1st Episode WCL thoughts

[Jon Lewis]

I'm curious to hear what everyone's reaction to the airing of the WCL on Saturday afternoon was. Was there anything you liked or you really didn't like?

For my two cents, I didn't like some of the editing or the split screens. The fights were great but, the WCL needs to do a better job editing its upcoming shows to allow for fans to develop a like or dislike for fighters.

This is just my two cents: I love the concept of actual standup fighting and even the team thing could be a great idea. The ring, the actual kickboxing, etc, etc, etc could really allow for this sport to take off.

Also, for those who are listening that have a voice in the WCL. KEEP THE PANTS!!! Keep the instep. Keep the legkick combos. Lose the holding/kneeing. Allow for more sliping and moving. Being passive and moving to create a different angle are two totally different concepts. Instruct the judges of this so that a fighter with great movement is allowed to use it. Sticking and moving is an art. standing toe to toe and slugging is a slugfest. Each has its positives as far as a fan is concerned but, reality is that talented fighters do more than just slug!

Any thoughts???

[Jim T]

Was glad to see it on Tv. The fights just lacked some of the excitement, or energy, to make it enjoyable for someone who has not followed the sport and doesn't know what to look for.

[P.J. Reilly]

I only got to see the first 1/2 an hour b/c of work. No matter what happened on the first show, I'm glad that kickboxing and martial arts are on T.V. every week again!

[Ray Thompson]

Jon,
You have some good ideas, I agree with all but one. Keeping the shin-insteps. I think this equip will create a problem when the fighters have to fight every four weeks. The abuse the feet and shins take will create a problem and cause the fighters to loose desire to kick as the season goes on. They get pretty banged up from there fights then they had to heal up, which means little or no training, which translate to progressivly weaker fights. This is how I see it. I've been trying to convince the WCL to use the new Ringstar shoes. Stephen and Peyton LOVE them. They add traction which promotes better and faster movement as well as protects the feet. The WCL did not adopt the shoes because they did not give the WCL the appearance of looking like an "Extreme" fight sport. My two cents.

[Curtis Bush]

Pretty good fights. The cocky fighters comments ruined it for me though.

[P.J. Reilly]

I agree with you there Curtis, it was kind of annoying.

[Jon Lewis]

Ray
I agree the shoes would be beneficial for the fighters for more than just protection. The shoes would add traction. I hate seeing fighters slipping all the time. It looks sloppy. BUT, if I had to choose between the boot or no boot as a fan, I would choose no boot because of the other organizations currently out there. ie, UFC, PRIDE, K-1, ETC... Novice fans think that the boots are there to protect the opponent and not the person throwing the move. A novice fan will think that the WCL is a step down from the extreme contact and brutality of the UFC, PRIDE, K-1, ETC...

I believe that KICKboxers should take their rightful place among the combat sports elite. KICKboxers should be on the same level playing field not only in the eyes of fighters but, fans as well. One way to do this would be to remove some padding. WE all know its there to protect the fighter that's throwing the technique but, novice fans or UFC, PRIDE, K-1 fans will not (I believe) make the connection.

Finally, I reiterate this again for those listening. KEEP THE PANTS! We do not need another K-1. Develope the fighter personalities. Bring the cameras in closer when fighters are fighting. Show instant replays of power shots or shots of damage. LOSE the SPLIT SCREEN or, at least lose the current use of it. Picture in picture is a far better idea.

Everyone, this is our chance to make a name for the talented KICKBOXERS in the US. Let's foster some good ideas and hope that someone in a position of authority is listening.

Also, Ray give me a call when you get a chance!

[Ray Thompson]

Well if we are going to compete with the so called "Extreme" fight sports I guess we need to throw safety out the door, for the sake of being "Extreme", sooooo lets lose all the padding. After all the fans do dictate what we do as fighters don't they? See how long the fighters will be able to be competitive in the WCL.

I wonder if the fighters in the WCL have what it takes to become stars WITHOUT the need to follow the "Extreme" fight fans desires. HMMMMMMM I wonder.

[Curtis Bush]

Boxing has been doing fine with gloves and all strikes above the belt since it began. Actually it was bare-knuckle before the gloves. So they went the opposite way to ensure safety for the fighters. The pads in the WCL will keep the fighters kicking..which is what our sport is all about.

[Jon Lewis]

Two things and then we'll attempt to continue to foster new ideas in hopes that the WCL will change some of its tactics to be more fan friendly.

1st. To claify: As a fighter, I say keep the boot because of the exact things Ray mentions in his quotes but, as a fan in todays market of "extreme" contact sports, you'll either give the fans what they want or, you'll be passed by for something that does. Example. The UFC DOES NOT have the best fighters in the world fighting for them, or even the best fights but, the UFC does have the best shows and the largest ticket sales of any organization in the Northern Hemisphere. Why? Is it because they think Tito vs. Ken is going to be a good fight? Do the fans even think its going to be a good fight? No and No. They put those two together because of their personalities, the grudges, and the fact that the fans want to see someone get knocked out. Its simple brutality!!! Its the violence of it all. We all know that PRIDE has the best fighters but, the UFC gives the fans an arena to love or hate fighters. Contests that end in devestating fashion. And, realism! (at least to a novice fans rudimentary understanding of contact sports)) The UFC knows how to market and sell! This is what I want the WCL to do. Sell the fighters to the fans. Have the fans choose to love'em or hate'em. DO NOT give the fans an opportunity to say things like: "Why do these guys where pads on their feet?" "Its not as realistic as the UFC." Statements like these will do damage to what the WCL is all about and what the WCL stands for. We do not need another K-1 but, we do need to find a middle ground where the kickers can kick and the fans aren't given an opportunity to compare realism. REMEMBER, the WCL is competing against the biggest show on earth in the UFC. To win, or crave out a nitch you must take the very best of what they (the UFC) do and make it better, from the fights on down. This includes making it as realistc (in fans eyes) as possible. The fight game unfortunatly is more about personalities than talent. The UFC knows this. When is everyone else gonna figure it out?

2: With regards to boxing changing from no gloves to gloves. This is simple. Boxing was the only game in town. Its simple to change the rules when your the on the top looking down. The question everyone should ask themselves now is, "What happened to boxing?" If I'm not mistaken, the UFC had the largest revenue from live gate this year! That in and of itself should say something as to the direction of combat sports. Its not a direction I'm happy with but, it is what it is!

I thank you for taking the time to read such a lengthy post!

As always, I look forward to any replys ideas, or suggestions!

[Ray Thompson]

JL,
Great post and with what is really happening. I agree with your post 100%. My question is, how will the WCL fighters handle fighting once a month for seven months (fight season) without some sort of padding on their striking surfaces? The pace the WCL fighters set is unpresadented and the amount of damage they recieve needs more than 3 weeks to healing time. I agree, the less padding the more it is persieved to be real. These posts need to be on the WCL board as well. I think both board audiences need to see this. Thanks

[Colin Payne]

' use the new Ringstar shoes.'...Just wondered what these were?? Based here in the UK I do not know this brand so wondered if anyone could post a web page address where I can see these...Thanks for your help