ESTOPEN, 2005 4.04.2005

In March 26-27 in Tallinn in sporsthall “Kalev” there was held an Annual International kickboxing competition “ESTOPEN,2005”. It was already 9-th tournament. For Estonian kickboxing this tournament was very important, because this year Estonian Kickboxing Federation is celebrating it's 10. anniversary.

Indrek Aares debute

Not everything is so easy...

Many European and asian clubs planned to participate in our competition, among others Kirgizstan and Kazahstan , Russia , Poland , Hungary and Croatia . Unfortunately the date of our competition was the same as for big Russian international tournament KITEK and Danish Open, the problems for coming was made by unstable political situation in Kirgizstan and of cause to all catholics by celebration of Easter.

Even in light the nose is bloody

Indrek Ellamaa and Dane Pulbert

But never the less sportsmen from 5 countries came to participate in ESTOPEN ( Estonia , Latvia , Finland , Sweden and Norway ), more than 130 competitors in 2 age-classes (juniors and seniors) and in 4 styles: light- and full-contact, low- and thai-kickboxing.

Clinch in thai-kickboxing

The kick of Janar Novitsky

In light-contact style the gold medals were divided between local taekwondo fighters and Latvian kickboxers.. In full-contact and low-kickboxind all of clubs and countries got gold medals in different styles and weight categories. First time in ESTOPEN's history there was one thai-kickboxing match between Dane Pulbert (Royal Gym) and Indrek Ellamaa (Tallinna Shaolin).

Signe Keernik and Indrek Aare helping Janar

Kristjan Ellamaa (left) against Kimmo Kurvi

Of cause this first match was not on the level of world standarts, but local spectators got a good opportunity to watch it and good incentive to train this kickboxing style. The match was very even, and if there will be one or two rounds more, nobody knows who could be the winner, because Pulbert's left leg was hardly damaged.

Kimmo Kurvi and Indrek Ellamaa

International referee Samo Savi

Unfortunately in the tournament was not participating the best Estonian kickboxer Hannes Perk. His participation could bring sopme different results in full-contact –81 kg. Second time Daidi-Juku karatekas were participating in kickboxing tournaments. All of them got medals in the competition. One of the best was Dmitri Pervoushkin, who won gold medal in full-contact. Few years ago he was fighting in kickboxing under the flag of Tallinn shaolin club.

Signe Keernik (right) against Tiina Kala

Tough fight of Kristjan Ellamaa

In low-kickboxing the giant from “Garant” club Andrei Pozdnyakov could show his fighting skills. He won the gold medal. During the competition there were announced the best kickboxers of the last year. The best fighter was Hannes Perk (Tallinna Shaolin), best coach Yuri Lahtikov (national team coach from “Budo” club) and the best referee Dmitri Petryakov (Tallinna Shaolin). The best kickboxers were awarded by the President of Estonian Kickboxing Frderation Mr. Andrei Birov.

RESULTS ARE IN SHAOLINS FORUM