Martial arts tournament review (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Martial arts tournament review

11:31am Monday 24th May 2010 in Sport By Sports Desk

Jai freestyle martial arts and fitness academy fighters George Brent, Tom Griffin and Jon Walker all took part in the Koa Loi Thai boxing show in Harrogate.

Brent, from Keighley, knocked out his opponent in the third of five scheduled rounds.

Skipton’s Griffin was another winner on points while Walker, from Bingley, was awarded fight of the night despite going down narrowly.

Head coach Robin Shepherd said: “I am so proud of all the fighters. They train like professionals and are in the gym pushing themselves to the limit four or five times a week.”

For more details on Jai freestyle at Eastburn Mills telephone 07949-502185 or visit www.jaifreestyle.co.uk.

* Michael Ambler, 41, is the latest member of Farsley-based Leeds Karate Academy to make black belt.

He travelled to Rhyl to take the grading under Sensei Andy Sherry 8th dan.

The clubs making up Leeds Karate Academy have 74 active black belts regularly training.

Anybody interested in starting karate should telephone Nick Heald on 07747-607283, email n_heald@hotmail.com or see the club website at www.lka.org.uk.

* Two world-renowned names visited Ilkley Karate Club to give seminars to members.

Ninth degree black belt Sensei Stan Knighton, former chairman of the English Karate governing body, held two sessions at Ben Rhydding Methodist Church ranging from the basics of self-defence to impact work and free-fighting training.

Sensei Iain Abernethy, who holds a fifth degree black belt, focused on close-quarter combat and practical martial arts.