Anyone visiting this website can have the confidence in knowing that I.S.K.A fully endorse, recognise and support the BLCC and it's founder Mr Neil Kelly.
The BLCC will give the ring Light Continuous fighters in this country something unique to them whilst giving them the stage to progress. they will fight for real titles against quality opponents. Above all it's about a group of people working together for the good of the sport and not personal gain.
I also believe that the BLCC will be a breeding ground for the development of Full Contact fighters who will cross over from ring Light Continuous, which is vital for the future of this great stand up fighting sport.
I wish everyone involved great success for the future.
Andrew Hennessy - I.S.K.A UK President
- M.A.C.K Chief Instructor
I have been working with Neil Kelly for some time now. I have always thought that he wanted to put something back into the sport and help develop fighters of the future for Full Contact. I personally have been campaigning for some time now for a proper circuit for the juniors to compete on. A platform for them to develop their skills under the same criteria as Full Contact but with the emphasis on skill rather than physical strength. BLCC gives my juniors just that and by competing in the ring under the same rules but with control it prepares them for the transition to seniors.
Full Contact only has a future if we give the kids a platform and an arena to compete on. I have suggested to all the main Associations that our juniors should compete under these guidelines for some time in the ring with control to body and head. The only Association that has been prepared to listen and accommodate this view is the WFK. As from 2007 all WFK / EFK events Light Continuous Competitions will be held in a RING at both Regional, National and International level. To me as a student and teacher of Full Contact Kick Boxing this is a major step in the right direction of developing the fighters of the future. BLCC and WFK will work together in taking the cream of the crop onto the International Circuit and compete in The World Martial Arts Games which will be under the same rules and guidelines as BLCC.
Myself and Neil have been working together for some time now on these smaller shows for the Juniors and Seniors. The shows have been well supported with some great talent on display. The more skilful and effective fighter with the best evasive / defensive skills will win the bout. The referee briefs the fighters, coaches and crowd prior to the event to reinforce what BLCC is looking for and how he / judges will ultimately reward victory.
This standard has been met at ALL BLCC / Neil Kelly's events that I have attended. All title fights are viewed on the records and merits of these individual fighters. My junior fighters who have won ISKA, WKA titles previously have rarely been asked to defend them. The BLCC will hopefully give them the platform Nationally to compete regularly and showcase / develop their skills in preparation for the Full Contact circuit.
I for one will be supporting as many events as I possible can and looking forward to working with Neil on this initiative.
Dean Sugden - Newark Martial Arts Chief Instructor
- WKA Light Middleweight World Full Contact Champion
- WFK / EFK Vice President - Europe
'The subject of juniors competing and light continuous has long needed some structure so well done to Neil for finally taking the bull by the horns. This for me is an exciting development in 'full contact' style kickboxing and I look forward to working to support the BLCC in the future'
Colin Payne - TKO Kickboxing Promotions
Neil Kelly is passionate about all genres of fighting, but within kickboxing I think it would be a fair comment to say that his heart particularly leans towards light continuous.
If there is one single person who has the knowledge & professionalism needed to address the needs of this circuit, it would be him.
He has hit the nail on the head as to what needs to be done.
We need to invest into this BLCC circuit as it is an essential breeding ground for Full Contact & we need to support the credible people who work toward the growth of kickboxing, of which I consider Neil Kelly to be one of those valued people.
Dawn Willock - Director MAGB LTD
The British Light Continuous Council has been set up to provide fighters with decent Light Contact titles to fight for. The best of British Light Contact fighters will be able to fight for National and regional titles in a professionally staged, and exciting gala-style arena.
We at ISKA fully applaude this move as Great Britain has an untapped supply of talent, and no real platform to perform on. ISKA concentrate on many different forms of Martial Arts. We have competitors from the world of Light Contact, Semi Contact, Full Contact, kickboxing Low Kick, Thai Boxing and Forms. The BLCC is only interested in Light Continuous ring fighting, and as such, will be able to concentrate on producing some of the best fighters in Europe. Not only will they be able to gain titles under the BLCC, but they will be ready to take on European and even World titles with ISKA.
I visited the last tournament that the BLCC ran in mid March. I was impressed with the quality of fighters, and the professional way that the show was ran. I know that this type of Council will promote and expand the sport of Light Continuous in this country, and will put the British where they belong: at the top of the tree.
I urge any fighter who participates in ISKA tournaments for Light Contact to sign up as a fighter for the BLCC. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
Pete Richardson - ISKA UK - Chief Referee
The light continuous circuit feeds the amateur full contact circuit, which in turn feeds the professional full contact circuit! So like in any growing sport that is managed properly the grass roots level (light continuous) needs as much help and support as possible and i feel the best way to that is to make it "worthwhile". If titles are seen to be genuine and fighters feel they have earned the right to wear the belt then competition grows, and this is what the BLCC is aiming to do. We need to build a sound starting blocks for the stars of the future!
Dale Wood - Jesters gym chief instructor
On the surface, your BLCC event seemed to offer what we were looking for although as with any new event we relied heavily on your own personal reputation for maintaining the ‘light’ element. We also hoped that the day would be relatively well organised and hopefully, reasonably enjoyable. On the day however things were a little different.
The event wasn’t just enjoyable it was superb! The organisation was virtually flawless, the matching excellent as was the refereeing, judging and whole atmosphere. As for the ‘light’ element it was absolutely spot on and a great initiation for youngsters. (Personally I loved the summaries you voiced after each bout which not only appeased the youngsters but informed the parents of why the decisions were made – a nice touch). If this is typical of what you and the BLCC have to offer we wish you every success for the future and assure you of our continued support. Congratulations once again – GREAT DAY!
Dave Whitfield - Bai Lang operations Manager
For many years I have felt that there are too many titles around the circuit and to have, 1 credible title for the light continous would be a great asset to the sport and am honoured to endorse the BLCC idea , I feel that the fighters would benefit by this, in confidence, and esteem, and to be a true credible champion would be beneficail to the sport of kickboxing and the way forward.
Mike, Robert & Richard sidwell - Active Light Continuous enthusiasts
I was very happy at the BLCC event on the 8th July. It was nice to see so many young ones have a go.
It's about time somebody grabbed the chance to put ring light continuous in the spotlight.
This type of competition is a great chance to put some novice fighters forward from the age of 7 years upwards in the ring with many before hand having no experience.
Neil Kelly was perfect in his refereeing, not allowing to much heavy contact as this is light continuous that is what the contact level should be.
I made many friends on the day and also some valuable contacts.
It is nice to see light continuous done in the correct way where it is safe to take your novice youngsters and elders as well as experienced fighters without them getting put off due to the contact levels being to high.
Light Continuous is a skill and a pleasure to watch when it is done correctly.
I teach full contact and light contact and have competed in both. It is a pleasure to have an organisation who solely commit their efforts to the light continuous stage.
Well done to Neil, I have only known him for a short time but already respect him fully.
Pete Dunnett - 4th Dan Combat Kickboxing Academy Suffolk
Great competition - good matching up for my newbies, some great talent on show from some v.good technical clubs and the whole day was well run.
I am sure the BLCC is going to be very successful and certainly the way to go for continuous fighters who want that ring experience.
Lee Whitfield - Bai Lang Chief Instructor