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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Ultimate Conflict have offered a discount (not sure how much though) and the seats will be held for you. A few people are driving (myself, Josh, Thomas, Cathal) so get signed up and someone will be able to give you a lift. I’ll be forwarding the list on Thursday morning. If your name’s not on the list; you may not be able to get in on the day.

Doors Open: 19:00
Show Starts: 20:00

Cars Leaving Gym: 15:00

Please reserve seats for:

1. Colin Campbell
2. Barry Lorton
3. Karen O’Sullivan
4. Josh Caffrey
5. Matt Mooney
6. Thomas Nolan
7.
8.
9.
10.

Please join me in welcoming Cathal Pendred to the Kokoro MMA Semi Pro Team.
The “Man of Steel” himself is destined for greatness and we really can’t wait for Chaos 2; the production values and organisation are second to none.

Here goes with the Kokoro Line Up;

Leo Burdock (Kokoro MMA 1-0-0) v. TBC, C Class, 2 x 5 minutes (65.8kg)
Will Burdock (Kokoro MMA 1-0-0) v. Danny Balmar (IMMA 1-1-0), C Class, 2 x 5 minutes (77kg)
Neno Platisa (Kokoro MMA 1-1-0) v. TBC, C Class, 2 x 5 minutes (84kg)
Cathal Pendred (Kokoro MMA 0-0-0) v. Dean Balmar (IMMA 0-1-0), C Class, 2 x 5 minutes (84kg)

Will and Cathal certainly can’t afford to take their tasks lightly. IMMA is a top class outfit. With Rodney Moore as their coach and UFC Veteran Colin Robinson as their stablemate; we can expect the Balmar boys to bring A-Class standards to these C-Class matchups. Can’t wait!

Leo Burdock (Kokoro MMA 1-0-0) v Matthew Neeson (Frames Tai Jutsu 0-0-0)

This is to be Matthew’s debut at Semi Pro and Leo’s debut in the cage. Thanks to Matthew for stepping up and to Ultimate Conflict for making sure that Leo wasn’t left hanging.

Unfortunately, SBGN have offered no explanation for the withdrawl, which does not appear to be due to injury. Keith Duffy is now confirmed to appear on the SBG Promotion (Cage of Truth) one week following his agreed outing with Leo at Ultimate Conflict Ireland.

Leo is understandably disappointed. However, Ultimate Conflict Ireland assure us that they are doing everything possible to arrange a replacement to face Leo on March 1st.

The Kokoro Line Up:

Neno Platisa (Kokoro MMA) v. Richard Taylor (UFR Gym), C Class, 2 x 5 minutes (84kg)
Leo Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Matt Taylor (UFR Gym), C Class, 2 x 5 minutes (65.8kg)
Will Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Ronan McKay (UFR Gym), C Class, 2 x 5 minutes (77kg)

“This is gonna be great!”

Leo is scheduled for a Semi Pro (IFMMA Class C) matchup at the new Derry Promotion “Ultimate Conflict Ireland” on March 1st, 2008.

Leo will take on Kieth Duffy at -66kg. This has the makings of a great match as Keith won his Semi Pro debut in a manner identical to Leo’s outing – strong strikes followed by a standing guillotine. This one should be interesting!

I’d say that the beer drunk on Saturday night was well earned after a hard day in the gym. Thanks to all that made it. We have to say a special thank you to Frans Muller. He really knows how to take care of people and is always there for us. Food, beer and our own spot to celebrate. What more can we ask for? Cheers Frans!

We had one final award to give out this year. I’m so pleased that the turnout was so high as we handed out the award for Kokoro MMA’s Martial Artist of the Year 2007. There was really no doubt who this award should go to. His performance and dedication throughout the year has been nothing short of outstanding. I know that all at Kokoro will join me in congratulating Leo Burdock, Martial Artist of the Year, 2007.

The lads were up against opponents from respected gyms throughout Ireland. Kyoujin, Donegal Jiu Jitsu and Longtower Judo lined up solid opponents; strikers, jiu jistu champions and all rounders. In the end they were unable to hold fast against the Kokoro MMA Team who’s time, effort, heart, mind and spirit paid dividends on the night.

A special thank you to Cathal Pendred for working the corner with me throughout the night and assisting Junior in preping for the fight. It’s only a matter of time before we see Cathal in the ring himself.

Thanks also to Colin, Barry, Wes, Denise and Jenny for assisting with everything from camera work to pad work. Biggest thanks of course to Junior, Leo, Will and Neno showing what Kokoro is all about… …Heart, Mind & Spirit. And after last night.. …style!

RESULTS:

Semi Pro Middleweight (@82kg compromise)
Neno Platisa (Kokoro) Vs Peter O loughlin (KYOUJIN)
Neno Platisa, RD1*, Key Lock

Peter came out swinging with some big and dangerous punches. Neno did a great job of circling out of danger, returning the compliment and bringing Peter to the ground. Neno took advantage of being in Peter’s guard and stood to rain down blows a la Fedor. Thouroughly entertaining.

During their next ground encounter, Peter locked on a chicken wing that had Neno in trouble but Neno has drilled this over and over and was prepared. He locked tight, picked his moment and reversed out of the lock. Peter was waiting however, and found himself on top but in Neno’s guard. Neno pulled off a reverse key lock from his back. Quick and slick leaving the crowd and his opponent’s corner wondering what had caused Peter to tap. Neno Platisa has now made his mark in Irish MMA and he’s here to stay!

Semi Pro Middleweight
Stephen Nolan (KYOUJIN) Vs Will Burdock (Kokoro)
Will Burdock, RD1*, Guillotine

Will came out with a front kick in the first 5 seconds of the match that was so well timed and so powerful that it launched Stephen across the ring and almost knock him out, leaving him with little energy to defend a strong guillotine from Will. Classy. I’ve never seen a front kick like it and Will is stronger than the average ox. This was over quickly. Wow!

Semi Pro Featherweight
Chris Mc Kendrick (Long Tower) Vs Leo Burdock (Kokoro)
Leo Burdock, RD1*, Standing Guillotine

Strategy pays. Leo had drilled over and over to wear down his opponent with boxing and look for the guillotine. Chris came out swinging and looked dangerous but Leo out boxed him and stalked Chris around the ring. Chris did the right thing and looked to take Leo down to avoid the blows. Leo’s no slouch on the ground and was prepared for this; we were back on our feet and from there it went according to Leo’s playbook; wear him down, guillotine on his feet. Heart, Mind, Spirit. Congratulations Leo!

Amateur Heavyweight
Eugene Mcrossan (Donegal Jiu-Jitsu) Vs Junior Charlie (Kokoro)
Junior Charles, 2×5, Unanimous Decision

With just four or five months of training behind him, we can’t tell you how proud we are of Junior’s performance. Eugene McCrossan is a Jiu Jitsu brown belt and World Champion with many, many years of experience. Juniors clinch work however was text book and Eugene was unable to progress the bout as he would have liked. Junior worked the clinch and dropped heavy blows to Eugene’s ribs. Eugene was TOUGH but Junior worked his clinch game like a pro and brought Eugene down repeatedly. Eugene almost pulled off an armbar early on (nicely slipped in too!) but Junior reversed it – calm, cool and collected – taking side control. In the end Eugene was unable to find an answer for Juniors dominating top game (pin, position and pound).

As proud as we are of Junior; we have to thank Eugene. Eugene McCrossan is a class act and a true gentleman and competitor. We need more people like Eugene in MMA. Contratulations Junior on a big first outing and a great win! Thanks to Eugene for giving Junior the opportunity to compete in such a tough and technical first outing!

Four great fights, four classy wins. A proud day for Kokoro. Congratulations Gentlemen!!! Thanks to Jason for putting on a quality show with excellent production values. We hope that Kokoro will be invited to the next one!

*Times will be confirmed when I’ve had a chance to review the video.

We’re all set to enjoy the following Kokoro MMA Team Matchups;

Neno Platisa (Kokoro MMA) v. Peter O’Loughlin (Kyoujin) – C Class, 2 x 5 minutes (82kg)
Leo Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Chris McKendrick (Long Tower) – C Class, 2 x 5 minutes (65kg)
Will Burdock (Kokoro MMA) v. Stephen Nolan (Kyoujin) – C Class, 2 x 5 minutes (77kg)
Junior Charlie (Kokoro MMA) v. Eugene McCrossan (Donegal Jiu Jitsu), D Class, 2 x 5 minutes (-100kg)

www.chaosfightingchampsionships.com

Leo is scheduled for a Semi Pro (IFMMA Class C) matchup, along side his team mates (including his brother Will Burdock), at the new Derry Promotion “Chaos Fighting Championships” on December 1st, 2007.

Leo will take on Chris McHendrick, a quality Judo Player, at -66kg. This has the makings of a great match as “two styles collide”. This is what MMA is all about!