January 27, 2017 at 2:31 p.m.
Local martial artists compete in Italy
Local martial artists compete in Italy
Pankration, which means "all powers" is an ancient Greek form of Mixed Martial Arts and combines the best techniques from Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, American Boxing and Wrestling, Taekwondo, and Judo.
Pankration was a sport in the first major Olympics, but due to the physical nature of the sport, it was removed from the Olympics for safety reasons. Dave Sixel, the USAFPA (United States of America Federation & Pankration Association) president and coach, is currently working with national leaders and coaches to make the sport recognized by the Olympics again.
According to a press release issued by Sixel's Fight Club, the athletes "were specially selected by Dave, and also train out of his gym in Sugar Camp." The team members ranged in age from 16-34 and competed in various weight classes and divisions.
When asked how he trains and puts together teams in the Northwoods and finds competitive opportunities for his athletes he answered, "I do it by working with local coaches and organizing competitions, training regimens, and training my athletes who live farther away with online apps through the internet."
Together, Team USA took home five gold, seven silver and five bronze medals.
Team USA members with Northwoods ties included gold medallist Emily Christian from Lake Tomahawk; silver medalists Abby Pires and Wesley Walters both from Sugar Camp; silver medalist TJ Harsla of St. Germain and Travis Larson of Rhinelander.
"The USAFPA is a non-profit organization that draws its financial resources from fundraising, public and private donations, and personal funding from team members," the press release states. "Common costs for trips like these include airfare and travel, hotels, food, competition fees and gear, and international fees, all of which add up to over $3,000 per participant. A huge thank you goes out from Dave and his team to all the businesses and individuals who helped to make the amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible."
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