN (KOKORO) V GARETH LYONS (KYOUJIN)

Use the comments box to book your seat!

BUS:

PLEASE REGISTER WITH YOUR FULL NAME!
We’ve 10 Steves, 13 Johnnys, 4 Tommys, 6 Joshs and a goat….

1. Shane Thomas
2. Cathal Pendred
3. Leo Burdock
4. Johnny Bowden
5. Will Burdock
6. Colin Campbell
7. Thomas Nolan
8. Stephen Monnelly
9. Dr. John Dorian, MD, PhD, ABC, Nintendo Wii.
10. Eoin Kerins
11. Kieran Phoenix
12. Ronan Keenan
13. Bernard McDonnell
14. Seamus Cassells
15. Jonny Origan
16. Jo Preuss
17. Josh C.
18.
19.
20.

CAR:
1. TJ Hooker
2. Cian Ruane
3. James Flanagan
4.

With some 20 lads ‘n lasses from Kokoro suporting him on the day, Shane’s happy to get the away win in front of what “felt like a home crowd”!

Congratulations to everyone and particularly to Kokoro’s first Green Belt
Leo “The Limb Reaper” Burdock

It was a pleasure to promote the following people. Effective Thursday 14th August and confirmed in grade order starting with the highest grade:

6th Kyu – Green

Leo Burdock – Fundamentals Coach

8th Kyu – Yellow

Colin Campbell
Jonny Origan
Johnny Bowden
Eddy Kleinbergs

9th Kyu – White 2 Stripes

Paddy Coleman
Derek Coleman

10th Kyu – White 1 Stripe

Emma Onell
Bernard McDonnell
Steve Mulligan

Volunteers to drive up will be greatly appreciated, just leave a comment below and I’ll try to organise lifts up for everyone on the day. Good times!

The event is being held in The Elk Hotel/Night Club in Toome, Co Antrim. As Shane has mentioned below, paying me the €20 in advance will save you a few quid on the exchange, and will guarantee a seat.

As Shane has mentioned below, we leave the gym at 11:00 sharp on Sunday morning. The fights start at 14:00 (according to the ticket) so there won’t be long to wait before we see a bit of action. I have tickets for everyone who paid so far, but there should be a few left at the door should anyone else want to come up and support Shane.

Car 1: Shane
1. Shane
2. Colin
3. Leo
4. Will
5.

Car 2: Tristan
1. Tristan
2. Thomas
3. JD
4. Seamus

Car 3: Zoolander
1. Zoolander
2. Paddy
3. Bowden
4. Cathal

Car 4: James
1. James
2. Jonny
3. Jo
4. Stephen

Car 5: KacperMobile
1. Kacper & Co

8th November
CHAOS 3
C Class – Leo Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Connor Mulholland (Sudden Impact)

Another one to look forward to. Hope to see you all there.

8th November
CHAOS 3
Pro – Shane Thomas (Kokoro MMA) v. John McClements (Sudden Impact)

John is a big, dynamic and aggressive fighter. Shane refereed his matchup with Simon Flemming of Dog Pound Newry at Ultimate Conflict 1. John put in an impressive showing to win the match by decision. That match was at 75kg and this matchup with Shane is to be at 65.8.

Either John has been training very, very hard or he’ll be doing a lot of cutting for this fight. We’re guessing it’ll be a bit of both. John’s going to be aggressive, dangerous, up to 10 kilos heavier than Shane and supported by a corner of MMA Champions.

Shane is 0-3 at the moment and is shooting for 2-3 come fight night. He’s supported by the finest amateur team in Irish Mixed Martial Arts and with the likes of Leo Burdock, Will Burdock and Cathal Pendred in his corner – he’s certain he’ll be alright on the night.

We’re really looking forward to this matchup and it’s one we’d pay to see. Johnny is well prepared and he’ll need to be. His opponent, John Redmond of Rush, comes from a gym with a solid boxing background. So, we’re guessing fireworks will be on display.

4th October 2008
Ultimate Conflict 2: Card to Date

A CLASS: Shane Thomas (Kokoro MMA) v. Richie Ivory (Next Generation)
C CLASS: Will Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Paul Brennan (Sudden Impact)
C CLASS: Cathal Pendred (Kokoro MMA) v. Karl Bruins (Elite)
C CLASS: Leo Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Sebastian Torres (Dog Pound)
C CLASS: Johnny Bowden (Kokoro MMA) v. John Redmond (Rush)

John Redmond is 1-0-0 at the moment with match or two between now and the fight.
Johnny Bowden is 0-0-0 and making his debut.

Bombs away….!

4th October
Ultimate Conflict 2

Pro- A CLASS – Shane Thomas (Kokoro MMA) v. Richie Ivory (Next Generation)

Next Generation are a solid camp with a ground game passed down from UFC, Pride and KOTC veteran Chris Brennan. Add to this the keen coaching skills and cage experience of Dave Jones and we’ve got ourselves a challenge!

8th November
CHAOS 3
Amateur – C CLASS – Cathal Pendred (Kokoro MMA) v. Ciaran Morgan (Elite)

Both lads are 1-0-0 in C Class at this stage. So, it should make for an entertaining matchup. Cathal, as we all know, is alway 100% and ready to go…

4th October 2008
Ultimate Conflict Ireland 2

Amateur – Will Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Paul Brennan (Sudden Impact)
Amateur – Cathal Pendred (Kokoro MMA) v. Karl Bruins (Elite)
Amateur – Leo Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Sebastian Torres (Dog Pound)

24th August 2008
EFR 14

Pro – Shane Thomas (Kokoro MMA) v. Aidan Scullion (EFR)

Colin will arrange road trips nearer the events. He does a great job of co-ordinating cars and stuff. Pity he can’t fight for shite.

Hope to see you there supporting us and we’ll keep you informed as more matchups are confirmed. Expect a very busy October!

Thanks to all that supported us and helped us get ready for Chaos Fighting Championships 2. Thanks and huge respect to Will Burdock and Cathal Pendred – putting in excellent performances.

Francis Kearns – Maynooth Shootfighters – 70.7kg
Ramunas Venslovas - Maynooth Shootfighters – 75.6kg
Will Burdock - Kokoro Mixed Martial Arts – 76.4kg
Cathal Pendred - Kokoro Mixed Martial Arts – 83.9kg

Kokoro Mixed Martial Arts currently host official weighins for Ireland’s top homegrown promotions; Elite Fighting Revolution, Chaos Fighting Championships and Ultimate Conflict Ireland.

Promoters wishing to have hosted and video recorded weighins for fighters in the Dublin area should get in touch using the contact form or call 087 792 8363.

The Weigh-in Video Archive is available at any time by clicking here or by clicking “OFFICIAL WEIGH-INS” on the menu to the left.

This is a superb achievement with Leo and Mo being recognised as the top contenders for the title. So, let’s be there to support him! Bring your cars, dogs, cats, hamsters and postcards with “Hello Mum!” printed on them to the event this weekend. Good Luck Leo. We’re all behind you.

EFR 12 – The Elk Nightclub, Derry

SUNDAY 16TH MARCH 2008
2.00PM RULES MEETING
2.30PM MEDICALS
3.00 PM DOORS OPEN TO PUBLIC
4.00PM FIRST BOUT(THERE WILL BE NO BREAKS IN THE ACTION FROM FIRST FIGHT TO LAST)

Tickets £25 – pay on door no problem.

It was made all the more sweet for Kokoro MMA when Leo Burdock (now 2-0-0) took his second C-Class victory during his Cage Debut. It was a solid performance against the far bigger, taller and stronger Matthew Neeson of Frames, Belfast. Neeson was 100% prepared, ripped and clearly ready to bring it to Leo on the night. Neeson put his extensive reach advantage to use and landed the first blow.

Leo was prepared though and returned the favour with several strikes, followed by the shoot. Neeson was on his back. All credit to Neeson the fight returned to it’s feet but Leo brought him back down in style. As Neeson looked to scramble once more to his feet Leo sunk in the choke and did a great job completing it on his much taller opponent whilst standing. Neeson was forced to tap and Leo took his second victory at 2m22s in the 1st Round.

Leo’s fan club were in the house and his brother, Kokoro fighter Will Burdock, was in his corner. Given half the chance; I’m sure Will would have joined him in the cage! Congratulations Leo! You continue to do yourself proud!

On a final note; our thanks have to go out to the organisers of Ultimate Conflict. The show was first class as Ulimate Conflict demonstrated what hosting a sporting event is all about and we hope that we’ll be invited to return.