Dartford fighters enjoy success

5:57pm Monday 12th May 2008

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IT has been a busy few months for the students of Dartford's mixed martial arts (MMA) academy.

Members have taken part in two full contact stick fighting competitions, including the British championships, the Grapplers Showdown in Battersea and the Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu invitational in London's EXCEL Center.

Instructors Dave Birkett and John Vallas began preparations for the team back in March.

Students needed to make individual weight categories, so diet and good nutrition were essential.

The academy is open five days a week and plenty of time was given to fight strategy, conditioning, drilling and sparring.

Their efforts paid off with a collection of medals, including a gold in the ladies' 64kg event together with a silver and a bronze at the Gracie invitational.

At the Grapplers Showdown, a bronze was won, while the full contact stick events produced three silvers and three bronzes.

To cap it all, three stick fighting team members were invited to join the British team who will fight in July's world championships in the Philippines.

Established in 2004, Dartford MMA has consistently produced a high level of students in a variety of disciplines.

A fun, friendly and family orientated club, beginners, juniors aged between six and 15 and ladies are always welcome.

You can cross-train in boxing, kickboxing, MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, submission wrestling, stick fighting, Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do and self defence.

For more information on the club or to join, visit dartfordmma.com or Dave on 07775 927352.