Industry of Combat NZ (ICNZ) was founded in 2007 with the vision of breathing life back into a stagnant local MMA scene but ICNZ did not stop there. ICNZ’s forward thinking and strong ethical base with regard to safety resulted in the development of clearly defined rules sets, that set the industry standard. ICNZ took NZ MMA to the next level introducing stand down periods for head blows and establishing professional guidelines for fighting events.
ICNZ developed New Zealand’s first ever coaching package that established standardisation and uniformity of MMA officiating, an essential component to facilitate the growth of an increasingly popular sport.
The success of ICNZ to date can be attributed to the unique relationship of the two individuals who took the vision and made it reality. Melodie McDonald and Neil Swailes each bring together a skill base that compliment each other.
Neil Swailes is known for his entertaining and stylised contributution to the world of combat sport. This began with Judo in 1989 where Neil won the Auckland champs; he also placed second in the North Island Champs and second in the Nationals. Neil then went on to win NZSS, compete in Japan and to receive his Brown Belt in Judo.
In 1993 Neil began Wrestling and went on to win the ASS champs and was named the Auckland Secondary School most Scientific Wrestler. Neil again won the NZSS champs and in 1995 was named ASB bank wrestler of the year.
Over the period of 1997-1998 Neil was awarded his second degree black belt in SJJ and amassed over 100 wins, Neil could also be seen regularly in grappling exhibition matches at Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts Events. In between all this active competing and exhibition work Neil found the time to co-run Matburn ( NZ first competition under BJJ rules) and Smackdown Submission Grappling competitions along with becoming part of the NZSJJ committee.
Overall Neil has clocked up over 500 sports matches in his career.
In 1999 Neil competed under the umbrella of the New Zealand Vale Tudo Association as a LHW and in 2000 he went on to win the NZVTA LW title Neil also became the number 1 contender at middle weight.
Neil also at this time became a regular competitor on the Australian MMA circuit winning the Xtreme Australian Super Lightweight title and became the top contender for the Spartan LW title.
Neil’s MMA record is 9W – 3L – 1D – 1 no contest.
Neil has also dabbled in Boxing and Kickboxing, clocking up 4 Kickboxing wins and 1 Semi-Pro Boxing win which ended in a first round KO.
Since 1997 Neil has worked in emergency services at Auckland airport where he covers all Medical Response, Fire Service actions, Marine Search and Rescue and any other emergency situations that may arise. His current employment and up to date training make him the perfect candidate to undertake event medical team supervision. Neil teaches self defence, first aid and pre-deployment courses. Neil is also a respected and valuable member of the GroundControl team in East Tamaki where he teaches MMA.
Neil and Melodie both invest many hours of voluntary time undertaking and running ICNZ events, which could not be possible with out the support of family and friends. Neil value’s the contribution of his patient, understanding and supportive wife. And takes great pride in his role as a father of two young children and teenage step-daughter. Melodie is a single mother of a teenage son who can frequently be seen at events supporting his mother’s efforts by also volunteering his own time.
Melodie McDonald became involved with ICNZ in 2007 after establishing a friendship that developed into a working relationship with Neil and Hamish. Melodie was an avid fan of Mixed Martial Arts and was keen to contribute toward the industry’s growth and development. Melodie Initially volunteered as a DJ at ICNZ 1. But by 2009 Melodie and Neil had entered into a partnership and Industry of Combat was born.
Melodies’ big vision and enthusiasm to establish a world class MMA environment in New Zealand was instrumental in ICNZ’s development of judging and refereeing courses. Continuation of the evolution of ICNZ saw Melodie playing a key role in the development of Grassroots and Contender.
Melodie’s introduction to Martial Arts began when she attended a local Jujitsu and Pankration club in 2004. It was a choice she made after deciding that her previous 20 years of Marching was enough. After attending classes at Integrated Fighting and receiving instruction form Darryl Grauman and Jerry Beale Melodie became hooked.
After 3 years at Integrated and attaining her Green Belt Melodie Joined Submission Martial Arts to focus on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Where trainers Glen Tarrant, Warren Lambert and Mark Corkhill assisted Melodie in attaining her Will/Machado Blue Belt in BJJ in April 2011.
Melodie has competed in numerous BJJ and Sport Jujitsu competitions. Melodie has also competed in Combat Submission Fights.
In 2006 Melodie met Belinda Dunne and worked along side her to help establish the Princesses of Pain events. Melodie took on the Event Management of these events until the middle of 2008. Melodie takes great pride in being a part of the first ever female MMA event in New Zealand.
When Melodie is not busy running around organising events and promoting Fighting sports she can be found working full time as a Youth Worker with Youthline. Melodie’s other great passion is working with “At Risk” youth and supporting them through troubled times. Melodie is a mentor, Group Facilitator, Youth Coach and much much more. Melodie has dedicated the last 10 years to defending and giving a voice to the troubled youth and it is this strength of character that has seen her earn respect from the fighting and Youth Work community.