Brothers to trial out for NZ team

Brothers Adam and David Halkyard Leaf fought for Far North Thai Boxing Kaitaia at a youth martial arts tournament in Auckland earlier this month.

Two young upcoming Kaitaia brothers recorded mixed results at a youth martial arts show in Auckland recently.

David Halkyard Leaf, 11, along with young brother, Adam, 8, represented the Far North Thai Boxing Kaitaia at the Muay Thai Kids Show hosted by Smac Gym in Manurewa on Saturday, February 11.

Already well experienced in the combat zone, David fought Boieaster Boyce (name unconfirmed, Strikeforce gym).

Despite his opponent being previously undefeated and holding a 5kg weight advantage, David won the bout - held over three two minute rounds on modified muay thai rules - on a unanimous decision.

Adam was matched up against another lad who was described as being both older and heavier, and just lost on a points decision.

The pair featured on a card of around 16 fights at the matinee show.

Both brothers are now preparing to trial for the New Zealand team competing at the 2017 IFMA (International Federation of Martial Arts) youth world champs in Bangkok later this year.

David - currently ranked No 3 on the IFMA world rankings in the 36-38kg class for his age and, and No 1 in New Zealand - automatically qualifies, having medalled at last year's tournament. (The same applies for Far North stablemate, 9-year-old LFah Trego from Whatuwhiwhi, who also medalled at the 2016 event).

It was noted FNTBK was still going really well, with strong turnouts for the Monday night trainings so far this year.

Head instructor Tahuri Tibble also enjoyed recent success in the fighting arena, dominating two back-to-back fights in separate events late last year, both needing to be stopped in the first round.