CEWKA 5th International Open Tournament Review- Pajhan Jaffari
A long; hard fought and eventful day, with the best possible outcomes. It was Pajhan Jaffari’s first competition back – from the World Championships (Tenerife) and he came away with two gold medals. Winning both the: 14 -15 years -63 kg category and 14 -15 years open weight category! Having four fights in each category, with all different techniques on show. Sweeps, punches, kicks and spinning kicks successful to say the least.
14 – 15 years -63 kg:
First round (1 – 0 win): He spent the first fight adjusting to the competition (as no two are the same) and analysing, what the different referees on his mat were looking for. As a fighter, it is paramount not only to beat your opponent but also to play into the hands of the referees. They are the ones giving you the points, as a result: you need to make it as easy for them as possible to give you the points you need. To go on and win all your fights – give them what they want. Not only is there the physical side to fighting, but the mental aspect is equally: if not more important. Without a strong mindset and being a smart fighter, you will never win. After winning the first round, he had enough information to go on and win the category.
Second round (9 – 1 win): By carefully using an array of techniques (at the correct time), ranging from: head kicks to punches. He managed to keep tallying points until the fight was stopped (as you automatically win if you are eight points clear). A great win to boost him to the next round.
Semi-Final (3 – 3 win): He was off to a great start, creating his points and catching his opponent at the correct time. He was now up 3 – 0. With only a couple seconds left of the fight, Jaffari started to relax (arguably too much). His opponent tried to kick him in the head, in which he evaded and blocked. However, the referee who was at an awkward angle, scored it as they thought it hit (which. happens all the time). It was now a level playing field. There is a rule called Senshu in fighting, in which if the fight ends as a draw: the person who scores the first point wins. By running the last seconds down with movement he managed to keep hold of his win. Ready for the final.
Final (4–1 win): He had been watching his opponent throughout the tournament, studying his mistakes and how to beat him. This allowed a comfortable win as he already had a plan of how to beat him. He picked up enough points to be comfortably ahead. From there he just used my footwork and movement to run down the clock and score his points if possible. The gold medal putting me in good contention for the open weight category which was next.
14–15 years Open Weight category:
First round (1–0 win): With a new category comes a new mat and referees. Again he spent time collating information on what these referees were looking for, also spending time looking at the competitors on before or after me. Coming away with a comfortably held one point win.
Second round (1–0 win): Early on in the round Jaffari picked up an injury, being kicked in the leg hindering his movement. He managed to pick up a point and thinking of the next round, made sure he held onto the win. After coming away with the win, he received medical attention so he could fight to the best he could in the next round.
Semi-Final (3–0 win): With his injury attended to. He was in much better stead to win. He felt a lot more comfortable and could easily score simple points to go on and win the fight. Mainly scoring with punches as he still couldn’t use his legs as he normally could.
Final (3–3 win): Again he was off to a great start scoring simple points and coming up three points. However his movement was starting to be hindered again by the injury being aggravated. Receiving medical attention through the fight. His opponent did manage to level the fight, however he kept going strong to see the fight out. Winning the final again based off the Senshu rule. No matter what you face, you have to keep fighting and overcome the obstacles you face. He made sure not to give up no matter what the circumstances; to solidify my second gold medal which he worked so hard for. Life is a fight itself.
