Martial arts students impress judges with skills to win a host of top trophies (From Barry And District News)

Martial arts students impress judges with skills to win a host of top trophies

STUDENTS of the Welsh Academy of Martial Arts, who train at the YMCA on Court Road, Barry, and also represent Team Wales, were at Birmingham on March 13 for a full contact show hosted by the renowned Kash "The Flash" Gill.

The bouts were fought in a full-size boxing ring and none of the students, except for Sonny Richardson and Christopher Brown, had fought in a ring before.

First to fight was a very confident Jamie Rasis, aged eight, who is usually a points fighter but did extremely well. He lost to a more experienced full contact fighter, to finish runner-up.

Kyron Caddick, aged seven, was nervous while waiting in the warm-up room. He hesitated before entering the ring but took control of his fight and gave an amazing full contact performance that was commended by the judges, and won him first place.

Gafain Hill, aged eight, a novice, put up a brave fight with outstanding technical ability, and was runner-up.

James Sheekey, aged ten, gave an outstanding performance that was also commended by the judges. He was controlled but fast, performing spinning kicks to the head which kept the audience in suspense throughout. He took first place.

Steffan Cowdrey, aged eight, was also a little nervous to begin, but took control of his fight to earn first place.

Kiya Glanville, aged seven, a novice, was also outstanding. Her opponent suffered an injury and conceded, with Kiya taking first place.

Kurtis Ellis, aged 12, a powerful fighter, performed to the crowd with an amazing display of martial arts to take first.

Anthony Brown, aged 11, a novice, was winning when his fight was stopped after he suffered a severe asthma attack. The paramedic would not let him continue and Anthony had to concede and hand over first place to his opponent with only four seconds to go.

Christopher Brown, aged 13, won with a fast, powerful display, and Gareth Davies, aged 19, also won a nail-biting contest.

Sarah-Jayne Clements, aged 16, who has had a little time off from tournaments, put up a great technical display and took her opponent by storm to earn first place.

Sonny Richardson, aged 16, made a slow start but went up through the gears to finally take first place.

It was a wonderful day and the organisers said the Welsh competitors had made a lasting impression on the judges and spectators.

* Classes for Ninja Tots are on Wednesday at 5pm; beginners on Monday at 5pm. Registration is now taking place for a new Ladies Kickboxing Class and Ninja Tots Class, with a Mums and Kids combined class starting soon. Classes will recommence in Rhoose shortly. Anyone wishing more information can call 07832103640 or come along to the YMCA on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 5pm.