Kurtis kicks way to place on Team GB for trip to Germany

May 2 2007 by Nick Moreton, Birkenhead News

A WIRRAL kickboxer has won himself a place on the national team following success at the WKA British Championships, which were held in Manchester.

Kurtis Glover, 12, fought his way through some of Britain’s top youngsters to earn himself a bronze medal and a place on the British team to fight in the World Championships, which take place later this year in Germany.

Kurtis’ achievement comes at a successful time for his club, Black Dragon Martial Arts.

They took a team of seven fighters to the WUMA Welsh Championship in Conwy, Wales, and came away with an incredible nine trophies, including four first places.

The youngest member of the squad, Kurtis’s brother Callum, won both the semi-contact and the light contact sections in what was his first-ever competition.

Other first places went to Jenni Croft, who beat the current British and European champion on her way to the girls’ light contact title, and Darren Holmes, who won the advanced light contact section after five years out of competitive action competition.

Darren also got a second place in the semi-contact section, while other medals went to Brian Tollady, Kurtis Glover, Sam Evanson and Adam Kelly.

Chief instructor Lee Charles said: “It is a great achievement for Kurtis, who has only been training in the arts for 12 month.

“It’s good that he is getting this massive opportunity at such a young age and I’m confident that he will do exceptionally well in Germany, where he will be competing with the world’s top kick boxing stars.

“The WUMAs was another great day for our club, especially to see the youngsters coming away with so many trophies.

“Callum did exceptionally well, as did Jenni, and both fought with great honour and technique. They all train exceptionally hard in class and our now reaping the rewards off their effort.

“It is great to bond as a family and give each other the encouragement and strength to strive towards individual success, from myself, to team coach Steph Pryce to all the fighters and especially the parents who come and support, as their support gives them that little bit extra to succeed.”

BDMA are looking for companies or people who may be interested in sponsoring both Kurtis and Lee Charles to fight in the World Championships this year, as the trips are self funded.

For more information on how to help, or to find out about BDMA classes, which operate out of Bebington High School on Tuesdays and Thursdays, call 07790-706318.