NEWTON Abbot's NAMA fight team took home medals and pride from their first national kickboxing event.

Newton Abbot’s up-and-coming martial artists have made an extraordinary first impression on the national stage, returning from the GB Grandslam in Bath with a string of podium finishes.

Five competitors from NAMA Martial Arts and Combat Sports stepped into the ring at what was their very first national-level kickboxing competition – and smashed expectations with four bronze medals and one silver. This impressive result signals the arrival of a bold new presence on the UK kickboxing scene.

Pictured left to right are; Simon Wood, Emmy Lambell, Coach Sophie Chisholm, Keziah Wood, and Chief Instructor Ed Colman-Roberts, who led the team into competition. Two other young athletes also competed and contributed to the medal success but are not pictured in line with child protection policies.

Held over the second weekend of May, the GB Grandslam is the first in a prestigious three-part series of national tournaments that attract fighters from across the UK. For NAMA’s fighters – some still in their early teens – the event represented a huge leap in challenge and scale. Yet they handled the pressure with poise, grit, and an unwavering team spirit.

“To say I’m proud is an understatement,” said Ed Colman-Roberts, who founded NAMA and acts as its Chief Instructor. “This was their first time stepping into a national competition arena, and they carried themselves like real pros – with courage, composure, and excellent sportsmanship.”

The medal tally was the result of weeks of hard work, rigorous training sessions, and a shared determination to grow and improve. For many of the athletes, this competition is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to selection for international events in future years.

“We saw real glimpses of future champions this weekend,” said Coach Sophie Chisholm, who has helped shape the team both physically and mentally. “Every single fighter gave it their all, supported each other, and represented our club and town brilliantly.”

With their sights now set on the next events in the Grandslam series – as well as several open tournaments over the summer – the NAMA Fight Team is beginning to draw attention for both their competitive potential and their commitment to martial arts values.

To help support the team as they continue to travel, compete, and grow, NAMA is now actively seeking sponsorship from local businesses or individuals. Contributions would go directly toward competition fees, travel costs, and essential training equipment, helping to ease the financial burden on families and allow more young people to experience the benefits of national sport.

“This is more than just about medals,” said Colman-Roberts. “It’s about building confident, respectful, resilient young people who are learning to push past their limits. With the right backing, these athletes can go far – and they’ll bring their community with them every step of the way.”

NAMA Martial Arts and Combat Sports has been serving Newton Abbot and surrounding areas for over seven years, offering classes in Kickboxing, Taekwon-Do, and Boxing for all ages. The club is well known for its inclusive, supportive approach and its mission to empower young people through martial arts.

If you or your business would like to support the team, you can contact Ed and Sophie directly at [email protected] or call 07957 897 217.