A Fresh Take on Martial Arts Competition
On Saturday night I had the pleasure of heading down to London’s O2 Indigo Arena for the brand-new Total Kombat show. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was buzzing—a vibrant mix of martial arts enthusiasts, fighters, and families, all ready for an action-packed night. It felt every bit the high-level televised martial arts event it was designed to be, with lights, cameras, and a crowd that brought real energy to the venue.
Total Kombat is being billed as a fresh format for the striking arts, and after seeing it live, I can see why. Unlike the point-based karate competitions I’ve always disliked, this was full contact—but with the added twist of allowing throws. The result? Matches that combined the speed and explosiveness of stand-up striking with the technical edge of takedowns. It felt new, exciting, and authentic, without losing sight of martial arts discipline.
The Fights
I watched every fight on the card, and each one offered something different. The pace was fast, the action was sharp, and the crowd responded to every big strike and throw. What stood out most, though, was not just the fights themselves but the spirit of the fighters once the rounds were over—competitive in the ring, but respectful outside of it.
Two fighters in particular made an impression on me:
Brandon Jewell
Joe Pitman
I had the chance to meet both of them afterwards. Despite the intensity they showed inside the ring, off the mats they were absolute gentlemen—humble, friendly, and exactly the kind of role models martial arts should produce.
Beyond the Action
One of the things I enjoyed most about the evening was how much it felt like a great night out on the fight scene in London. I got to catch up with familiar faces, reconnect with friends in the martial arts community, and see firsthand how this new format is positioning itself to grow. It was energising, both as a fan and as a coach.
I also came away with a few keepsakes—T-shirts and a poster—to remember the night, and some good photos with the fighters themselves.
Why Total Kombat Matters for NCMA
From my perspective as a coach, I can see potential for NCMA students to get involved in this kind of format in the future. It’s new, it’s fresh, and it bridges the gap between traditional point-fighting and the full-contact arenas of kickboxing and Muay Thai. It’s the kind of challenge that would test our students’ striking, timing, and adaptability in a way that fits perfectly with our ethos.
For anyone inspired to take their first steps, you can join us for a Free Trial at NCMA, check out our NCMA Shop for full training kit, or download our Kickboxing Syllabus to see what the journey looks like. For those wanting a more personal path, we also offer 1-1 Martial Arts Training to sharpen skills and build confidence.
Final Thoughts
I left the O2 Indigo impressed by the fights, the professionalism of the show, and the sheer buzz of the crowd. Total Kombat feels like the start of something that could become a big part of the UK fight scene, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on how it grows.
A huge thank you to the fighters, organisers, and sponsors, who helped make the event possible.
👉 Total Kombat
For NCMA, this wasn’t just a night out—it was inspiration for what’s possible when martial arts is packaged in a way that’s both entertaining and true to its roots.
