BRIT Spirit Martial Arts from Tavistock has picked up its third national award for ‘dedication and contribution to the martial arts’ from the industry’s largest expo, the UK Martial Arts Show (UKMAS).

Having previously been honoured by UKMAS for the quality of their teaching in 2017 and by the international trade press in 2015, this latest presentation in May this year brings their tally to three major industry awards in the last four years.

‘To be recognised for our efforts in this way is both rewarding and humbling’, said chief instructor Peter Smith. ‘The challenge for us now is to maintain the very high standards we have set for ourselves and continue to provide martial arts training that is good enough to capture the attention of the industry’s top people.’

The bar has been set high for this small local club from Tavistock. Other names attending the UKMAS this year included stars of the big screen such as actor Scott Adkins, movie stuntman and YouTube blogger Aaron Gassor and martial arts legends such as Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace, Benny ‘The Jet’ Urquidez and Alfie ‘The Animal’ Lewis.

With more than 30 years’ experience practising and teaching martial arts, Peter knows what it takes in the martial arts world. Brit Spirit Martial Arts has produced medal winning athletes at local, national, international and world championships, yet still remains a small, local club that devotes as much attention to absolute novices and those just wanting to get fit, keep fit or learn a new hobby as those who aspire to competition victory.

‘We operate a bit differently from most martial arts clubs’, explains Peter.

‘Martial Arts is a lifelong study and we believe that if you’re going to make something a way of life, the club needs to be friendly, effective and most of all fun. You’re not going to commit to the hard work that’s involved if you’re not enjoying the journey.’

n For more details on Brit Spirit see page 10.