It was a long and incredibly rewarding day for STMA Academy Reading at the Muay Thai GB / WBC British Championships, with two of our fighters stepping into the ring and both returning home with medals.

For the coaches, fighters and families involved, it was a fantastic day of competition, experience and, most importantly, seeing two young men represent STMA with pride, determination and respect.

🥉 Tahir Ali – Senior British Championship Bronze

Senior Championships | 18+ | 60–63.5kg

Tahir Ali produced an excellent performance in the Senior British Championships, battling his way through to the semi-finals in a highly competitive division.

Standing opposite him was Josh Shaw, who was a very experienced opponent representing the UK British Armed Forces Muay Thai. Tahir showed tremendous composure and determination throughout the contest and came incredibly close to securing a stoppage in the second round.

A perfectly timed knee to the body dropped his opponent and briefly looked to have opened the door for Tahir to finish the contest. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find the same opportunity again, with his opponent using his experience and composure to see out the round.

Despite narrowly missing out on a place in the final, Tahir can be extremely proud of his performance and the way he represented STMA. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience and, judging by his reaction afterwards, is already looking forward to getting back into the ring!

A well-deserved Bronze Medal. 🥉

🥇 Jimmy Stevenson – Junior British Champion

Junior Championships | 12–13 years | 37–39kg

What a tournament it was for Jimmy Stevenson!

Jimmy entered the championships determined to perform at his best, and he produced three impressive performances on his way to becoming Muay Thai GB / WBC Junior British Champion.

In the quarter-final, Jimmy faced Bryan Alderson from Phoenix Muay Thai. Jimmy came incredibly close to a first-round stoppage after landing a series of highly effective long-range knees.

The semi-final saw Jimmy take on Sami Chudasama from Prestige Combat Academy. Once again, Jimmy produced a dominant performance, using a relentless combination of low kicks and knees to secure his place in the final.

The final provided an especially interesting challenge as Jimmy faced Reggie Smee from our good friends at Jonas Academy.

Jimmy and Reggie are great friends outside the ring and neither particularly wanted to fight the other. However, once the ropes closed, it was time to put friendship aside and compete!

Both fighters showed tremendous respect before, during and after the contest, providing a fantastic example of what Muay Thai is all about.

Jimmy ultimately came away with the Gold Medal and British Championship title! 🥇🏆

His victory has also earned him a place at WBC GB Squad Training at Bad Company, giving him the opportunity to work towards representing Great Britain internationally once again, this time under the WBC banner. 🇬🇧🌍

🐅 Two Fighters. Two Medals. One Proud Gym.

Two fighters stepped into the ring. Two fighters came home with medals.

One Gold. One Bronze. One incredible day for STMA Academy Reading.

As a coach, I couldn’t be prouder of both Tahir and Jimmy. Their performances, attitude and respect throughout the day represented everything we try to teach at STMA.

A huge congratulations to both boys, their families and everyone who supports them behind the scenes.

And finally, massive respect to all the coaches, fighters and teams who competed.

Proud coach. Proud gym. Proud of both boys.

OOSS! 🐅🥊