by Peter Barnett

Tiger Freestyle Martial Arts got off to a roaring start at its first official competition, the British Open.

The club, which was only formed in January and which is based at Hartsdown Technology College in Margate, is celebrating an impressive debut tournament haul of three medals - two silvers and a bronze.

Chief Instructor Chass Wingrove and Assistant Instructor Ian Reynolds are delighted at the team’s performance at the event in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, which attracted experienced competitors from around the UK.

Chass said: “It is a magnificent achievement. Our squad has not been together long and the club has only been in existence this year.

"To travel to a prestigious meeting and face opponents who are seasoned martial arts fighters is a huge task. To compete with dignity and honour and enjoy the experience is what we hoped for; to come back with medals is unbelievable.”

Ian added: “Our members have such determination, enthusiasm, discipline and respect for themselves, their opponents and our club. Their strong unity really shone through in the Open. They performed extremely well and we are proud of them.”

The winning trio are newcomers to the sport and fought like tigers against black and brown belt opponents to achieve their success - Jo Taylor and Charlie Morton, a Hartsdown teacher, won silver medals and Hartsdown sixth former Sam Page, earned a bronze.

Chass, whose main disciplines include Chinese Kickboxing, Brithai and Freestyle Combat, has been training for more than 15 years.

He said: “The Open success is a great platform for us to build the competitive side of Tiger Freestyle Martial Arts. In time we want to take part in the European and eventually the World Championships.”

He has also been honoured for his services and contribution to martial arts and will be presented with an award at the British National Martial Arts Association international training weekend at Bradford in November.

Ian, whose main disciplines include Chinese Kickboxing, Judo, Freestyle Karate and Shotokan, has been training for more than 12 years. He added: “Our club is not just about grading and competitions. Our classes cater for everybody from the complete beginner to black belt and beyond. We run all of our classes in a fun friendly atmosphere and strive to get the best out of an individual.”

Chass added: “Self defence in this day and age is extremely important for everyone, not just the vulnerable and elderly. Having the confidence that you can defend yourself is so beneficial.”

To find out more, contact Chass and Ian on 0845 643 5681, email TFMA@TigerFreestyle.co.uk or visit their website www.TigerFreestyle.co.uk