Members of Herefords Combat Academy made the 500 mile round trip to Carlisle in order to compete in the National Ju-Jutsu Kumite Council's Northern Championships over the weekend.
himself 2 points down. Michael replied with a couple of well timed punches to level the scores at the end of normal time. The fight moved into 'Golden Score' and Michael secured the win with a well executed round kick. Two more victories, which included the scalp of a purple belt, saw Michael progress to the final where he faced the very experienced Pat Carr. Carr is undefeated in Ju-Jutsu Kumite for over five years and is also undefeated in his four Grapple & Strike appearances. Despite a good effort from Michael the power and experience of Carr was too much for the youngster to handle and Carr secured the 10 - 0 win via a double submission.
Pride of place for the Academy fighters went to 18 year old Michael Gummery, who collected the silver medal in the senior mens under 71 kilo, open grade category. Michael, who took up the sport 5 months ago, was competing in only his second Kumite event. In his first fight Michael faced an experienced brown belt and quickly found
Academy instructors Simon Small and Dave Coles were also in action. Despite being one of the lightest competitors Small powered his way to the final of the + 95 kilo category. The final was a very close fought affair and as it drew to a close Small, who was trailing 0 - 1, secured a hold-down on his opponent. Keeping the hold on for 20 seconds would have given Small 3 points and the gold medal, however on 18 seconds his opponent escaped from the hold, seconds later the bell was sounded for the end of the fight, and so Small had to settle for the silver medal.
Dave Coles made it double gold, winning the under 95 kilo and the masters open categories. Despite trailing 1 - 3 in the final of the u 95's, Coles battled back to secure a 6 - 3 victory.
18 year old Danial Ashman also competed in the senior mens under 71 kilo, open grade category. Unfortunately the draw was not kind to him and he faced Pat Carr in his first contest. Despite only four months of training Dan put in a tremendous performance, his defence against Carr's many attempts to secure an armlock was outstanding and he even managed to escape one of Carrs' holds. Despite the 0 - 8 scoreline, going the distance against a fighter of Pat Carrs' quality is an achievement in its self.
