Arm Wresting Training: Todd Hutchings | Part 2 | Max Effort Side Pressure | 2016 Mega Match
Arm Wrestling 10 ROUND Supermatch: Todd Hutchings vs Herman Stevens | $2000 | 2016
Arm Wresting Training: Todd Hutchings | Part 2 | Max Effort Side Pressure | 2016 Mega Match
Arm Wrestling 10 ROUND Supermatch: Todd Hutchings vs Herman Stevens | $2000 | 2016

IMPORTANT UPDATE: I updated this article with what Mircea Simionescu-Simicel (WAF General Secretary) commented about the article in a public facebook group. And I also added the answer of Vitaly Safronov to what Mircea Simionescu-Simicel commented.
I think this is a very important update because it shows a double standard: if you are with us, you are good, we support you and you represent Hungary… But if you don’t listen to us, we ban you, and then we say that the real reason is that you are actually from Ukraine…
Armwrestling Mircea Simionescu-Simicel ► Skandenbergul românesc
(Translated from Romanian): ” And this is a denigration and proof that PAL / URPA creates conflicts. The athlete is Ukrainian and they put the country Hungary just to instigate. He received a ban from the Hungarians because he did not represent them at all. In addition, he is an athlete from a Ukrainian organization in conflict with the waf member. Igor knows more 🙂 ”
Vitaly Safronov – reply: ” This is not an accurate statement. I have been living in Hungary permanently since 2012 – almost 7 years now. I now have a national Hungarian ID card and all rights of a citizen except for voting. My two kids were born in Hungary and they consider this country their Motherland. Furthermore I am 2016 Hungarian National Armwrestling Champion. At Senec Hand in 2017 I was vocally encouraged by WAF Vice President Attila Csabai – Head of Hungarian Federation and my respected Friend to pull under Hungarian Flag in the presence of Organizers of Senec Hand and Hungarian team members. Every Thursday for many years I pull at Polus Center in Budapest with my teammates – the main base for training of national team. I may not be a born Hungarian but my children are by heart and by spirit. This is where I belong and live permanently. The ban was imposed as I was told: because Hungarian Competitor participated in non Sanctioned event – which by default means that my honor to represent the Flag was recognized in the first place. What puzzles me most is how you can spread false statements without checking? I have not participated in any armwrestling event in Ukraine since maybe 2003. Sorry for the expressive message – it is getting too wrong here. ”
—
I really love armwrestling… I think the only thing I’m starting to love more than armwrestling is the World Armwrestling Federation, and I think I’m not the only one… Yes, I’m being sarcastic of course…
XSportNews.com found out about the case of Vitaly Safronov who got a lifetime ban for competing at an URPA event banned by WAF: RIGA OPEN 2019. (See ► RESULTS: RIGA OPEN 2019, VIDEOS)
I’m really waiting for the rest of competitors from RIGA OPEN 2019 to receive a lifetime ban from WAF… Keeping it up like this, really soon only the WAF Executive board will get to do some armwrestling in their precious World Armwrestling Federation… 😉
Below you can read what Vitaly Safronov had to say about this, when he was asked by XSportNews.com… He is extremely peaceful, respectful and calm, considering what happened:
Vitaly Safronov: ” I highly respect my friends at Hungarian Federation and I do not want to mention any names specifically. Neither I have hard feelings nor do I question their reputation or dedication to growth of armwrestling locally and globally. Hungarian team has tremendous progress thanks to their efforts.
Nonetheless after my participation in Riga Open 2019 and my first URPA points here is what has happened:
I was approached by an official person, a friend of mine, who spoke on behalf of Head of Hungarian Federation. He literally mentioned that Federation has a contract with WAF where it is written that if any Hungarian competitor takes part in any URPA competition he is banned and he is not able to compete in any WAF event anymore.
Taking into account that every local event in Hungary is organized by Federation, I am banned everywhere here.
During clarification I was told that this is permanent unconditional lifetime ban.
Sorry but that’s all details I have as the message was quite short. ”
So what do you plan to do now ?
Vitaly Safronov: ” Well. Getting ready for Senec Hand. And as I am not welcome in armwrestling gym now where all my friends pull and train, I will arrange training place at home and invite closest friends to pull and enjoy barbeque :).
As a side note I was part of Ukrainian team and competed as Junior <18 y.o. at international level in late 1990s and early 2000s. Managed to become 4 times national Ukraine Junior champion and 2 times European WAF Junior champion (in Hungary, ironically and in Turkey). And got Silver at Worlds Juniour Championship in Senec.
So WAF bans me permanently without even checking that probably. I doubt that makes difference as I was not very active in WAF events after my Junior carrier. “

The competitors list and info regarding 2019 Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge (ACAC), Promo Video
(There may be a few additions as some airline has been delayed)
Pro Right 0-154: Anton Bugrimov, Mike Ondrovic, Eric Crespo, Vazgen Soghoyan, Jonathan Bradenburg, Wade Mollohan, Joseph Drellack, Geoff Hale, Billy Ngheim, Martin Langlois, Tony Kaiser, Stephen Howard, Hiroshi Kotera, Hien Le, Ivan Gregoricka, Mindaugas Tarasaitis
Pro Right 176: Bill Logsdon, Valentin Gospodinov, Gary Kessler, Greg Gray, Bill Ballinger, Vrezh Sedrakyan, Hong Jiseung, Paul Fisher, Jake Houston, Roger Nowatske, Scott Wynn
Pro Right 198: Paul Linn, Steven Logsdon, Kunishov Sirojiddin Steve Baldwin, Daniel Mosier, Dariusz Zentak, Graham Gilbert, Quinlan Mendez, Elsevar Khasiyev, Brian LaFerriere, Taylor Beatty, Danny Gillean, Derick Johnson, Mike West, Dayton Ward, Jarrod Rose, Goga Gogilava, Kevin Harris
Pro Rt 199+: Janek Kwais, Pavlo Derbedyenyev, Greg Mayfield, Russ Schrader, Justin Major, Brian Sitton, Scott Ballinger, Don Jackson, Nick Traxler, Pavlo Krasnov, Don Underwood, Robert Wimbley, MIrtelah Aslanov, Derek Smith, Carlos Hernandez, Jesse Barnett, Akmal Ibragimov, Corey West, Marcio Barboza, Sharif Ismailov, Anthony Jones, Alex DeLaTorre, Jody Williams, Robby Burnett
Ladies 176: Alexandra Ozerova, Klaudia Liskova, Martha Swick, Angie Rose, Challen Peterson, Christina Casto, Yoko Yamada, Josee Morneau
Source: United States Armwrestling Association
” ARMWRESTLING
The 23rd Annual Arnold Classic Armwrestling Challenge will determine who among the world’s top arm sports athletes has the most “pull” during the Arnold Sports Festival. Each year the best arm wrestlers in the world gather at the Greater Columbus Convention Center for two days of armwrestling action.
The preliminary round is Friday, March 2 from 9:30-11 a.m. on the Arnold EXPO Stage and the final round will Saturday, March 3, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on the ROGUE Strength Stage.
“Armwrestling popularity has been on the rise in the US,” said Denise Wattles, event co-director. “2019 will be our biggest and best event ever with more than 275 qualified competitors.”
“The Arnold is the premiere arm sport event in the world,” said Fairfax Hackley, event co-director. “The top athletes from 15 countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Japan, Lithuania, Poland, Republic of Georgia, Russia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United States and Uzbekistan will compete.
SCHEDULE
PRELIMINARIES
Friday, Mar 01
9:30am-11:00am
Columbus Convention Center
Arnold Fitness EXPO Stage
FINALS
Saturday, Mar 02
9:30am-10:30am
Columbus Convention Center
ROGUE Strength Stage
Included in Daily EXPO Ticket
$20 in advance (plus credit card fees)
$25 at the door
$30 Fast Pass (Allows Entry 1 Hour Early in Arnold Fitness EXPO)
Buy Now
3 for $50 in advance (plus credit card fees)
Buy Now
Note: $20 Daily EXPO Tickets and three Daily EXPO Tickets for $50 are available only at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold and only in advance through Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Advance sales end at midnight Feb. 28, 2019. Beginning Friday, March 1, all tickets are $25 online or at the door.
Children 14 & Under admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult.
Source: www.arnoldsportsfestival.com
https://youtu.be/uuJtYzkWbSM

RIGA OPEN 2019 RESULTS |
|
| 23 February 2019, Latvian Academy of Sport Science building, Riga, Latvia | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| JUNIOR16 MEN LEFT 75 | JUNIOR16 MEN RIGHT 75 |
| 1. VALICKIS KOSTAS. LIETUVA | 1. VALICKIS KOSTAS. LIETUVA |
| 2. BALTMANIS ARTURS. INDIVIDUALI | 2. BORMANIS RAIVIS. JELGAVA |
| 3. BORMANIS RAIVIS. JELGAVA | 3. BALTMANIS ARTURS. INDIVIDUALI |
| 4. MURNIEKS JANIS. INCUKALNS | 4. PLASUNOVS RALFS. INCUKALNS |
| 5. BELEVICS GIRTS. JELGAVA | 5. MURNIEKS JANIS. INCUKALNS |
| 6. BELEVICS GIRTS. JELGAVA | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| JUNIOR16 MEN LEFT 85 | JUNIOR16 MEN RIGHT 85 |
| 1. KVIKLYS BENAS. LIETUVA | 1. PAEGLIS TOMS. Z-INSTITUTS |
| 2. ZORIKS ARNIS. JELGAVA | 2. URBANOVICS UGIS. INDIVIDUALI |
| 3. BORMANIS RAIVIS. JELGAVA | 3. JOCAS RAIMONDAS. LIETUVA |
| 4. BUSS ROLANDS. LEGACY | 4. KVIKLYS BENAS. LIETUVA |
| 5. JOCAS RAIMONDAS. LIETUVA | 5. CEBERIS EGILS. SALDUS |
| 6. PAEGLIS TOMS. Z-INSTITUTS | 6. ZORIKS ARNIS. JELGAVA |
| 7. CAUNE ROBINS. LEGACY | 7. BORMANIS RAIVIS. JELGAVA |
| 8. TRANKALIS ARTURS. SALDUS | 8. TRANKALIS ARTURS. SALDUS |
| 9. ABELE DAVIS. SALDUS | 9. RAGS MARTINS. BURTNIEKI |
| 10. RAGS MARTINS. BURTNIEKI | 10. ABELE DAVIS. SALDUS |
| 11. URBANOVICS UGIS. INDIVIDUALI | |
| 12. CEBERIS EGILS. SALDUS | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| JUNIOR16 MEN LEFT 85+ | JUNIOR16 MEN RIGHT 85+ |
| 1. BLUMANIS GUNDARS. JELGAVA | 1. ROGA ARTURS. LIELVARDE |
| 2. ROGA ARTURS. LIELVARDE | 2. DAUGVILA EDGARAS. LIETUVA |
| 3. BISTROVS DMITRIJS. BURTNIEKI | 3. NAUCIUS JONAS. LIETUVA |
| 4. LAAGER MATTHIAS. IGAUNIJA | 4. LAAGER MATTHIAS. IGAUNIJA |
| 5. PIVORAS JUSTAS. LIETUVA | 5. PIVORAS JUSTAS. LIETUVA |
| 6. ROGA DZINTARS. LIELVARDE | 6. BLUMANIS GUNDARS. JELGAVA |
| 7. LEITNANTS KARLIS. BAUSKA | 7. LEITNANTS KARLIS. BAUSKA |
| 8. STARASOTNIKOVAS NOJUS. LIETUVA | 8. BISTROVS DMITRIJS. BURTNIEKI |
| 9. SADAUSKAS MANTAS. LIETUVA | |
| 10. STARASOTNIKOVAS NOJUS. LIETUVA | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| JUNIOR18 MEN LEFT 65 | JUNIOR18 MEN RIGHT 65 |
| 1. SILICKIS GATIS. LEGACY | 1. SILICKIS GATIS. LEGACY |
| 2. JUREVICS ALENS. LEGACY | 2. JUREVICS ALENS. LEGACY |
| 3. DREVINSKIS MARTINS. VECUMNIEKI | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| JUNIOR18 MEN LEFT 75 | JUNIOR18 MEN RIGHT 75 |
| 1. LIEPINS ROLANDS. LEGACY | 1. LIEPINS ROLANDS. LEGACY |
| 2. BALTMANIS ARTURS. INDIVIDUALI | 2. BALTMANIS ARTURS. INDIVIDUALI |
| 3. MAZILIAUSKIS ROKAS. LIETUVA | 3. MAZILIAUSKIS ROKAS. LIETUVA |
| 4. BLUMANIS KRISTAPS. JELGAVA | 4. BLUMANIS KRISTAPS. JELGAVA |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| JUNIOR18 MEN LEFT 75+ | JUNIOR18 MEN RIGHT 75+ |
| 1. BERZINIS ZYGYMANTAS. LIETUVA | 1. BERZINIS ZYGYMANTAS. LIETUVA |
| 2. MISUNS RENARS. JELGAVA | 2. KARPINSKIS ROBERTS. INDIVIDUALI |
| 3. MISUNS RENARS. JELGAVA | |
| 4. AUZINS MATISS. VECUMNIEKI | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| JUNIOR21 MEN LEFT OPEN | JUNIOR21 MEN RIGHT OPEN |
| 1. PETKUS ROKAS. LIETUVA | 1. PETKUS ROKAS. LIETUVA |
| 2. ANTONOVICS ARTIS. KOKAROKA | 2. ANTONOVICS ARTIS. KOKAROKA |
| 3. ZORIKS ARNIS. JELGAVA | 3. PILMANIS DINARS. LEGACY |
| 4. BORODUSKA MAIRIS. LEGACY | 4. MEZALEONS LINARDS. LEGACY |
| 5. MEZALEONS LINARDS. LEGACY | 5. BORODUSKA MAIRIS. LEGACY |
| 6. ZORIKS ARNIS. JELGAVA | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| SENIOR MEN LEFT 63 | SENIOR MEN RIGHT 63 |
| 1. GRIVSTANS EDUARDS. LEGACY | 1. LORENS ERIC. IGAUNIJA |
| 2. LORENS ERIC. IGAUNIJA | 2. GRIVSTANS EDUARDS. LEGACY |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| SENIOR MEN LEFT 70 | SENIOR MEN RIGHT 70 |
| 1. GRIVSTANS EDUARDS. LEGACY | 1. STRAZDINS INGARS. LEGACY |
| 2. LORENS ERIC. IGAUNIJA | 2. GRIVSTANS EDUARDS. LEGACY |
| 3. LORENS ERIC. IGAUNIJA | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| SENIOR MEN LEFT 78 | SENIOR MEN RIGHT 78 |
| 1. GRAVIS KASPARS. LEGACY | 1. AMOLINS JANIS. KOKAROKA |
| 2. PRIEDE MARATS. LEGACY | 2. GRAVIS KASPARS. LEGACY |
| 3. VALICKIS KOSTAS. LIETUVA | 3. PRIEDE MARATS. LEGACY |
| 4. SAFRONOV VITALII. UNGARIJA | 4. SAFRONOV VITALII. UNGARIJA |
| 5. LAVRINOVICS DANIELS. BAUSKA | 5. STRAZDINS INGARS. LEGACY |
| 6. SPERLINS DAVIDS. KOKAROKA | |
| 7. LAVRINOVICS DANIELS. BAUSKA | |
| 8. VALICKIS KOSTAS. LIETUVA | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| SENIOR MEN LEFT 86 | SENIOR MEN RIGHT 86 |
| 1. LIEPINS RAIMONDS. LEGACY | 1. ROZITS TOMS. KOKAROKA |
| 2. ROZITS TOMS. KOKAROKA | 2. LIEPINS RAIMONDS. LEGACY |
| 3. ANTONOVICS ARTIS. KOKAROKA | 3. ANTONOVICS ARTIS. KOKAROKA |
| 4. KRUMINS EDGARS. LEGACY | 4. KRUMINS EDGARS. LEGACY |
| 5. BORODUSKA MAIRIS. LEGACY | 5. BORODUSKA MAIRIS. LEGACY |
| 6. MEZALEONS LINARDS. LEGACY | 6. VISKA GATIS. LEGACY |
| 7. BRUSOVS ROLANDS. BURTNIEKI | 7. MEZALEONS LINARDS. LEGACY |
| 8. VISKA GATIS. LEGACY | 8. BRUSOVS ROLANDS. BURTNIEKI |
| 9. LEJINS ELVIS. Z-INSTITUTS | 9. LEJINS ELVIS. Z-INSTITUTS |
| 10. GALSONS LAURIS. LEGACY | 10. GALSONS LAURIS. LEGACY |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| SENIOR MEN LEFT 95 | SENIOR MEN RIGHT 95 |
| 1. RUDZITIS REINIS. LEGACY | 1. STASKEVICS ULDIS. KOKAROKA |
| 2. STASKEVICS ULDIS. KOKAROKA | 2. GRINBERGS ANDRIS. BURTNIEKI |
| 3. GRINBERGS ANDRIS. BURTNIEKI | 3. RUDZITIS REINIS. LEGACY |
| 4. ZELCS SANDRIS. LEGACY | 4. ZELCS SANDRIS. LEGACY |
| 5. STRAZDINS ARMANDS. LEGACY | 5. SKAKOVSKIS JEVGENIJS. KOKAROKA |
| 6. STRAZDINS ARMANDS. LEGACY | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| SENIOR MEN LEFT 105 | SENIOR MEN RIGHT 105 |
| 1. BUCYS LAURYNAS. LIETUVA | 1. BARKAUSKAS POVILAS. LIETUVA |
| 2. BARKAUSKAS POVILAS. LIETUVA | 2. UNGURS JANIS. LEGACY |
| 3. GETMANCUKS EDGARS. VECUMNIEKI | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| SENIOR MEN LEFT 105+ | SENIOR MEN RIGHT 105+ |
| 1. TOMSONS NORMUNDS. TRUCKNORISS | 1. TOMSONS NORMUNDS. TRUCKNORISS |
| 2. PETKUS EDIKAS. LIETUVA | 2. KRIKSCIUNAS DONATAS. LIETUVA |
| 3. KRIKSCIUNAS DONATAS. LIETUVA | 3. PETKUS EDIKAS. LIETUVA |
| 4. DATAVS EDMUNDS. TUKUMS | 4. DATAVS EDMUNDS. TUKUMS |
| 5. LAUGALIS EDGARS. SALDUS | 5. LAUGALIS EDGARS. SALDUS |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| MASTER MEN LEFT ABSOLUT OPEN | MASTER MEN RIGHT ABSOLUT OPEN |
| 1. KRIKSCIUNAS DONATAS. LIETUVA | 1. TOMSONS NORMUNDS. TRUCKNORISS |
| 2. PETKUS EDIKAS. LIETUVA | 2. PETKUS EDIKAS. LIETUVA |
| 3. BUCYS LAURYNAS. LIETUVA | 3. KRIKSCIUNAS DONATAS. LIETUVA |
| 4. LIEPINS RAIMONDS. LEGACY | 4. AMOLINS JANIS. KOKAROKA |
| 5. RUDZITIS REINIS. LEGACY | 5. PETKUS ROKAS. LIETUVA |
| 6. TOMSONS NORMUNDS. TRUCKNORISS | 6. ROZITS TOMS. KOKAROKA |
| 7. BRUSOVS ROLANDS. BURTNIEKI | 7. BARKAUSKAS POVILAS. LIETUVA |
| 8. STASKEVICS ULDIS. KOKAROKA | 8. LIEPINS RAIMONDS. LEGACY |
| 9. GRAVIS KASPARS. LEGACY | 9. GRINBERGS ANDRIS. BURTNIEKI |
| 10. KRUMINS EDGARS. LEGACY | 10. GRAVIS KASPARS. LEGACY |
| 11. BERZINIS ZYGYMANTAS. LIETUVA | 11. LAUGALIS EDGARS. SALDUS |
| 12. GETMANCUKS EDGARS. VECUMNIEKI | 12. BERZINIS ZYGYMANTAS. LIETUVA |
| 13. BARKAUSKAS POVILAS. LIETUVA | 13. KRUMINS EDGARS. LEGACY |
| 14. PETKUS ROKAS. LIETUVA | 14. STASKEVICS ULDIS. KOKAROKA |
| 15. SAFRONOV VITALII. UNGARIJA | 15. PRIEDE MARATS. LEGACY |
| 16. VALICKIS KOSTAS. LIETUVA | 16. MEZALEONS LINARDS. LEGACY |
| 17. MEZALEONS LINARDS. LEGACY | 17. ANTONOVICS ARTIS. KOKAROKA |
| 18. ROZITS TOMS. KOKAROKA | 18. SAFRONOV VITALII. UNGARIJA |
| 19. GRINBERGS ANDRIS. BURTNIEKI | 19. UNGURS JANIS. LEGACY |
| 20. VISKA GATIS. LEGACY | 20. VISKA GATIS. LEGACY |
| 21. ANTONOVICS ARTIS. KOKAROKA | 21. BORODUSKA MAIRIS. LEGACY |
| 22. LAUGALIS EDGARS. SALDUS | 22. STRAZDINS INGARS. LEGACY |
| 23. BORODUSKA MAIRIS. LEGACY | 23. RUDZITIS REINIS. LEGACY |
| 24. STRAZDINS ARMANDS. LEGACY | 24. KARPINSKIS ROBERTS. INDIVIDUALI |
| 25. GALSONS LAURIS. LEGACY | 25. SKAKOVSKIS JEVGENIJS. KOKAROKA |
| 26. PRIEDE MARATS. LEGACY | 26. GETMANCUKS EDGARS. VECUMNIEKI |
| 27. STRAZDINS ARMANDS. LEGACY | |
| 28. VALICKIS KOSTAS. LIETUVA | |
| 29. BRUSOVS ROLANDS. BURTNIEKI | |
| 30. GALSONS LAURIS. LEGACY | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| SENIOR WOMEN LEFT 65 | SENIOR WOMEN RIGHT 65 |
| 1. ANSONSKA SANTA. KOKAROKA | 1. ANSONSKA SANTA. KOKAROKA |
| 2. BUTAUTAITE GABRIELE. LIETUVA | 2. TOCHYNSKA YULIIA. UKRAINE |
| 3. TOCHYNSKA YULIIA. UKRAINE | 3. BUTAUTAITE GABRIELE. LIETUVA |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
| SENIOR WOMEN LEFT 65+ | SENIOR WOMEN RIGHT 65+ |
| 1. ZALITE SANDRA. LEGACY | 1. ZALITE SANDRA. LEGACY |
| 2. BROKA SABINE. LEGACY | 2. BROKA SABINE. LEGACY |
| 3. PETKIENE JANINA. LIETUVA | |
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — |
ARM WRESTLING RIGA OPEN 2019 LEFT OPEN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-7p3qcHVRU
ARM WRESTLING RIGA OPEN 2019 RIGHT OPEN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-POX5wJjIlk
ARM WRESTLING RIGA OPEN 2019 PART 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq4ygFr57-Q
Source: ARMWRESTLING
RIGA OPEN 2019 ARM WRESTLING HIGHLIGHTS

Dear WAF Executive,
We, WAF certified Master referees, respectfully ask you to cancel your decision about banning us from refereeing events not authorized by WAF.
We’ve been participating in WAF events for years spending our time and often our own money. We take time off from work where we would be paid, to referee as volunteers. We do this because of our passion for armwrestling and only because of passion, because we are not being paid. Some of us (but only restricted number on any Continental or World Championships) receives an accommodation and reimbursement for travel expenses. And the last one is not always in full amount. So we often need to spend our own money to come and referee for many days for free. And we do this because of our passion for this sport.
We are certified by WAF and have been trained in WAF. But it’s not WAF, who invested in our training. We had been trained by our fellow referees with more experience at that time. So we had been trained by one of us, and now we give this knowledge back by training the next generation of referees. And we do this without any monetary compensation. Only because of our passion for this sport.
We haven’t signed any contract with WAF, and there is no rule in the WAF constitution that says that we can referee only with WAF. Exclusive contracts are something present nowadays, but every company that wants exclusivity from their worker’s pay for that. Again, we don’t get any salary for being a referee at a WAF event. We do this because of passion for armwrestling.
How can we “spoil” ourselves by refereeing in different organization? We are highly qualified WAF referees. It cannot have any impact on us. It’s obviously not about us, referees. So please do not use us as an instrument in personal conflict or interest. We deserve respect.
The only thing that we expected in return is respect. Making decisions about referees, without any consultation with us is manifestation of disrespect. Restricting things that do not affect in any way our cooperation with WAF. Your decision to ban us from refereeing other events does not have any rational foundation and will be very harmful to the development of armwrestling in the world. It is in the interest of all of us to let armwrestling grow and organize as many as possible high quality events. Restricting participation of experienced referees in new events is against developing of this sport. Even new WAF Head Referee stated that in his latest article, that all armwrestling organizers should invite for their events WAF referees, even in cases where they use different rules than WAF rules. We are WAF referees on WAF events. After Championships we are normal people, with normal jobs. Why do we need to explain ourselves for what we are doing in our free time?
Neither Boxing nor MMA tell their referees which organization they can or can’t referee for. Why should armwrestling be different?
Refereeing events with non-WAF or less trained referees make us better referees. We must be be more vigilant when refereeing with less trained referees. This helps us sharpen our skills. Also refereeing with different rules helps improve the sport. We see which rules work and which don’t. If we want to improve the sport we must be open to improving the rules and the best way to do this is to see different rules in action. We cannot pass judgment on potential new rules if we’ve never tried them.
We hope that your latest decision is a misunderstanding. And that you will take into consideration our opinion – opinion of WAF Master referees. We hope to develop armwrestling together and make this sport grow and gain popularity.
Signed,
Bob Koschel
Camilla Kattstrom,
Dave Hicks,
David Shead,
Hideki Ohmura
Ivan Gregoricka,
Judyta Wiercinska,
Joey Costello,
Keith Michel,
Luke Pulscher,
Mo Patrick Callan,
Monika Duma,
Rick Pinkney,
Sergy Sokolov,
Zil Fadli, ”
—

This is the text from an email sent by an anonymous sender to many WAF members in both English and Russian language.
This anonymous email should be taken with a grain of salt, use your own brain. It also looks a bit like URPA propaganda, which could be a good or a bad thing, depending on which side you are on. 🙂
I’m publishing this because many WAF members received it and I think it should be discussed. I will also publish the WAF response regarding this anonymous email, if there will be one.
Dear Armwrestling friends,
I write this letter to explain the situation and confusion that being made by the General Secretary, Head Referee and President of WAF and being blindly supported by the Executive Boards.
Every year we have more than 100 armwrestling competitions in all around the world and only 1 WAC and 1 continental championship. What is the collective ranking that can determine the number 1 armwrestler in the world? World championship has more than 100 categories and will produce more than 100 world champions. So, who is the ultimate champion? If the world champion lost in another competition (PRO or Amateur division), does he/she still hold the world ranking?
What is URPA? URPA is a ranking system that will collect all results from every competition outside WAC and continental championship to create a giant unified ranking system But why URPA has rules and standards? This is only to ensure that competitions use URPA rules (WAF guidelines) and can be submitted into this ranking system. The best example is Badminton sports where they have 1 ranking system that collect all data from World championship, Continental championship, Olympics, Super series (Professional competition) and others small competition certified by BWF.
Point based system ranking has been used by many sports and it is part of requirement to be included in IOC.
What is the difference between Amateur (for instance WAF) and Professional organization (for instance PAL)?
1) WAF championship does not provide cash prize but only medals.
2) Professional competition normally will provide cash prize.
How do WAF medals give benefit to athletes?
Answer is – GAISF
Some countries will reward the athletes because they acknowledge GAISF sports. However more than 70% of WAF members does not have country support for GAISF, they require IOC recognition (Especially ASIA and Middle East countries). They participate in WAC only because they love the sports and want to meet the superstars.
Why we have so many categories compared to any sports in the world?
Answer – WAF needs the registration fees to survive.
Therefore, why WAF is against URPA?
Answer – URPA will make WAF looks bad and will show their weakness that they don’t have unify ranking system on their own.
Here are what is going to happen now Polish Federation will sue WAF for cancelling their world championship with fake accusations;
1) Polish federation will open a lawsuit in estimation of 1million Euro for few allegations. Details will come out soon.
2) WAF only has 150 thousand Euro in balance sheet (as of WAC congress 2018).
3) The lawsuit will go to WAF, its Executive Board who voted for the cancellation and automatically the members who supported the Executive Board.
4) If Polish Federation win the Lawsuit, all boards and members of WAF has to pay the amount collectively. Assuming WAF has 50 active members, each federation has to pay 20 thousand euro.
5) If any of the members or individual forward the lawsuit to GAISF, WAF might lost its membership with them.
Below are the example of misconduct of WAF Executive Boards;
WAC 2015
Malaysia Federation was forced to pay the sum of 150 thousand Euro just for license fees to organize WAC 2015. Documents are available, please reply personally for details.
Leonard Harkless
He was removed illegally and ban without any warning letter or chance to appeal as stated in WAF constitution under section code of ethic & disciplinary action. The replacement was the young and weak Master Referee from Romania Eduard Demian and also, he was not approved by congress.
WAF Referee Panel
WAF referee panel was changed without approval of congress.
So, what can we do to save WAF?
1) According to constitution, if 50% of registered WAF members agree to hold a special congress, it must be organized but 1 member must hold responsible for the cost of the congress.
2) A secret vote against the president or boards outside of election years.
3) Boycott WAC in Romania!
4) Leave WAF membership officially until the case solved.
5) Form a new federation.
WAF is just as powerful as its boards and the boards is just as powerful as its members. Members should not be afraid being threaten by the boards or president. Without members in WAC, there is no WAF congress.
Let’s do something to save WAF!
Armwrestling belongs to us!
Regards,
Anonymous
RU
Дорогие друзья по армрестлингу,
Я пишу это письмо, чтобы объяснить ситуацию и хаос, которые создали Генеральный секретарь, главный судья и президент WAF и которые слепоподдерживаются Исполнительным Комитетом WAF.
Каждый год мы проводим более 100 соревнований по армрестлингу по всему миру и только 1 ЧМ и 1 континентальный чемпионат. Какой коллективный рейтинг может определить армрестлера номер 1 в мире? Чемпионат мира насчитывает более 100 категорий и производит более 100 чемпионов мира. Так кто же окончательный чемпион? Если чемпион мира проиграл на другом соревновании (PRO или любительское подразделение), он все еще является Чемпионом мира?
Что такое УРПА? URPA – это рейтинговая система, которая будет собирать все результаты всех соревнований вне WAC и континентального чемпионата для создания гигантской единой рейтинговой системы. Но зачем URPA правила и стандарты? Это только для того, чтобы соревнования использовали правила URPA (в том числе правила WAF) и их результаты могли быть включены в рейтинговая систему. Лучшим примером являются спортивные состязания по бадминтону, где у них есть 1 рейтинг, который собирает все данные с чемпионатов мира,континентальных чемпионатов, Олимпийских игр, суперсерии (профессиональных соревнований) и других небольших соревнований, сертифицированных BWF.
Бальная система ранжирования использовалась многими видами спорта, и она является частью обязательных требований, для включения в МОК.
В чем разница между любительской (например, WAF) и профессиональной организацией (например, PAL)?
1) Чемпионат WAF не предусматривает денежных призов, только медали.
2) Профессиональные соревнования обычно дают денежный приз.
Как медали WAF приносят пользу спортсменам?
Ответ – GAISF
Некоторые страны поощряют спортсменов материально, потому что они признаны GAISF. Однако более 70% членов WAF не имеют государственной поддержки GAISF, им требуется признание МОК (особенно в странах Азии и Ближнего Востока). Они участвуют в WAC только потому, что любят спорт и хотят встретиться с суперзвездами.
Знаете ли вы, почему у нас так много категорий, по сравнению с любыми видами спорта в мире?
Ответ – WAF нужны регистрационные сборы, чтобы выжить.
Почему WAF против URPA?
Ответ – URPA заставит WAF выглядеть плохо и покажет ее слабость в том, что у WAF нет рейтинга.
Вот что произойдет сейчас. Польская федерация подаст в суд на WAF за отмену чемпионата мира с фальшивыми обвинениями;
5) Если кто–либо из членов или отдельного лица направит иск в GAISF, WAF может потерять свое членство в них.
Ниже приведен пример неправомерного поведения исполнительных комитетов WAF;
WAC 2015
В дополнительном примечании я смог получить документ, который доказывает, что Федерация Малайзии была вынуждена заплатить сумму в 150 тысяч евро только за лицензионные платежи за организацию WAC 2015 непредусмотренные конституцией на тот момент. Для тех, кто хочет получить документ, напишите мне лично.
Леонард Харклесс
Он был незаконно отстранен и дисквалифицирован без какого-либо предупреждающего письма или шанса на апелляцию, как указано в Конституции WAF в разделе кодекса этических и дисциплинарных мер. Заменой стал молодой и слабый главный судья из Румынии Эдуард Демиан, а также он не был одобрен конгрессом.
WAF судейская панель
WAF судейская коллегия была изменена без одобрения конгресса.
Итак, что мы можем сделать, чтобы сохранить WAF?
1) Согласно конституции, если 50% зарегистрированных членов WAF соглашаются провести специальный конгресс, он должен быть организован, но 1 член должен организовать конгресс за свой счет.
2) Внеочередное голосование против президента или комитета.
3) Бойкот ЧМ в Румынии.
4) Официально заморозить членство в WAF, пока дело не будет решено.
5) Создать новую федерацию.
WAF так же мощна, как и ее комитеты, а комитеты столь же мощны, как и их члены. Члены не должны бояться угроз со стороны комитетов или президента. Без членов WAF не будет конгресса WAF.
Давайте сделаем что–нибудь, чтобы спасти WAF!
Армрестлинг принадлежит нам!
С уважением,
Аноним “

Many thanks to Erik Kurvink for sending the results and videos to XSportNews.com.
7 VIDEOS ARE POSTED AFTER THE RESULTS, SCROLL DOWN.
ARMED BATTLE 2019 RESULTS |
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| 16 February 2019, Cultuurbedrijf Noordoostpolder, Emmeloord, Netherlands | |||
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — | ||
| Senior Men -75 KG Left | Senior Men -75 KG Right | ||
| 1 Philip Stahlhofen | Germany | 1 Manuel Insold | Switzerland |
| 2 Roman Nusbaum | Germany | 2 Matthias Schlitte | Germany |
| 3 Samuele D’Alberto | Italy | 3 Samuele D’Alberto | Italy |
| 4 Manuel Insold | Switzerland | 4 Erwin Hogenhout | Netherlands |
| 5 Roelof Prins | Netherlands | 5 Geert Kramer | Netherlands |
| 6 Erwin Hogenhout | Netherlands | 6 Pripon Bogdan | Romania |
| 7 Pripon Bogdan | Romania | 7 Laurent Moorman | Netherlands |
| 8 Laurent Moorman | Netherlands | 8 Rene Scholze | Germany |
| 9 Zoltan Hajnal | Netherlands | 9 Mikkel Andersen | Greenland |
| 10 Mikkel Andersen | Greenland | 10 Remco Sibon | Netherlands |
| 11 Rene Scholze | Germany | 11 Zoltan Hajnal | Netherlands |
| 12 Geert Kramer | Netherlands | 12 Philip Stahlhofen | Germany |
| 13 Remco Sibon | Netherlands | ||
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — | ||
| Senior Men -88 KG Left | Senior Men -88 KG Right | ||
| 1 Marius Jurovschi | Romania | 1 Marius Jurovschi | Romania |
| 2 Linas Buivydas | Lithuania | 2 Linas Buivaydas | Lithuania |
| 3 Pieter de Vries | Switzerland | 3 Alex Wagner | Germany |
| 4 Alex Lozov | Germany | 4 Alex Lozov | Germany |
| 5 Martijn Meyer | Netherlands | 5 Martin Meyer | Netherlands |
| 6 Kunishov Sizog | Uzbekistan | 6 Jan Post | Netherlands |
| 7 Alex Wagner | Germany | 7 Yasin Abdulhamid | Netherlands |
| 8 Yasin Abdulhamid | Netherlands | 8 Hille Bos | Netherlands |
| 9 Manuel Insold | Switzerland | ||
| 10 Jan Post | Netherlands | ||
| 11 Hille Bos | Netherlands | ||
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — | ||
| Senior Men -102 KG Left | Senior Men -102 KG Right | ||
| 1 Mykola Renitsa | Ukraine | 1 Mykola Renitsa | Ukraine |
| 2 Piotr Beberok | Polen | 2 Linas Buivaydas | Lithuania |
| 3 Ruslan Gutsanu | Belgium | 3 Piotr Beberok | Polen |
| 4 Andreas Berend | Germany | 4 Ruslan Gutsanu | Belgium |
| 5 Pieter de Vries | Switzerland | 5 Martin Meyer | Netherlands |
| 6 Roman Jurenko | Germany | 6 Johan Janmaat | Netherlands |
| 7 Roman Nubbaum | Germany | 7 Jeffrey Lauers | Netherlands |
| 8 Martijn Meyer | Netherlands | 8 Andreas Berend | Germany |
| 9 Alex Wagner | Germany | 9 Marcel Mateune | Germany |
| 10 Marcel Mateune | Germany | 10 Ervin Ramic | Belgium |
| 11 Jan Post | Netherlands | 11 Jan Post | Netherlands |
| 12 Johan Janmaat | Netherlands | 12 Roman Jurenko | Germany |
| 13 Jeffrey Lauers | Netherlands | 13 Martirosyan Valey | Belgium |
| 14 Ervin Ramic | Belgium | 14 Bastiaan Kraakman | Netherlands |
| 15 Kunishov Sizoj | Uzbekistan | 15 Alex Wagner | Germany |
| 16 Hille Bos | Netherlands | ||
| 17 Mirzayev Said | Uzbekistan | ||
| 18 Matirosyan Valery | Belgium | ||
| 19 Andrian Mutelica | Ukraine | ||
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — | ||
| Senior Men +102 KG Left | Senior Men +102 KG Right | ||
| 1 Christian Stahlhofen | Germany | 1 Stefan Neubauer | Germany |
| 2 Andrei Lupsa | Romania | 2 Andrei Lupsa | Romania |
| 3 Stefan Neubauer | Germany | 3 Andrian Mutelica | Ukraine |
| 4 Andrian Mutelica | Ukraine | 4 Piotr Beberok | Polen |
| 5 Dominik Kuhn | Germany | 5 Roman Jurenko | Belgium |
| 6 Stefan Gijze | Netherlands | 6 Johan Janmaat | Netherlands |
| 7 Johan Janmaat | Netherlands | 7 Robbert Rossdorf | Netherlands |
| 8 Herman Feberwee | Netherlands | 8 Herman Feberwee | Netherlands |
| 9 Linas Buivydas | Lithuania | 9 Alex Lozov | Germany |
| 10 Jan Post | Netherlands | 10 Dook Lute | Netherlands |
| 11 Alex Lozov | Germany | 11 Dominik Kuhn | Germany |
| 12 Marcel Mateune | Germany | 12 Leroy Eggelen | Netherlands |
| 13 Leroy Eggelen | Netherlands | 13 Marius Jurovschi | Romania |
| 14 Roman Jurenko | Germany | 14 Marcel Mateune | Germany |
| 15 Ervin Ramic | Belgium | 15 Jan Post | Netherlands |
| 16 Dook Lute | Netherlands | 16 Bastiaan Kraakman | Netherlands |
| 17 Ervin Ramic | Belgium | ||
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — | ||
| Winner Champ of Champions Left:
Mykola Renitsa |
Winner Champ of Champions Right:
Marius Jurovschi |
||
| ———————— XSportNews.com — | ———————— XSportNews.com — | ||
Armed Battle 2019 in den Niederlanden: Männer rechter Arm -75 kg
https://www.facebook.com/Erik.Kurvink5483/videos/10216319979063756/
+102KG Left Hand Final
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https://www.facebook.com/Erik.Kurvink5483/videos/10216319985783924/
+102KG Right Hand Final
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