The International Sambo and Combat Sambo tournament “All England Open” in Sittingbourne (GBR) was cancelled because of too small number of sportsmen wanted to take part in the competitions.
“When I cancelled my All England Tournament I thought it was maybe Me or just a Southern problem or People do not want to compete in grappling competitions, — Martin Clarke, the President of British Sombo Federation (BSF) writes on the website www.britishsombo.co.uk. — So I was shocked when Allan Clarkin canceled his competition which was the popular strike and strike/grapple style. Allan has been involved in the Martial Arts for 40 years and like me has organized countless competitions in this time, so he was devastated when no one entered his event. I have had reports from other associations who are suffering the same problems. SO WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE MARTIAL ARTISTS/GRAPPLING PLAYERS IN GB? Soon we will have nothing but so called experts people parading around with 10th Dan and more and more being under 40 years all ready some organization are giving away Black Belts to 6 year olds.
This event was also listed as a Trials for the British Combat Sambo Team as Allan, who is National Combat Sambo Coach, has said he can not choose a team from players who refuse to participate in trials. So it has been suggested that those who competed in the 2012 World Championships be the only players considered for the Europeans. The trials for the World Combat Games and World Sambo Championships both to held in St. Petersburg will be at The British Open Sombo & Combat Sambo to be held in Bedford in June organised by Russell Dodds”.
“A Coaching course followed by a Novice and Junior event is being organised by our National Coach John Clarke in Sittingbourne on March, 10th”, — Martin Clarke resumed to the website www.eurosambo.com.
March 05 2013