Local martial artist Liam Lambourne in Turkey at the IFMAA games
Teenage Martial Artist and future sports star — Liam Lambourne — travelled to Turkey to represent the UK at the International Federation of Muay Thai Juniors last month
The 15 year old graduate of our kids martial arts classes who lives in East Grinstead and trains at the Crawley Martial Arts Academy, travels to the Manor Royal Gym 5 times a week to rack up the hours and make sure he’s at the top of his game for the international squads trip to compete on the world stage.
Liam qualified for the UK team last Summer after he was required to travel up and compete on an almost monthly basis.
15 year old Liam with his Turkish opponent
For each bout Liam fought he was awarded points based on his performance, whether he won or drew and he scored well enough to make the team and win his place in the 2013 IFMAA Junior Competition.
Travelling to Turkey with the UK team, his dad and John Jarvis, the head coach at Crawley Martial Arts Academy.
Fighting in the 15-17 year old category, Liam was one of the youngest in the group and lost his first fight to a stronger, older 17 year old Turkish opponent. The fight was under full Muay Thai rules which allowed knees and elbows to the head in addition to punches and kicks.
Fortunately for Liam all is not lost.
The travel to Turkey only adds to his experience and at only 15 years of age he can come back to fight in the same competition and fight in the same age group for another 2 years by which time he’ll have grown in stature, strength and experience.
We’ve high hopes and it’s good to see him back in training for his next outing this weekend in Manchester.
Good luck Liam!
If you’d like to find out about getting your child started in martial arts for fun, for confidence, self-discipline or for sporting competition you can find out more by calling the Crawley Fitness & Martial Arts Academy on 01293 552 511 or enter your name and email address in the box on this page.