Far North martial arts club shines in first tournament since reopening

Whatuwhiwhi’s East Coast Muay Thai club and its members, which started up again around six months ago after the passing of club founder, Motu Trego, last year.

A Far North martial arts club has taken part in its first tournament since reopening six months ago following the passing of its much-loved club founder and president.

Whatuwhiwhi’s East Coast Muay Thai (ECMT) club made the long journey to Auckland on December 7 to fight in the Future Generation 11 tournament in Manurewa – the club’s first fight since losing ECMT founder Motu Trego, who sadly passed away last year.

In a tribute to his brother’s memory, club president Wob Hetaraka took four fighters from Ngāti Kahu aged between 9 and 16 to compete against top muay thai fighters from across the motu.

Wob said the youngest fighter (his son), Toby “BigBoi” Hetaraka, 9, was first up on the fight card, starting his second fight-ever “with a bang” and taking home a gold medal.

Mary “MJ” George (right) before her title fight with opponent, Persais, at the Future Generation 11 Junior Fight Competition on December 7.

Next up was Hori ‘HBomb’ Popata-Mutu in his third fight and making his third TKO (technical knockout), this time in his first round.

“Our neph was amazing in his third fight and like always, explosive dropping his bombs.” Wob said.

Tiaki “Boogiemahn” Popata-Mutu followed his brother, stepping into the ring for his debut fight and also coming home with the win.

The main event title fight, according to Wob, was the girls' title fight.

Wob’s daughter Mary “Scary Mary” George or “MJ”, competed in her first-ever title fight on the night.

MJ, 14, said she was first introduced to muay thai by her Uncle Motu when she was 6 and had trained on and off ever since.

The teen said she was excited to get into the ring and would be taking her uncle and his memory with her.

“My uncle always wanted me to have a title fight, so this is for him,” MJ said.

“I’m going to go into this the best I can and I’m really proud of myself and how far I have come.

“I’m also super proud of my team members and how much they’ve grown and can’t wait to represent our club together this weekend.”

And what a fight it was, with five rounds of two minutes with both fighters laying everything on the table.

“They were both exhausted and both very talented young ladies, it was so beautiful to watch, a perfect match up,” Wob said.

While MJ didn’t come out victorious, Wob said he was extremely proud of her efforts.

Fighters from the Whatuwhiwhi’s East Coast Muay Thai (ECMT) club recently fought at a tournament in Auckland.

“We might not have come home with the belt, but we already told our team as soon as we leave home in Whatuwhiwhi, you are winners, hold ya heads high and be proud like we are,” Wob said.

“Thanks to MJ encouraging me to start up again, we’ve grown the club to 15 members, ranging from 3 to 16 years old, who train hard up to five days a week.

“Through this kaupapa we’ve managed to bring a whole community together in a positive and healthy way. The kids built their own gym, they made it happen, and I think my brother would be proud.”

EMCT is currently fundraising to purchase a bus to use for travel to tournaments around the motu as their team expands.

The club’s next competition will be in March in Auckland next year.