The Cellar’s Chris Cichon and Lisa Van Ahn were selected to compete with Team USA at the 2011 WAKO World Championships in Dublin, Ireland along with The Cellar’s Justin Whiley who was selected as an Assistant Coach. Chris Cichon fought at -71kg (156.5lbs) and Lisa Van Ahn fought at -56kg (123.5lbs). The WAKO World Championships is held every 2 years and is the biggest event in the world for the sport of Full Contact Kickboxing. Over 50 countries participate and each country is allowed to send one fighter per weight class.

Below is a recap of the event:Nov-22
The schedule has been adjusted for some reason. Computerized brackets are supposed to happen this morning so we will know which countries we fight in our first bouts soon. Opening Ceremonies have been pushed back to tomorrow (Wed) with the fights beginning immediately afterwards. It’s nice to have another day to sight see and adjust to the time zone change, but we are all eager to step into that ring!

Nov-22
The brackets have been announced and we got some decent opening round draws along with some really tough ones. Still no idea on fight order, but here’s what we drew in terms of brackets:
Jim Wilson got bye and will fight winner of Kazakhstan vs. Ireland
Adam Poore will fight Ireland
Chris Cichon will fight Kazakhstan
Nathan Key will fight Russia
Simon Buettner will fight Ukraine
Stevie Dement will fight Great Britian
Tecia Torres vs. Poland
Lisa Van Ahn vs Brazil
Amika Olchavik vs Finland
Amanda Ginski vs Great Britain

Nov-23
First day of the tournament and we got off to a rough start. Our three most experienced fighters all had very difficult first round fights against previous Gold and Silver medalists. Chris Cichon lost to Kazakhstan, Nathan Key lost to Russia, and Simon Buettner lost to Ukraine. All three had good fights and lost on points by judges decision.

Nov-24
Today so far: off to a much better start. Lisa Van Ahn beat Brazil, Stevie Dement beat Great Britain, Adam Poore lost to Ireland, Amika beat Finland, and Jimi lost to Kazakhstan. Tecia and Amanda up soon, then Stevie, Lisa, and Amika all fight once more today

Nov-24
It was a tough second half of the day as Lisa lost to Russia. Amika lost a nail bitter to #1 seed turkey and Amanda lost to Britain. But it ends on a high note as STEVIE DEMENT WINS OVER IRELAND AND ADVANCES TO MEDAL ROUND TOMORROW!

Nov-25
Stevie wins bronze. He lost a super close fight to Kazakhstan. Congrats Stevie!

The Medal Ceremony from the -91kg division. From Left: Silver Medal – Kazakhstan, Gold Medal – Russia, Bronze Medal – Hungary & USA’s Stevie Dement.