REPORT BY: JAMES BOVINGTON

TWO children from Guiseley club Aireborough Muay Thai had “excellent performances confirming their status as rising elite athletes” according to coach Alan Burnley.

Last weekend Leeds University hosted the first Muay Thai GB Championships, with sixty teams from Devon to Scotland and 250 athletes competing at The Edge Sports Centre.

Attendees also saw a British army team in action promoting their initiative aimed at reducing knife crime by increasing participation in combat sports.

Marcus Nutman, 14, won his final with a first-round stoppage following a tough semi-final.

“He’s been highly focussed and committed and has trained relentlessly both before and after school,” explained dad Kelvin.

“I’ve now had three wins including two by stoppage and balanced by two losses, and it’s good to see hard work paying off. I’m keen to compete again this year,” said Marcus.

Teammate Harvey Westcott, 16, narrowly lost his final but secured a silver medal in what his coach Alan Burnley described as a “tough and highly competitive bout.”

Apprentice plumber Westcott has been training for two years, and he said: “I like watching martial arts so wanted to give one a go.

“I felt strong in my bout and raring to go. My opponent was strong boxing, but my leg kicks were more than a match for him. I can’t wait for my next fight to show what I’m made of again.”

Leeds gym Bad Company owned and managed by Richard Smith and his wife Lisa Houghton-Smith had ten competing and came second in the medal tables. Bad Company’s Felicity Smith, 15, made her debut on the show.

She said: “I’ve been around Muay Thai all my life with my parents running Bad Company and my brothers both champions.”

Felicity, who lives with her family in Horsforth, added: “I preferred dance and swimming. I saw many friends fighting in championships and decided I fancied the challenge. I spent the summer training in Thailand. Ellie, Elisa and I are the same size which makes for good sparring.

“The fight was so very tiring but worth it when I had my hand held up as the winner.”

“We’re both looking forward to competing in major events such as the elite ONE Muay Thai championship,” said Marcus.

“For us Aireborough boys an international fighting future beckons,” added Harvey with a smile.

To achieve this goal both Marcus and Harvey need sponsorship and local individuals and companies who are potential sponsors should contact Alan Burnley at Aireborough Muay Thai on Facebook or at atbguiseley@live.co.uk or on 01943 871799.