MARTIAL ARTS: Success for G Force fight squad

The second WMO National Kickboxing Championships were held at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Centre on February 21, with a team of 20 fighters representing Rugby’s G Force Fight Squad. This was the squad’s opportunity to qualify for the England team and fight at the WMO World Championships being held in Spain in October.

The squad had an amazing day, winning five gold, six silver and nine bronze medals and 14 fighters qualifying for the England team.

Steve Ansell returned to the mats to take gold in his category but daughter Morgan unfortunately had no competitors in her category. Both, however, qualify for the England team.

Assistant Chief Instructor Leigh Brown fought well to take gold in his category, Sam Cullen took a gold and silver in the ladies categories and nine-year-old Jack Mills had an awesome day, winning two golds and a bronze.

Silvers were also awarded to Pierce Manning, Skye Bennett and two to Matty Crossin.

Bobby Brannen started his come back to form following an injury and took home a silver and a bronze.

Seven-year-old Luke Townsend fought his way through a huge and very tough category to win a well deserved bronze medal.

Shea Wheeler and Stephen Wragg also took bronze in their categories along with Katelyn Bateman and Shannon Kennedy who won two bronze each.

The team are now preparing for the G Force Open being held in April where they’ll compete against quality competitors from all over England as well as Wales, Scotland and Ireland.