The squad from UFBDA joined the WUMA squad (166 British fighters) to compete and represent their country in the WUMA world championships in Germany last weekend. The event was held in Worms nr Frankfurt, and held over 2 long days with fighters from all over the world.

The UFBDA squad consisted of 8 competitors; Louise Nelson 14yrs, Beth Allars 13yrs, Diane Hansen, Rachel Coleman, Paul Mayfield, Colin Muress, Phill Kay and Pete Cook (manager). Alastair Allars, Sharon Muress and Jason Raado – who were a valuble part of the team as supporters and camera people throughout the weekend, also accompanied the squad.

First world champion was Louise Nelson - with Korean patterns, she also achieved 3rd place in points sparring and team event and a second place in continuous sparring just losing out in the finale to team mate Beth Allars. Beth achieved world champion status in this event and third in the team event and second in the points sparring.

Diane Hansen kicked off for the adults achieving a third place in the –60kg points event and a 3rd place in the ladies team event (with Laurie Bedford from CMA and team mate Rachel Coleman) she then went on to become world champion in the women’s –60kg light continuous sparring. Rachel Coleman achieved 3rd place in the team event and become world champion in +65kg light continuous.

Paul Mayfield was up next achieving a 2nd place in the men’s –75kg light continuous sparring meeting his instructor Colin Muress in the final. Colin Achieved 1st place and world champion in this event. Phill Kay fought very well in the men’s –80kg light continuous destroying his first opponent from the German team with strength and precision but unfortunately went out in the next round against the former and now current world champion. Pete Cook was also on form and very Sharpe taking 3rd place in the masters open weight points sparring and 4th in the Korean patterns.

The success must be put down to the determination self belief and consistent training of the squad, extra training sessions have helped sharpen up the talents of each squad member and a great team spirit was evident all weekend. Squad manager Cook said: this is amazing its almost unbelievable coming home from such a prestigious tournament like this with 16 trophies with 5 of them being world champions must be one of the most impressive sporting fetes around this county this year, how can we beat this result?

Cook said that people all over the country within the martial arts have sent e-mail or phoned to congratulate me and the team telling me I have trained the squad so well but this was a team effort Colin Muress, Phill Kay and myself have all done our bit and I can’t tell you how proud I am of all 8 of the squad. This is the beginning we will not sit on our Loral’s we have up and coming stars to nurture.

If any one would like to train with champions and become a member of this ever growing and popular association please contact Pete 07961923039.