Written by Sixth Form Student Journalist Emily Moore.
Year 7 student Paddy represented England and was crowned champion in Abu Dhabi over the six-week holiday, making him a World Champion!
Paddy gained a passion for combat sports at just age 4, starting with jujitsu before transitioning to MMA, Mixed Martial Arts, around 5 years ago. His interest in the sport started when he saw an opportunity to take part at his local gym and decided to give it a go, and since then he hasn’t looked back. “All I want to do is try be my best” he said, highlighting the importance of the sports within his life.
MMA is a full-contact combat sport where competitors use a wide variety of fighting skills and techniques from a range of martial arts which are to be used under a set of strict defined rules.
During the summer holiday, Paddy travelled to Abu Dhabi to participate in the IMMAF World Championship where he was ultimately crowned champion. He claimed the experience as “incredible” and talked about being able to overcome his nerves before going on stage by staying calm.
Within the academy, Paddy participates in football and rugby, which are just a few of the wide selection of sports the academy offers. He believes these opportunities in sport have allowed him to develop key skills such as his agility and cardio, which he can bring into his MMA and are major benefits in helping him work towards his dream career.
Paddy’s ambition of wanting to pursue a career in MMA is supported by his family in hopes of making it big and winning major titles. His advice for anyone in a similar position is “go for it as it helps prepare you for life”.
Paddy was also selected at the weekend for Team England for the Europeans this February in Serbia. We wish Paddy the best of luck with his next competition.
