York pair prepare for martial arts championships (From York Press)

York pair prepare for martial arts championships

9:06am Saturday 22nd October 2011 in Martial arts

WORLD Championships-bound kick-boxing ace Jamie Mathews struck gold at the Martial Arts Illustrated Open National Championships in Manchester, writes Oliver Wessely.

And club-mate Mike Clarke took home the silver medal in the heavyweight over-85 kilogramme division.

Mathews, a self-confessed fan of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, won all of his six matches to win the over-42 and over-48 age category.

Having already both had success at the World Kickboxing Council British Championships in June, Clifton-based Mathews cited their recent success as a stepping-stone to the WKC World Championships in Spain next weekend.

Said Mathews: “I have no fear in taking on the very best from around the world now.

“I have a competitive spirit and enough confidence in my ability to out-perform all the other kickboxers.”

Mathews, the co-owner of Wired Performance Kickboxing Club, is currently launching his own classes at the Fitness First gym in Clifton.

He aims to add further classes in Malton and Pickering.

Anyone interested in joining the classes can visit the website at www.wired-performance.co.uk or phone Mathews on 07594 366795.