Nathan “Carnage” Corbett attracted young fighters and enthusiasts from all over the area and region, with a contingent even making the trip from Inverell to listen to his tale, and also pick up a few tips and techniques along the way.

Corbett has done it all in Australian Muay Thai fighting, despite being a Kiwi, and told attendees the story of how a kid from Hamilton not only became interested in the sport but then rose through the ranks.

He then took the group through some fighting techniques, and of course showed them the best way to inflict the most damage with your elbow.

Clint Chaffey said  the seminar was extremely beneficial to everyone who  attended.

Corbett followed the sport to Australia where he eventually would end up 11-time Australian champion across three separate weight divisions.

After turning pro in 1997, he rose to national prominence in 2002 after beating Australian legend Scott Bannan for the national title, of course with a slicing elbow the final blow.

He backed up that performance by knocking out Canada’s Clifton Brown in the first round shortly after to win a WMC World Title.

These days Corbett is on the circuit conducting seminars and workshops like the one in Tamworth.

“It was great to have a champion like that here,” Chaffey said. 

“We are hopeful of having him back in the near future.” 

Chaffey’s Academy has recently moved just down the road on Barnes St to a new location with more than double the floor space, and much more equipment.

It is hoped  the new space can attract more students as well as guest speakers and martial arts seminars.