FEARLESS teenagers have fought international competitors to become World Champions.
Tony Conway, right, 19, and Damien Hodds, left, 14, both members of Marton Club BMAKA, battled to be the best in the world at a competition in Florida.
It’s the fourth time, Tony, a lifeguard at Splash, Stockton, has entered the US Open International Kickboxing Association event, which attracts more than 3,500 fighters from places like Australia, USA, and Puerto Rico.
A competitor in Wado-ryu - a form of Shotokan karate - Tony from Marton told Grassroots: “The first time I entered I came last in everything.
“But I was younger, inexperienced and nervous.
“Many people would be put off but I carried on and now I’m world champion.
“I think it’s all about confidence.�
Tony has been spurred on by his coach David Lancaster - World Champion in 2005 - and his parents.
And by sheer chance the contest in Florida was the first time that his dad Lawrence had seen him fight and win in the 18-29 year old category.
Tony, a middleweight who has been competing for 11 years, saw his efforts rewarded with a 5ft trophy, another to add to the 70 he already has.
Fellow club member Damien, 14, also scooped a 5ft trophy, when he won six fights in one day in the “continuous� kickboxing section.
The Saltersgill teen is a pupil at Newlands School, and has been training for ten years.
He told Grassroots: “I train three hours on a Wednesday and three hours on a Sunday, as well as at English Martyrs School, Hartlepool during the week.
“When I found out that I had won I rang everyone and it was about 4am at home.
“They were really pleased.�
The pair train at Marton Scout Hut at The Grove.
Coach David, a sports lecturer at Hartlepool College, also entered but lost in the final.
He said: “I’m really proud of both of the boys. They really deserve it because the dedication and effort they put in is unbelievable.
“The future is looking bright for both of them and I would like to congratulate them both.�
Do you know a young person who excels in their chosen sport? If so then e-mail a few details, along with a contact phone number, to Grassroots and we’ll do our best to report their success in Grassroots.
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omg i cant believe damien has won! ive knew him 4 years and cant believe how gud he is! i dont know tony but heard he is great to well done 2 both of you keep it up xxx
Well done Tony, you were lucky when you beat me earlier this year so I'll be back lol, seriously tho you deserve it. Will be training with Dave again soon so catch up with you then. Congrats. Ian
Well done to both tony and damien, I dont really know tony but well done. Damien i always knew you would do well keep it up mate xx
Hi.
Where bouts is Daves classes? used to do karate years ago but stopped when I was 16, fancy taking it up again. Dunno if you remember me but was me and paul graham that done it, at middlesborough, and peterlee.
Tommy
haha, it’s amazing what you can find on the internet Tony. Hope ur well, take care
Ross
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