Strike Box to make debut Feb 6th in Montreal

About a year ago, Stephan Patry, a poineer of MMA promotion in Canada, former presedent and CEO of TKO MMA and UCC before that, dropped a hint at me that the wheels were in motion to create a promotion that would feature the stand up martial arts in Quebec. I expressed my excitement at the thought of this and promised him my undying support if this idea ever came to fruition.

Over the course of the last year I’ve been asking and bothering him and wondering if it was just a dream. Well on Febuary 6th this dream is becoming a reality.

The organization is called Strike Box, and it will be the every day MMA and combat sport fan’s dream. With a man like Stephan behind something, you know it is going to catch on. He has been a key player in the popularization of MMA in Canada with his promotions, as well as his TV shows. He took MMA from the underground to the Bell Centre. Also he has been involved in the careers of just about all the truely great and reckognizable MMA fighter from Canada like GSP, The Crow, Patrick Cote, Sean Peirson, all the Team Tomkins guys, among others. His ability to take things to the top is undisputed and I can’t wait to see what direction his vision will take this exciting new event. He has also mentioned that a cable television deal may be in the works.

The rules are much the same as Muay Thai or the stand up portion of MMA: punches, kicks, knees, elbows and strikes from the clinch are all allowed. Also legal will be takedowns - minus any pile driving or head spiking techniques. San Da, San Shou, and Shoot boxing are all names that can be tossed around comparatively. The addition of a clinch with knees and elbows, along with the fact that contestants will be wearing MMA gloves seperates Strike Boxing from these very similar sports. (Correct me if I’m wrong for my knowledge of the San Da and San Shou arts is basic at best). As soon as a take down happens, the fight will be stood up again. Many of the strikers in MMA have to hold back for fear of take downs and the following submission or onslaught of ground and pound. The worst thing that happens if you get taken down in Strike boxing is that you get a little behind on points. Now don’t get me wrong, I love MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but my favourite aspect of MMA is the striking, and this new sport is going to be so action packed it will make your head spin. You’ll see a lot more aggression and a lot more chances taken.

Unfortunately I just had knee surgery last week so actually competing in the inaugral strike boxing show is not going to be possible. However, along side Kru Chris Kew, I will be training four athletes from MAS Thaiboxing for this upcoming event in Montreal. I am looking forward to seeing where this new breed of combat sport will take us. Stay tuned and if you’re around Montreal on Febuary 6th make sure you don’t miss the show!

Strike Box Info

Date: Friday, February 6, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 10:30pm
Location: Studio Mel’s La Cité du Cinéma (Mel’s 3 - Studio K)
Street: 1777, Carrie-Derick street
City/Town: Montreal, QC