Martial artists to take on world's best

11:26am Thursday 8th May 2008

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A GROUP of martial artists have been selected to represent Great Britain at one of the world's biggest competitions.

Eight members of Kickback Martial Arts, which has centres across Runcorn, were chosen to compete at this year's World United Martial Arts Federation (WUMA) World Championships.

Sensei Ann Brindley, who will lead the group to Athens in November, said: "It is a really big deal. WUMA are one of the biggest federations in the world.

"It is a totally new thing for us, but if we can keep our focus I'm confident we can return with a few medals.

"We are nervous, but we are all really excited about it."

The competition will see the world's best competitors including Germany and Sweden battle it out to be crowned champion.

However, the club, which returned from last weekend's Welsh Open with an impressive 18 trophies, needs to raise £650 each in sponsorship to fund the three-day competition.

Ann said: "We need quite a bit of money, but this will no doubt be an experience of a lifetime for everyone involved."

The Runcorn team will feature Ann, her son Adam, aged 15, Matthew and brother Daniel Boardman, both aged 15, Shirley McStein, aged 35, and her daughter Jessica Shirley, aged 14, William Holmes, aged 23, and Katie Gilbert, aged 13.

To make a donation contact Ann on 07930 649247.