Huge congratulations to 13-year-old Jimmy Stevenson of STMA Academy Reading on his
outstanding victory in the International Junior Muay Thai (37kg) bout in Cyprus on Saturday,
27th June, where he proudly represented Team GB.
Following back-to-back ISKA English National Junior Muay Thai Championship titles, Jimmy
caught the attention of Linford Melbourne, President of ISKA UK & Ireland and WFMC GB
Ring Sports. His performances earned him selection for the British Junior England Muay
Thai Team, giving him the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
Jimmy faced Fedonas from Warriors Gym in Cyprus and produced a dominant, convincing
performance to secure the victory, doing Team GB proud. He was one of just seven athletes
selected for the UK Junior Team, and as his coach, I couldn’t be prouder of the way he
represented both his country and our academy.
The momentum doesn’t stop there. This Saturday, 4th July, Jimmy heads to Barnsley to
compete on the prestigious Sandee promotion for the WMF (World Muay Thai Federation)
British Junior Muay Thai Title, with the coveted UK No.1 ranking on the line. He has also
secured selection to represent Team GB at the ISKA World Championships in Madrid this
November, before setting his sights on the WMF World Championships in Bangkok,
Thailand, next March.

Having owned STMA Academy Reading for the past four and a half years, we’ve never
previously had a junior athlete competing at this level internationally. Jimmy has earned
every opportunity through his commitment, discipline and performances, and hopefully he
is the first of many young fighters from our academy to compete on the world stage.
Representing Team GB has been a fantastic experience. We already knew Jonas Academy
well, as our juniors have shared many contests over the years, and there were also fighters
selected from KMT Muay Thai in Plymouth. Once we arrived in Cyprus, however, club
rivalries disappeared. Everyone came together as one Team GB, supporting each other
throughout the event. The camaraderie between the gyms has been incredible and has
created lifelong memories for the young athletes and their families alike.

Away from the competition, we’ve also enjoyed exploring Cyprus and getting to know the
coaches, fighters and families from other clubs. It’s been an unforgettable experience, and
we’re honoured to have been part of such a fantastic event. We can’t wait for the
opportunity to compete abroad again.
Our long-term ambition at STMA Academy has always been to develop world champions
and, ultimately, fighters who can compete on the biggest stages, including ONE
Championship. Jimmy is taking important steps towards that dream, and we’re excited to
see what the future holds.

Finally, I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to Linford Melbourne for believing in Jimmy and
giving our academy this incredible opportunity. Linford is a humble, genuine individual who
has done an outstanding job of bringing clubs together under one Team GB banner. His
leadership has created an environment where young athletes can develop, gain invaluable
international experience and represent their country with pride.

As Jimmy’s career continues to progress, the costs of travel, accommodation, competition
fees and training continue to grow. If any local businesses would be interested in
sponsoring Jimmy and supporting his journey, we’d love to hear from you. Sponsorship
packages are available, and every contribution, large or small, will help Jimmy and his
family, Daniel and Lindsey, continue chasing his dreams on the international stage.

Dan Eden
Owner & Head Coach
STMA Academy Reading

For more details on kids & adults muay thai classes in Reading check out the rest of our website for further details on classes with a full extensive timetable available.