This year the 10K Karate Clash was held at the newly refurbished Hackney Empire, London with 32 Elite Champions all past and present UK, European and World Champions, from Karate, Freestyle, Kung Fu, Kick Boxing and K1, competing for the prize of £10,000.

Organised by Joe Long, and supported by the Outdoor Television Network, the event attracts some of the biggest names in Martial Arts.

This year the 10K Karate Clash took an International flavour, with places offered to five International Champions, raising the profile of an already well respected competition.

With coverage from Eurosport, the event promises to continue attracting top competitors, which will, in turn, continue improving the standard of this first-class competition. 

Below are the Draw Sheets. The Winners of each Group are highlighted in red.

Everyone who attended this year's 10K expected a grand show, going by the success of the last two events, but this years 10K outshone them all, without a doubt. The night was bigger, better and brighter than it's previous competitions, offering spectators to see competition karate at it's best.

The night began with a blackout. A screen dropped down, and we were introduced to the 10K by various well known names and faces, including Wayne Otto, the first ever 10K winner, Lee Evans the comedian, and members of the group Damage. The screen dimmed, and the audience hushed. Expectations were high for this night, and it really started with a bang, literally! The stage lit up with fireworks and onstage came two members of Damage, who were then hosts to the nights festivities.

Pictured Right, Group 2 Final Matt Price KUGB (Grand Champion), Aka (Red) fighting against Russian International Alexander Gueronov Ao (Blue) the eventual winner, Alexander Gueronov.

We were introduced to the Group 1 Fighters via a raised platform at the back of the stage, which was hidden behind a black curtain. The curtain raised to reveal the first eight fighters, to manic applause from the audience. The group favourite was Leon Walters, last year's winner. He fought well, sailing through his first fight against Trevor Finnkin. Leon Martin also fought an unforgettable fight against Calum Robb, who had his fair share of support in the audience. Hanidreza Saedi, the Iranian International beat Jamie Wood, WAKO Pro Champion, to go on to face Leon Walters in the second round of Group 1. Saedi showed good spirit, but was picked off by the dominating World Champion Walters. Davin Pack beat Noel Mantock, to face the fiery Leon Martin in the second round of Group 1. Leon Walters eventually emerged as the overall winner of Group 1, after a victory over Davin Pack. 

The next eight fighters were revealed to more applause and Group 2 got underway. Everyone knew that Matt Price would be a force to be reckoned with, after training hard since last years 10K. He fought a good fight against John Sheils, the British Full Contact Champion, and won. There were a series of impressive fights that followed, from skilled Russian International Alexander Gueronov, who eventually, beating Matt Price, took his well deserved place in the Semi Finals.

Pictured left, Group 4 final Rory Daniels Aka (Red) fighting against Russian International Roman Toushdiev Ao (Blue). The eventual winner Rory Daniels.

Group 3 promised to be a heated round, with favorites such as Alton Brown, who came so close to winning last year, Cain Canning, a favourite with the crowd and Chris Ewing, a strong young fighter. Colin Heath won the first bout of Group 3, against Marcus Prince. Chris Ewing fought well, but was beaten by a strong Dutch International entry, Timothy Peters. Cain Canning gained his place in the second round of group 3, beating Simon O'Dowd, as did Alton Brown, a firm favourite to win, who beat David Williams.

Colin Heath and Tim Peters fought well in the first fight of the second round, with Tim Peters just pipping Colin Heath to the post. After a fiery battle between Alton Brown and Cain Canning, Alton stood victorious. Alton then went on to dominate in his match against Tim Peters, firmly setting himself a place in the semi finals.   

Group 4 was definately a tough round, with the likes of Craig Burke, Rory Daniels and Paul Newby, to mention but a few strong fighters, included in this group. The Group got off to a fantastic start with a brilliant fight from Craig Burke, who beat European Champion Joe Mongan. Russian International Roman Toushdiev went on to beat Julian Cunningham to a place in the second round. Billy Seagrim, flying the flag for Wales, was beaten by the formidable Rory Daniels, a last minute entry, who seemed to be on top form. Paul Newby went on to beat Sam Timis for the final place in the second round.

Craig Burke kicked off the second round with strength, beating Roman, the Russian International. After a tight fight from Rory Daniels and Paul Newby, Rory glided into the final round of Group 4. To win he needed to beat Craig Burke, who was on fire, but Rory pulled out all the stops and fought hard, gaining the final place in the Semi Finals.

Pictured Right, finalists Rory Daniels and Alexander Gueronov, with sponsor Basil Arrindell.

The Semi Finals began with a heated fight between last years winner, Leon Walters, and the Russian International Gueronov, with the Russian beating a disappointed Walters. The next fight proved to be one of the most memorable fights of the night. Alton Brown and Rory Daniels squared up to compete for the final place in the Final. The bout was fast paced, and both fighters gave it their all. When the 'Time Up' buzzer sounded Rory was ahead and to a mix of ear shattering applause and a few boos from spectators, Rory was declared the last finalist. Alton Brown was one of the favourites to win this year and people were hugely disappointed to see him get so close again, but Rory was in blinding form, and looked like he could win the £10,000.

The final was set to be a tension filled three minutes with every set of eyes in the Hackney set on these two fighters. The home team was behind Rory all the way, but Gueronov was a skilled fighter and gave Rory a tough ride. As the three minutes came close to ending people were on their feet, screaming, just hoping Rory could score the points needed to put him in front of the Russian underdog, but when the buzzer sang, it wasn't meant to be. Gueronov had won, and was taking home £10,000. A disappointed Rory took his defeat like a true sportsman after fighting like a true champion.

Pictured left, Alexander Gueronov, receiving the winners cheque for £10,000 from Promoter Joe Long and Sponsor Basil Arrindell.

Another hugely successful night from Promoter Joe Long, and all the glitz and glamour of the evening only continued well into the next morning with an After Party being held in the Hackney Central Bar and Restaurant, with DJing from the evening's hosts from Damage.

The popularity of the night will surely continue to grow as Joe Long continues to impress his audiences with top fighters as well as top class entertainment. Here's looking forward to the 10K Karate Clash 2005!