Kickboxers excel at European tournament (From Barry And District News)

Kickboxers excel at European tournament

THE WORLD Sport Karate Alliance's (WSKA) official Welsh Kickboxing Squad are celebrating their success having recently travelled to Hulshout, Belgium to compete at the Belgian WSKA European Championships.

The squad was headed by chief coach, Mal Johns, who was more than pleased with the performance of the squad, especially as most of them were junior fighters competing in their first major tournament abroad.

The WSKA was the only squad from Great Britain and were competing against teams from Holland, France, Italy and Belgium.

The WSKA Welsh squad had only one thing on its mind and that was to win as many fights as possible, and due to their relentless battling and positive attitude, they returned home to Wales with 24 well-earned trophies, having taken 19 fighters.

Taking double titles were Jordan Batten, first place in semi contact and light continuous sparring. Jordan is the current Cimac World Junior Kickboxing Champion.

Leanne Emmerson, current Ladies British, European and World champion also took first place in semi contact and light continuous sparring.

Other results were: Nathan Batten first place; Carl Betty 2x second place; Rebecca Jeffries second and third place; Abbie Thomas second and third place; Amy Thomas second and third place; Debbie Duggan second and third place; Julian Thomas second place; Rachel Drewen second and third place; Kriston Walsh third place; Kane Morris third place; Ryan Thomas third place; and Jessica Howells 3 x third place. Other fighters in the squad that got through to the semi-finals of their divisions were Ryan Betty, Ashley Lewis, Kyle Wall, Neil Moon and Shane Thomas.

The squad are now in training in preparation for tournaments in Ireland, Belgium and Germany next year with the hope of capitalising on the honours gained at this year's events.

For further information concerning training times with the Welsh Squad contact 07855 828744 or 07855 821819.