City to host martial arts bonanza next year

Rotorua is to host seven international mixed martial arts competitions which are set to boost tourism and the city's economy.
The Australasian Oceania Extreme Tournament, a mixed martial arts competition between New Zealand and Australia, will be held at the Rotorua Girls' High School Arena on February 26, and will be the first of seven international unarmed combat and weaponry combat competitions with one being held every two months throughout the year.
A Bay of Plenty team will represent New Zealand in the 10-hour competition against Australia.
The tournament will be hosted by the World Martial Arts Committee Inc and will involve competitors aged between seven and 45 competing in a number of disciplines including karate, thai boxing and grappling.
World Martial Arts Committee president and former international martial arts champion Raniera Nikora said it took about two years to organise the international competitions and he expected each to sell out.
He said the Oceania Extreme Tournament would be the first martial arts tournament of its kind, exploring a range of disciplines and offering a great chance for up-and-coming competitors to enhance their skills. "It will [also] be a good opportunity to promote Rotorua and the attractions and activities we have to offer and everyone can benefit from it."
Mr Nikora expected at least 500 to 600 people at the tournaments which would be broadcast live on the internet.
Rotorua Deputy Mayor Trevor Maxwell said the tournament would help highlight the city's tourism attractions and culture.
"It will be a great event not only for our competitors but for our community and economy, it's awesome to see a range of international events being held here," he said.
Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing manager David Whorwood said the tournament would be a positive and exciting event for Rotorua and he looked forward to working alongside local businesses to support its success.
"It has been a fairly difficult economical past few years for local tourism and it is good to see a range of activities and events being hosted here," Mr Whorwood said.
"The forecast for the tourism providers' future is looking positive and exciting."
Rotorua Motel Association chairman Glenn Stafford said the tournament was good news.
"Events like this give Rotorua the opportunity to attract more people to the city. It's an important step in the process of creating excitement for families and visitors that travel here," he said.
Mr Nikora, who has more than 30 years' experience in a range of martial arts disciplines, said competitors in next year's series would come from around the world, including the United States, Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Europe.
Tickets will be on sale for the Australasian Oceania Extreme tournament early next year and later dates for the following series of competitors will be confirmed then. Family concession passes will be available as well VIP, ringside and standard passes.