By James Bovington
Leeds University hosted the first Muay Thai GB Championships with over 60 teams from Devon to Scotland and 250 athletes descending on The Edge Sports Centre.
Leeds gym Bad Company had ten competing and came second in the medal table.
Bramley’s Cole Chapman will always have excellent memories of the day as the 12-year-old beat a previously undefeated and highly experienced boy from Manchester in what Cole’s coach Lisa Houghton-Smith described as ‘ferocious action with both boys determined to win over three rounds.
Cole had the edge in the exchanges and was delighted to get the win. An enthusiastic fighter with great potential.’
“Cole’s just gone to secondary school and has trained with Richard and Lisa Smith for over two years. He’s also trained by world champion Thai boxer Joe Craven,” explained dad Nick.
“He kept up his training while we were on holiday. Earlier in the year he’d won his bout on a major show hosted by Bad Company and last March he also won his title fight on the Sandee British Thai Boxing open. He’s enthusiastic, committed and determined.”
Those attending also saw a British army team in action as they promoted their initiative aimed at reducing knife crime by increasing participation in combat sports.
As reported previously in WLD, Bad Company are relocating in December from their current York Road premises to the former Dogs 4Us pet shop behind Bramley Shopping Centre.