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The Open English Championships, which took place at Barnsley Metrodome from 2 – 4 February, was WKO’s biggest ever event, attracting over 145 teams consisting of over 1600 fighters. Northumbria MMA entered ten fighters, with results ensuring they placed a terrific 36th on the overall leaderboard – higher than teams such as Team USA and WKO Poland!
Northumbria MMA Senior Coach, Steven Ritson, was delighted with the Championships, describing how: “We made history. Not only did we rack up three golds, four silvers and three bronze, which all fighters won to earn their medal, but we have three English Champions that are ranked number one in the word on the WKO Grand Prix. This is not even a kickboxing club!”
As if this wasn’t impressive enough, Northumbria MMA’s stellar results mean eight of the ten fighters qualified to represent WKO Team England! This includes: Matthew Smith, Ben Patterson, Archie Litchfield, Danny Sulaiman, Adan Keyani, Kaden High, Elliot l’Anson and Lewis Nield.
Their success doesn’t come without hard work behind the scenes, however. Training four times a week, sessions consist of two kick boxing sessions and two Brazilian jiu jitsu sessions. They involve a mixture of strength and conditioning, and drills - designed specifically to emulate real life combat and sport.
Congratulations to all involved in last weekend’s successes and keep up the hard work! We will be paying a close eye to WKO Team England!
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