Genesis Martial Arts Unleashed Fighting Squad have big goals for 2013 and looked to hit the ground running at the first competition of the Year the Kwon Grand Slam Series held on the 13th January at the North Solihull Sports Centre Birmingham. In attendance were Archie Thompson, Armid Akram, Liam Blandford, Louise Birkett and Kieran Johnson.

Fighting in the boy’s semi contact intermediate and advanced sections under 44 kilos was Liam Blandford. Liam is a purple belt, which is classed as an intermediate belt although Liam was competing in just his 3rd competition, which is a slight disadvantage due to his limited experience competing in intermediate and advanced sections. Demonstrating improved technique and poise Liam is moving in the right direction and is showing the strength of character needed for any fighter despite being unable to proceed beyond the first round in either category. This was Liam’s best performance to date.

Kieran Johnson was up next in the boy’s intermediate semi contact and light continuous sections under 58 kilos. Having spent 2012 enhancing his semi contact skills he spent very little time fighting light continuous. In semi contact it was smooth sailing as Kieran used his movement and timing to blitz his way to victory. In 2013 Kieran will focus on both semi contact and light contact competition and 2013 started positively as he won 3rd place in light continuous section fight off.

Archie Thompson fought in the boys black belts sections under 51 kilos in semi contact and light continuous disciplines. Unbeknown to all his opponents Archie was suffering with lower back pain which he refused to let impact his performance as we went on to secure the double winning both semi contact and light continuous gold.

Due to the absence of team mate Shannon Barlow due to a knee injury Louise Birkett was the only female representative for Genesis and also did the double competing is semi contact and light contact black belt section above 65 kilos. In the first round of the girls semi contact section Louise had a measured performance and was deadlocked at 2-2 with her opponent as time expired. As the bout went into overtime a couple of lapses in concentration crept in resulted in a 4 point deficit which was unassailable in the time left. Although coming up slightly short Louise showed a marked improvement in this performance which and is demonstrating significantly more consistency. In the light contact section Louise would not be outdone picking up the gold in her best performance of the day.

Anchoring the team home fighting in the men’s intermediate semi contact section under 75 kilos was Armid Akram. Looking to be in control throughout Armid was unable to gain a points advantage. At the end of normal time the scores were tied and they maintained tied throughout overtime. Needing to secure a clear point to win Armid was pipped at the post and lost by a single point.

Thanks to parents Dave Blandford Stewart Thompson and Steve Birkett for their support on the day.