Staffordshire martial arts team wins 22 medals at championships
MF Team Woollard competitors won 22 medals at the Matt Fiddes Southern Championships, where they also enjoyed a special visit from the organisation’s founder
Young martial artists from across Staffordshire won 22 medals at a two-day competition in Banbury.
Members of MF Team Woollard, which runs classes in Lichfield, Tamworth, Cannock, Burntwood and Stafford, competed at the Matt Fiddes Southern Championships at Spiceball Leisure Centre on October 24 and 25.
The team won nine gold, six silver and seven bronze medals, placing third in the combined medal standings based on total medals won.
The competition featured junior and adult competitors on the Saturday, followed by the Mighty Matts championships for children aged three to six on the Sunday.
The weekend also included a visit from Master Matt Fiddes, founder of the martial arts organisation and former bodyguard to Michael Jackson, who met some of the youngest competitors.
Pete and Libby Woollard, who lead the team, said they were proud of the medal tally but that the support shown between competitors and their families was the weekend’s biggest achievement.
They said: “We’re incredibly proud of the 22 medals our students brought home, but when we look back at the weekend, the medals aren’t actually what stand out the most.
“It’s seeing our families together. Parents cheering for children who aren’t even their own, students supporting their teammates, and everyone celebrating together.”
They added that martial arts helped young people develop confidence, resilience and friendships, with taking part and overcoming nerves just as important as winning medals.
The team includes competitors of different ages and abilities, with its classes designed to develop confidence, discipline, respect and fitness.