CHOKDEE martial arts fighters are stepping up to the plate with a vengeance.

Gym founder Richard Cadden, twice a former Thai boxing world champion, said the progress his charges are making is gathering strength with high-class performances against some of the best gyms in the country.

No fewer than six Chokdee combatants have been in action. At Derby County’s Pride Park, Danny Little knocked out London’s Rob Rubiwica – countering from a run of defeats and a poor start to relax into his best form and triumph.

Club-mate Matt Reading lost to Alan Hall of Derby, but such was his display that the two opponents will now be pitched against each other for an area title in September.

Mike Moss was also outpointed, but, after being knocked to the canvas in the opening two rounds, heeded the advice of Cadden to alter his tactics. He won the next three rounds of the five-round contest only for the knockdowns to prove critical in the judges’ verdict of a battle deemed the fight of the night.

The Chokdee Academy fielded their first junior competitor on a bill in Harrogate where 14-year-old Cam Harris, who has only been training eight months, was unlucky to lose on points. His opponent was taller and more experienced but Cadden said the teenager showed immense promise.

Lewis Haskins won his bout on points, inspired by the 70-odd supporters of the York trio. He established his supremacy from the opening round.

Selby’s Steve Moutrie got the verdict on his debut which proved a smack-fest, said Cadden.

He added: “We are putting out guys on the national circuit. They are fighting against lads from some of the leading gyms in the country and they are more than holding their own.

“Fighters know they will have their work cut out if they come up against someone from the Chokdee Academy.”

Cadden will be joined by Chris Eaglen, Bartek Beliki, making his debut, and Josh Dilcock in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu show at Manchester this weekend.