Aussie travels to the US for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Referee and Judging course

On the 1st December 2007 Steve Perceval travelled to California USA to attend the first ever Big John McCarthy MMA referee and Judging accreditation course. Most will know Big John McCarthy as the head referee in the most popular MMA cage fighting event in the world, The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) with his world famous catch phrase and trademark “Let’s Get It On”.

Big John has been associated with the UFC in one form or another from its conception and the first UFC where little know Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practioner Royce Gracie tore through the opposition winning the title easily, without a doubt this was the beginning of mixed martial arts as we know it today.

Steve Perceval a 4th degree black belt in HapKiDo and Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under John Will and the Machado organisation has his own full time martial arts centre, Ultimate Fighting Arts in Penrith NSW.

Earlier this year Steve started his MMA refereeing career and has refereed such events as the Oceania, King of the Cage and more recently was appointed the head referee for the two Cage Fighting Championship (CFC) events held at Luna Park, Sydney. Always wanting to learn more and improve his skills and with no governing body or refereeing courses in Australia Steve took it upon himself to contact Big John McCarthy in the USA and find out if he offers courses and accreditation for MMA Referee’s.

Big John responded that he was having his first ever MMA Refereeing and Judging course on December 1st and 2nd 2007 and that it would be open to the first 20 people who applied and paid their deposit, excited by the news Steve immediately sent his payment to secure his spot in the course and then booked his flights to the USA. The comprehensive course which ran for two days consisted of rules and legalities for cage fighting, cage and ring craft for refereeing, demonstration and understanding of techniques used in cage fighting and safety aspects for the fighters.

Steve was assessed on his refereeing ability in the cage and ring, his understanding of legal and illegal techniques, his understanding and interpretation of rules, the safety of the fighters and finished the two day course with a written test.

Big John and Steve spoke about how Australia has no legalisation or governing body at the present time, Big John explained that it is the Athletic Commissions who govern cage fighting events in the USA and how such organisations are essential to set rules and standards and to control the promoters for the safety of fighters in the ever growing sport.

Big John offered Steve his services if needed in the future, if ever Steve needs advice or help in any area of MMA events including the organisation and setting up of a governing body Steve could contact Big John at any time. Steve was the first to receive his certificate from Big John and was one of only 5 who passed the 2007 course. Steve has learnt a lot from the course and looks forward to sharpening his refereeing skills in the next CFC event organised for the 15th February 2008.