Triple Irish Open Gold for Evolution
On the first weekend of March six fighters representing Evolution Martial Arts travelled to Dublin, Ireland to compete at the biggest WAKO Kickboxing competition of the year - The Irish Open International. Those representing Team Evolution fought outstandingly against the best of the best from around the globe with fighters from across Europe and America competing for the title. Talon Chambers, Jake Peppercorn and Nesta Baxter won the Irish Open Title in their divisions, a fantastic achievement for themselves. This placed Evolution Martial Arts 26th out of 296 clubs with a final medal tally of 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze.
Team Evolution at the Irish Open 2019.
Back left to right: Nigel Baxter, John Chambers, Jake Peppercorn, Nesta Baxter and Linda Baxter. Front left to right: Paige Stedman, Chelsea Leggatt and Talon Chambers.
After successful weigh ins and medical checks on the Thursday evening the fighting commenced on the Friday. Friday was the day of Light Continuous and Veteran Point Fighting where Evolution fighters John Chambers, Nesta Baxter, Chelsea Leggatt and Talon Chambers competed.
John fought in the Veteran Point Fighting whilst Chelsea and Talon performed in the Light Continuous. All three fighters fought extremely well with some great performances but just fell short of the podium in some large categories.
Nesta Baxter, 18, fought in the Junior Ladies 16-18yrs -60kg Light Continuous category. After beating opposition from Italy, Ireland, Slovenia, Wales and Germany Nesta made it to the final where she came up against a fellow GB rival. Nesta dominated the fight to take the Gold medal position and the Irish Open Title. This was particularly special for Nesta as this was the last competition that she would compete in as a Junior athlete.
Nesta Baxter with her Irish Open Trophy and winner gloves.
Day two of fighting on the Saturday was for Junior and Senior Point Fighting Divisions. On this day, John Chambers, Chelsea Leggatt, Nesta Baxter and Jake Peppercorn all competed in their respective categories.
The Evolution Fighters on Day 2 of the Irish Open.
Left to right - Chelsea Leggatt, Nesta Baxter, Paige Stedman, John Chambers, Talon Chambers and Jake Peppercorn.
John Chambers and Chelsea Leggatt both fought fantastically against some tough opposition gaining some brilliant experience ahead of further international competitions.
Jake Peppercorn, 17, won a medal of each colour throughout his divisions. In the Junior (16-18yrs) Male -94kg Point Fighting Jake fought his way into the final where he came up against a Greek opponent. The fight was very exciting all the way with Jake giving a brilliant performance to win the Gold and the prestigious Irish Open Title. Jake then went on to have some outstanding performances in the Junior Male -89kg Point Fighting where he claimed a Bronze medal and in the Junior Male +94kg Point Fighting where he finished with a Silver Medal after missing out on the top position in extra time of the final.
Jake Peppercorn in 1st Place position taking the Irish Open Title
Nesta Baxter competed in the Junior (16-18yrs) Ladies -60kg Point Fighting. After winning her pool, Nesta made it to the Semi Final where she came up against an Italian. Nesta fought well to come away with a Bronze medal just short of a place in the final.
Nesta Baxter in Bronze Medal position
Sunday was the final day of the Irish Open competition which held host to the Younger Cadet and Older Cadet Point Fighting along with Grand Champion Open Weight divisions. Fighting in the Younger Cadet and Older Cadet Divisions were Paige Stedman and Talon Chambers whilst Chelsea Leggatt and Jake Peppercorn both fought in the Open Weight categories.
Paige, Chelsea and Jake all fought very well in their divisions after world class fighters taking home some phenomenal experience and knowledge from their fights at such a high class event.
Taking Gold in his division was Talon Chambers. Talon, 12, competed in the Younger Cadet Boys +47kg Division where he dominated throughout winning his pool to make it through to the final. In the final Talon met a strong opponent however he remained calm and stuck to his game plan leading his to his first victory at the Irish Open, a big achievement.
Talon Chambers winning the Irish Open 2019
Overall Evolution Martial Arts had a fantastic weekend with some brilliant results at the best competition on the kickboxing circuit where over 3800 competitors were in attendance. Well done to all fighters over the weekend in Ireland along with a big thank you and well done to Coaches Linda and Nigel for all of the hard work and dedication over the weekend and in general.
Evolution Martial Arts has recently relocated to its new location which is The Old Goods Yard, Spalding Road, Boston, PE21 8XL. If you are interested in coming along please view our Facebook page for more information.