Why Che Bon’s Pascale Kokin is backing Ballina’s emerging Muay Thai talent
Most people in Ballina know Pascale Kokin as the warm, ever-present host of Che Bon, the French restaurant that has built a loyal following over 18 years.
Far fewer know our most prominent francophile has a deep “Thai side” — a lifelong love of martial arts that has drawn her into the heart of the region’s growing Muay Thai community.
“I adore martial arts,” she said. “Muay Thai gives so much to young people.
“It’s great for mental health, confidence and self-defence.
“I think it’s an amazing martial art to help people.”
She said many of her regular diners at Che Bon have known about her martial arts background for years.
“My customers know me like family and they know I’ve done Taekwondo and Muay Thai for a long time.
“I stopped training two years ago, but I still support the sport because I’ve seen the benefits it brings.”
Ballina fighter Coby Wadlock wins cheers after narrowly going down to Melbourne’s Ash Surman.
Main Photo: Pascale Kokin, Spiro Darzanos and Mayor Sharon Cadwallader
Darzanos praised Kokin’s commitment, saying her involvement has helped bring higher-level events to the region.
“Pascale has supported Muay Thai for years,” he said.
“She believes in the fighters and the community around it and that support helps events like this happen.”
Young locals step up on the big stage
With the crowd right behind them, young Northern Rivers fighters stepped into the ring against significantly more experienced opponents.
Nineteen-year-old Ballina fighter Coby Wadlock faced Melbourne’s Ash Surman, who had both size and experience on his side.
Wadlock fought bravely through three tight rounds, pushing the contest to a close points decision.
“The atmosphere was so cool tonight,” he said afterward.
“I held my own pretty good, and the crowd just made fighting feel amazing.”
Corey Sia-Townes proved to be a worthy opponent to the more experienced Singnoom
Kalila Zylstra from Tweed’s DM Muay Thai defeated the visitor Jane Koo, delighting the local crowd
Alstonville’s Corey Sia-Townes put on another crowd-pleasing performance against Thai veteran Singnoom, who has more than 100 fights to his name.
Sia-Townes matched the veteran’s intensity and drew huge cheers throughout the bout.
Northern Rivers boxer Kaula Zylstra from Tweed Heads also impressed and drew strong audience support in the only women’s fight on the card.
Mayor Cadwallader: “Events like this bring Ballina together”
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader entered the ring twice during the night — first to open the event and again to present one of the awards.
She said the energy in the room showed how important community-led events have become.
A big turnout from local Muay Thai supporters – impressed at the local talent on show at Ballina RSL
“It was fantastic to see Ballina come alive like this,” Mayor Cadwallader said.
“These events bring people together, support our young athletes and showcase the incredible talent we have in our community.”
Ballina Shire Council supported the tournament, which drew spectators from around Australia and was broadcast internationally.
Ballina’s 19 year-old Coby Wadlock put up a brave fight against his 35 year old opponent from Melbourne
