Massive congrats to STMA (Shaolin Tigers Martial Arts Academy) Reading fighters young Jimmy Stevenson (aged 11) who won Gold (10-11 years 32-34kg novice category) on the Muay Thai British Championships on Saturday 5th October. This was a prestigious event affiliated and recognised by the ‘WBC Muay Thai’ as the GB National Governing Body British Championships. 62 Gyms, 253 fighters and over 500 spectators attended at the University of Leeds, The Edge.
Jimmy beat Alfie Turner in the Semi-final winning by stoppage in the 1st round with a furious barrage of fast punches and low kicks. In the final he fought Harrison Robert Shaw (from the world-famous Bad Company Gym) and managed to win by stoppage again by low kick in the 1st round again with several low kicks meaning his opponent was unable to continue therefore Jimmy won the tournament.
Jimmy trained hard for months leading up to this event with lots of extra personal sessions with his coaches (Kru Serdao & Dan Eden) showing pure focus/dedication. The fact that he won every fight by stoppage in the 1st round against very good opposition showed just how good he has become.
Rahul Patel (aged 17) also managed to get to final winning Silver in his category (16-17 years 63-67kg – Full Contact). Rahul fought Bailey Hughes in the final giving him a standing 8 count in the 1st round with a fast combination of punches to the head. He was ahead on points/winning the fight up until the last ten seconds when he unfortunately he got caught with a big round kick to the head so was unable to continue. Silver is still a good achievement so he should still be proud.
Dan Eden (Owner – STMA Academy Reading), Scours Lane, Tilehurst said “both Jimmy and Rahul did extremely well to win Gold and Silver in the Muay Thai British Championships. They both worked very hard and that showed in the ring today. Our gym has come on in leaps and bounds recently in all fight disciplines. After nearly three years we are now starting to get champions in both Muay Thai and Boxing as the plan is all coming together. Onwards and upwards”.
Learn More about STMA Academy Reading www.shaolintigersacademyreading.co.uk