Young fighters shine at Inspired Championships as 150 competitors descend on Hampton Dojo

Nearly 150 competitors packed into the Hampton Dojo on Saturday and Sunday as Inspired Martial Arts hosted its latest Inspired Championships, delivering two days of high-energy sport karate to a dojo full of proud families and cheering spectators.

The bi-annual showcase drew competitors from across the country for a day of sport, medals, and standout performances | Inspired Martial Arts

placeholder image — The bi-annual showcase drew competitors from across the country for a day of sport, medals, and standout performances | Inspired Martial Arts

Held at Cygnet Park in Hampton, Peterborough, the competition took place on 9th and 10th May and drew students from Inspired Martial Arts academies across the country, including its dedicated dojos in Hampton, Eye, Wisbech and Huntingdon, as well as its locations in South Lincolnshire and Milton Keynes.

The event, which runs twice a year, gave students the chance to put into practice what they have been building on the mats in training. Competitors ranged from four-year-olds stepping into their first taste of competitive sport all the way up to teen and adult fighters, ensuring the day celebrated talent at every stage of development.

Students showed off what they have learned in classes during high-intensity sparring matches. | Inspired Martial Arts

Events on the day included traditional sparring bouts, Blocker Battles, and the crowd-favourite Gauntlet, a rapid-fire format where fighters have just ten seconds to land the first strike. Medals and trophies were presented throughout, with the atmosphere inside the dojo building steadily across both sessions.

The championships came just months after Inspired Martial Arts celebrated a significant milestone, marking 15 years since the academy first opened its doors in February 2011. From a single location, the organisation has grown to serve over 1,500 students across multiple sites throughout the East of England and beyond.

“It was a wicked day, all the children were amazing!”

Anne, parent

Young competitors proudly receive their medals and trophies. | Inspired Martial Arts

Founder Jamie Johannes expressed his pride in everyone who made the day possible. “I couldn’t be more proud of all the competitors who took part and the enthusiasm everyone brought to the event,” he said. “All the hard-working instructors and staff who made it possible deserve enormous credit.”

The Inspired Championships continue to grow as a fixture on the regional martial arts calendar, and with the academy in strong form heading into the second half of 2026, the next edition is already anticipated with excitement across all its locations.