Martial Arts students competed in front of hundreds of spectators.
Young martial arts students from across Staffordshire returned home full of confidence and pride after competing at the Matt Fiddes Martial Arts North Championships in Widnes on Sunday 10 May – an event made even more special by the attendance of Matt Fiddes himself, famously known worldwide as Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard.
Students from MF Martial Arts schools in Lichfield, Cannock, Burntwood and Tamworth competed in front of hundreds of spectators in categories including hand drills, kickboxing drills, kick combinations and sparring.
For many of the children, however, one of the biggest highlights was meeting the founder of the organisation they proudly represent.
Matt Fiddes, who worked closely with Michael Jackson and became internationally recognised as one of the star’s trusted bodyguards and friends, spent time speaking with students throughout the day – creating unforgettable memories for many of the young competitors.
One special moment came for nine-year-old Clark Gittings from Cannock, who is a huge Michael Jackson fan. Competing in his very first championships, Clark won Gold in Hand Drills before getting the chance to spend time talking with Matt about Jackson.
Clark’s instructor, Mr Woollard, introduced the pair, with the conversation lasting nearly 10 minutes as Clark enthusiastically asked questions and listened to stories about the ‘King of Pop’. “It was amazing to watch,” said Mr Woollard.
Clark absolutely loves Michael Jackson, so for him to not only compete brilliantly but then spend time chatting to someone who knew Michael personally was something really special. Those are memories children keep forever.
The championships also saw outstanding performances from the schools’ younger Mighty Matts competitors.
Five-year-old Evie Atkinson from Lichfield won Gold in Kick Combination, Silver in Hand Drill and Bronze in Kickboxing Drill. Her sister, Ava Atkinson, aged six, achieved Gold in Hand Drill.
Five-year-old Frankie Thomas from the Lichfield school won Gold in Kickboxing Drill, Silver in Kick Combination and Bronze in Hand Drill.
Four-year-old Greta McMurray from MF Martial Arts Cannock earned Silver in Kick Combination alongside Bronze medals in both Kickboxing Drill and Hand Drills. Greta’s success was made even more meaningful as both of her parents work alongside the school as class ambassadors, showcasing the strong family atmosphere within the programme.
In the junior divisions, Burntwood student Daniel Harris, aged 10, continued his championship success after previously medalling at the International Championships last year. Daniel won Gold in Hand Drills, Bronze in Kickboxing Drill and Bronze in Sparring during his first ever competitive sparring event.
Eleven-year-old Henry de Rouffignac from Lichfield achieved Gold in Kickboxing Drill and Silver in Hand Drills, having also enjoyed previous success at last year’s International Championships.
Seven-year-old Alexandru Hriscu from Tamworth won Bronze medals in both Kick Combination and Hand Drills during his first championships since moving up from the Mighty Matts division into juniors.
Mr Woollard said the event represented far more than medals.
These championships are about confidence, courage and personal growth. Watching children, adults, and families who were once nervous or shy now stepping onto competition mats in front of crowds is incredible to see.
Having Matt Fiddes there as well added another level of inspiration for the students. To think these children are training within a martial arts organisation created by someone with such an extraordinary background is something really unique.
He also praised Miss G, one of his Lead Instructors.
Miss G uses her experience to help the students gain more confidence and self belief week by week. She is our Lead on our Leadership programme and our Sparring training at our schools in Staffordshire.
Everything we do is a family and a team effort.
MF Martial Arts Staffordshire runs classes across Cannock, Lichfield, Burntwood, Tamworth and Stafford, with new schools opening this year, helping children and families develop confidence, focus, discipline and resilience through its award-winning life skills programme.
If you would be interested in finding out how to make a difference to your child’s confidence, to improve focus to help them obtain better grades at school, or how you can train together as a family with the award-winning Life Skills program at Matt Fiddes Martial Arts, you can find out more by contacting Mr Woollard at mrwoollard@mattfiddes.com, or you can jump on to www.mattfiddes.com and get booked in right away.
If you are a head teacher, or are involved in schools and would like yours to receive a visit from Mr Woollard or a member of the team, to conduct an Assembly or PE workshop, you are also welcome to get in touch.
Many of the MF Staffs students are so excited about their involvement they have entered into the MF London Championships on 24 May, and are looking forward to the MF Southern Championships in October.