FORMER Thai boxing world champion Rich Cadden bagged a Brazilian ju-jitsu gold medal at the Manchester Open.

The 36-year-old Acomb ace led a team of fighters from his Poppleton-based Chokdee Academy into the event.

In his first taste of competitive Brazilian ju-jitsu, Cadden won the under-70 kilogram white belt category.

Fulford’s Sam Devlin, 32, claimed a bronze medal in the under-75kg intermediate blue belt section.

There was also a fourth-place finish for 32-year-old James Stafford, of The Groves, in the under-85kg intermediate blue belt contest.

Cadden said: “I was really happy with the way everyone performed in Manchester.

“There is no real pressure put on results.

“It is all about developing performances.

“It is obviously nice when you win but everyone who competed put in fantastic performances and really stepped it up a level.”

Meanwhile, a trio of Chokdee Academy fighters made their Muay Thai boxing debuts on a bill at Derby County’s Pride Park stadium, with Matt Reading claiming a points victory.

Cadden was thrilled with the 72kg victory for Reading, 27, of The Groves, saying: “It was a fantastic, classy performance. It was sexy Muay Thai.”

Graham Snow, in an 81kg bout, and Mike Moss, at 65kg, missed out narrowly on points in their fights.

Cadden said that both Snow, 32, formerly of Clifton but now based in Pateley Bridge, and 25-year-old Moss, of Acomb, had made encouraging starts to their competitive careers against more experienced opponents.