YOUNG martial artists from Okehampton were among title winners at a Thai boxing event for rising young stars, which was held in Honiton, East Devon, last week.

Eight members of the Team Chaos Muay Thai and Fitness Centre Okehampton competed and each cheering on their teammates in their various bouts.

Muay Thai (Thai boxing) is a combat sport of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. This discipline is known as the ‘art of eight limbs’ as it is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.

Julie Grey, mother of 16-year-old fighter Charlotte, said of the Okehampton team’s efforts at the event: ‘We are super proud of our team. Everyone pulled together, not only were they competing they were helping their teammates before entering the boxing ring, which created a great team spirit as per usual. We had some fantastic results.’

Charlotte defeated Jodie Fagan from Ireland to take the Five Nations title in a unanimous points decision. 

There was an exciting contest involving Dan Tomkins, aged 17, who lost via a decision after a five round battle but it was a fight that had the crowd on their feet in an elbow to elbow battle. 

Fourteen year-old Saoirse O’Driscoll won via unanimous points decision defeating Dutch opposition. 

Chaos Muay’s Kacey Day, 13, defeated the Dutch champion in her weight category for the European title, via a unanimous points victory while Holly Snowden, 11, earned a draw, which was a superb performance as it was her first bout and one against a more experienced opponent. 

Also in their first bouts Barnaby Goodwin, 11, defeated his opponent via unanimous decision and Mae Robinson, 10, won a technical knockout in round one when her opponent retired from the contest.

Harrison Wood, 11, also fought and narrowly lost on a points decision.

Julie added: ‘Overall what a fab but hectic day! Well done to all of Team Chaos and its volunteers for your hard work, dedication and team spirit.’

Members of the team are now looking forward to the Team GB trials in Glasgow on March 2 and the ROAR Combat League in Birmingham later next month.