Three English champions crowned an excellent first competitive outing of the year for Hicks Martial Arts Club

Hicks Family Martial Arts Club made an impressive start to their 2026 competitive season.

The city club were in Stourbridge to compete in the World Kickboxing and Karate Union English Championships and the team’s performance did not disappoint, demonstrating their hard work, dedication, and spirit throughout an action-packed day.

The Hicks team at Stourbridge. Coach David Prior, Aaron Leonard, Arshan Nash, Ravi Panchal, Joshua Leonard, Oliver Profitt, Bob Nash, Blake Darby, James Thurling, Aryia Townsend, Theo Owen, Hollie Brook, coach Lucy Hicks, Kye Prior.

placeholder image — The Hicks team at Stourbridge. Coach David Prior, Aaron Leonard, Arshan Nash, Ravi Panchal, Joshua Leonard, Oliver Profitt, Bob Nash, Blake Darby, James Thurling, Aryia Townsend, Theo Owen, Hollie Brook, coach Lucy Hicks, Kye Prior.

The event itself was a bustling, energetic affair, with teams from all over the country competing across a variety of disciplines, including Kata, Points, Light Continuous, and Kick Light divisions.

Despite a long day, the team’s enthusiasm remained high, and their efforts culminated in some fantastic results as three students – Joshua Leonard (14), Arshan Nash (17), and Aaron Leonard (19) – were all crowned champions.

Special recognition goes to Arshan Nash, who was named ‘Fighter of the Day’ after delivering an outstanding performance across multiple disciplines. Arshan secured a silver medal in Point Light Continuous and Kick Light divisions, along with a gold in Points Fighting, to show off his versatility and skill.

Key results

Aaron Leonard: 1st in Points Fighting (18-35 yrs, M-60kg).

Arshan Nash: 1st in Points Fighting Juniors (15-17 yrs, 55kg), 1st in Points Teens (13-14 yrs, 55kg), 2nd in Light Contact (15-17 yrs, M-55kg), 2nd in Kick Light (15-17 yrs, M-55kg).

Joshua Leonard: 1st in Points Fighting Teens (13-14 yrs, M-55kg).

Oliver Proffitt: 3rd in Points Fighting Juniors (15-17 yrs, M-60kg), Runner-up in Points Points Fighting Juniors 15-17 yrs M -55kg.

Kye Prior: 3rd in Points Fighting (18-35 yrs, M-85kg), 3rd in M-90kg.

Ravi Panchal: Runner-up in Light Contact (13-14 yrs, M-45kg).

Aryia Townsend: Runner-up in Points Fighting Kids (9-12 yrs, F-30kg).

Blake Darby: Runner-up in Points Fighting Teens (13-14 yrs, M-55kg).

The club thank sponsors Lumina (@lumina_aestheticz) for new team suits.

Hicks Family Martial Arts have been teaching in Peterborough for over 30 years and operate a purpose built full equipped full-time centre at Vicerage Farm Road, Fengate, PE1 5TP.

Anyone looking to join or to obtain a FREE trial class can call 07974196256 or book a online at http://www.hickskarate.co.uk/free-trial