Kickboxing Jess winning medals Down Under

When 10 year-old Jessica Price made the long trip from Torbay to Australia last month, the understandable ambition must have been to gain further experience in her kickboxing journey.

Well, with the experience box ticked, Jess went steps further in the International Matt Fiddes Competition held on the Sunshine Coast, achieving a Silver Medal for Sparring and a Bronze for Kickboxing Drills.

Three competitors went from the South West, Jess, Ned Kelly and Lilli Stevens. There were 20 team members in total from England, including those from Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Kent, Sussex and an additional team from Scotland. 

Ned achieved his 1st Dan Black Belt whilst there, huge congratulations. Lilli competed with incredible spirit, narrowly missing out on medal positions, however her determination and commitment shone through and was an amazing competitor.

No matter whether you achieve a medal or not, it takes incredible courage to step on to the mat and everyone in the team embraced the challenge and performed amazingly, bringing home a shed load of medals and personal bests.

In total, 47 medals came back to England and Scotland, including Gold x 22, Silver x 15 and Bronze x 10.

The team said: “We had the best day, meeting old and new faces, lifelong friendships were formed not only within the GB team but with all the Aussies too, who made us feel so very welcome.” 

The journey for Jess began at the age of just three, when she started training with Matt Fiddes Martial Arts in Paignton and has achieved many belt gradings and attended tournaments in the UK several times.  When the ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity arose to compete in Australia, Jess knew she wanted to go.

However, getting there was not free and would cost significant money for flights, accommodation, transport and uniforms.  The ethos and training that Matt Fiddes inspires children to improve themselves as a whole and not just in martial arts. Therefore, the cost of the trip was to be met by the children themselves and not to come from the ‘bank of mum & dad’ and so she needed to raise a minimum of £1500.

This led to Jess and Lilli setting up GoFundMe pages and doing a range of fundraising activities, including raffles, holding sweetie stalls, bake sales and even pig racing!  In addition to this, Jess climbed four of the highest mountains of the UK, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Lilli joined Jess to climb Pen-Y-Fan, all at the age of 10!

Their parents couldn't be prouder of them and how they conducted themselves, talking to potential sponsors and speaking in public at their events.  Whilst they had to overcome some knockbacks from businesses, they also were delighted by the support from local businesses who did offer sponsorship money towards the pig racing event, which was incredibly fun!

Instructors reported being incredibly proud of the Team, who stood on an international stage and performed the way they did without their usual familiar faces in front of them was truly incredible! Reflecting that they hope that the memories they have made, they will cherish forever. Mr Kelly was so proud of his team who represented the South West and described what a wonderful opportunity it has been for all! 

Ms Day said that watching the group come together not just as a team but united as a family has filled her heart.  Master Finch congratulated everyone on an ‘absolutely phenomenal effort’ from everyone, including the competitors, families and instructors.

He said: “Don’t underestimate what you have all put into getting here and then performing in the way that you all have. The team is very much united and it has been a pleasure to see everyone grow and bond over the past few days. The competition was a culmination of so much hard work, dedication and commitment and I hope you are all incredibly proud of what you have achieved and how well you have represented your schools, this is only the beginning!”

Jess voiced her gratitude to the instructors, starting with Mr Kelly: “I could not have achieved what I did without his knowledge and encouragement. To all the other National Instructors: Master Finch, Master Poplett, Master Fear, Miss Calder and Ms Day for all their training and support; it was inspirational and a privilege. As well as driving us around to the different event sites whilst there.

“Thank you to Mandy and Jim and the patrons of the Embassy Tavern for all their support and for hosting Ady Bygns Pig Racing! Also, to all the businesses that sponsored a race: AI Home Improvements, Bright Bean Cafe, Preston Car Sales, Clutchmáster, MDTapp builders, RP Tiling, TG Roofing & Torbay Clearance Services.” 

The Australian team will be coming to the UK next year, 2025, and then there is a plan to return to Australia in 2027. The team will be looking to start fundraising for this in the New Year. If you or your business would like to support them, please donate via one of the GoFundMe pages https://gofund.me/06607b1a