The York Martial Arts Academy will be flying the Union Jack with pride when no less than 12 of its kickboxing members represent the country at the WKC World Championships in Portugal.

The astounding achievement follows the team’s destructive performances at the WAKO and WKC British Championships in Nottingham and Manchester respectively, where York’s kickboxing elite dominated the field and monopolised the medals.

Firstly, at the WAKO Championship in Nottingham, four British champions from York were crowned.

Luke Burks, Jay Spain, Connor Crake and Courtney Catterson all returned from the Midlands triumphant after dominating their fields.

Burks in particular had to overcome a four-time WAKO world champion in his final fight to secure the gold medal, and his seventh British title in the process.

Similarly, Spain earned her eighth British title in the ladies section with a consummate performance throughout, while Crake battled through to his inaugural British kickboxing title and Catterson won gold to end the day in emphatic fashion.

The WKC Championship in Manchester was the next stop for the all-conquering York Martial Arts Academy, where again a quartet of gold medals were taken back to North Yorkshire.

Burks and Spain once more demonstrated their composure and kickboxing pedigree to cruise to gold medal glory, while Lewis Connors deservedly bagged his first British gold.

Nicole Pratt then stole the show with a hugely impressive performance in what was still a very early stage in her competition career.

As in Nottingham, the York team also scooped countless silver and bronze medals on their victorious venture.

The glorious reward for the academy was a dozen call-ups to the Great Britain squad for the WKC World Championships following their kickboxing masterclass.

The successful Academy members are: Keenan Crake, Connor Crake, Lewis Connors, Rhys Lane Capper, Nichole Pratt, Charlie Foster Vigors, Martin Connors, Jamie Kirby, Luke Burks, Jay Spain, James Renwick and Craig Long.

The academy is currently fundraising to help with the cost of the trip for the junior members.

Anybody who can help can phone Craig Long on 01904 783459.