Last weekend, the Tapout Knockout Club, based in the town’s leisure centre, headed to Wolverhampton to compete in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu European Championship.
Under the guidance of head coach Trevor Cunningham, 25 young fighters competed at the top of their game in the second biggest competition in the world, only behind the Pan-American games in California.
And they headed home with no less than four newly crowned European champions.
Seaton Junior School pupil Sophie Gregory, seven, Workington Academy’s Tod Herron, 11, Thomas Johnston, 11, of Keswick School and Bradley Quayle, eight, from St Bridget’s School, Egremont, all bagged gold medals.
The club also finished second overall in the medals table, just behind Gracie Barra who have clubs all over the UK.
Tapout Knockout finished above famous clubs such as SBG Dublin ran by John Kavanagh, who is Conor McGregor’s head coach, and Next Generation Liverpool run by Paul Rimmer.
Trevor Cunningham was delighted with the work put in by his pupils and the success they achieved.
He said: “It’s hard to put into words how proud I am, as a coach, of the amazing achievements accomplished in the Junior European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships on Saturday.
“The standard was high with 28 countries competing in the second biggest junior Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition in the world.
“But our kids took the challenge to them, they gained 24 medals amongst them and we now have four European junior champions.”
He added: “The kids are all local from Workington, Whitehaven, Maryport and surrounding areas and they took the championships by storm. Everyone at the competition wondered where we had came from as most of our kids have never competed before.
“The club came second overall out of 28 countries and we were presented with a silver trophy.
“This wouldn’t have happened without the dedication of the kids and support of their parents.”
Cunningham also thanked his coaches Pat Carr, Paul Cunningham, Grant Hocking, Ian Rollason and Daniel Park for their efforts.
And he praised the assistance of Frank Johnston, sponsors Derwent Fluid Power and support from Workington Town Council.
“We have done unbelievably well and will definitely be competing again in the not-too-distant future. We have put Workington on the jiu-jitsu map,” he added.
Barry Quayle, father of gold medallist Bradley and daughter Katey, who also competed, was extremely proud.
The former MMA fighter said: “Watching Katey and Bradley competing for the first time in a European jiu-jitsu championship was a very emotional day.
“As parents you want your children to do their best but not get hurt. They both performed brilliantly due to the training and preparation from the coaches at Tapout Knockout.
“We have seen a different side of our children gaining confidence and inspiration from all the other competitors from the club.
“Both children came away with medals, Katey getting bronze and Bradley gaining gold. We were just so proud of both.”
And former European champion and current Tapout Knockout coach Pat Carr, and also a proud dad, added: “Everybody did really well. There was exceptional talent as expected and this proved valuable for our fighters. It has helped raise their confidence and aspirations for the future.
“I was proud of my daughter Ruby beyond belief as her opponent was very skilled and she held her own until the triangle.
“However, she fought on well after and as her father this made me very emotional. As an experienced martial arts champion I was proud of her will to win.”
Another proud father, Lee Murray, added: “I was also amazed in what my daughter Paige Murray has learned and achieved in 18 months of training with the club.
“Never did I think she would end up being second best in Europe in her category.
“Her confidence has gone through the roof since she started to go there. Thanks to Trevor and all the coaches for their dedication and hard work.”
Workington’s jiu-jitsu club runs classes out of Workington Leisure Centre on Saturday, from 10am to 11am. Contact Trevor Cunninghams for information on 07892 704619.
Special mention to Eddison Risman-Leach, who controversially lost his quarter-final, and Owen Underwood, who was ill on the morning and unable to fight.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here