By James Bovington
All 11 kickboxers from Bramley-based Valor Martial Arts (VMA) who attended the WKO Ringsports European Championship at Barnsley Metrodome returned to Leeds with a medal.
The team scooped two golds, five silvers and four bronzes.
Coach Matthew Alderson said: “We had competitors aged from 11 to 42. The whole team showed heart, resilience and determination well beyond their experience.
“For some it was their first-ever competition and for the others their second. All proved they’ve mastered the fundamentals of K1 kickboxing and displayed a relentless drive to win.”
Lewis Horman, 23, won a gold. He said: “I’m delighted to have done so well. Every rep, every round, every drop of sweat brought me closer to the win I worked so hard for.
“I trained for the European Opens and came ready so my children could see their dad go out there and give it everything.’”
Fellow gold medal winner Blessing Muanza, 17, explained that ‘this isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. I was able to win through Christ who strengthened me along with the sleepless nights of hard work I put in. I’m coming for everyone who wants to fight me’.
Alderson, 42, has a military background and opened VMA in Westfield House on Broad Lane Bramley in 2022. “We’ve built our own kickboxing community. This is our first year entering regional competitions. These results reflect the hard work every kickboxer puts in pushing their limits both physically and mentally.”
If you are interested in training at Valor or sponsoring the kickboxers contact Alderson via social media, visit the website or call or text 07845 805624.
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