Maltese Kickboxing clubs will once again be participating in the “World United Martial Arts” (WUMA) – World Championships which this year are being held at the Palasport in Alcamo, Sicily between the 12^th and 14^th November.

No less that 18 countries are participating in what promises to be a spectacular extravaganza in a variety of different kickboxing styles spread out over two days and showcasing some of the world’s leading masters in this discipline.  

Kickboxing Warriors – of Sensei Julian Lee Ritchie which are based in Gzira will be participating with no lees that seven kickboxing athletes namely, Everest Maverick, Catania Melcior, Farrugia Anthony, Debono Jonathan, Kyron Busutill, Elvic Zammit and veteran Pierre Tonna .

The kickboxers will be joining up with other Maltese athletes from the WU SHU KY Kickboxing club of Sensei Silvio Camilleri, which is based in MOSTA.

Sensei Julian Lee Ritchie in an interview with Malta Boxing News informed us that his athletes were now all at their peak both on a technical and physical level and were sparing regularly.  “We are determined to return home with positive results” said Sensei Lee Ritchie. “This year we are lucky in a sense that the World Champions will be just a stones throw away from Malta and we did not have the usual complicated travel arrangements, it is literally just a few hours travel.”

When we asked Sensei Lee Ritchie about the individual capabilities of his team, he declined to answer, simply saying “if they are on the team, they are the best – no one makes the team unless they deserve it – they all worked hard for this chance.”

 Photo Top: Sensei Julian Lee Ritchie

About the WUMA Federation (From the WUMA Malta website http://wuma-malta.tripod.com)

WUMA was formed in 1989 by Master Richard "Deadly Dicker” Hopkins.  Through the years the Federation has grown into one of the worlds largest Martial Arts groups of all styles

In 1998 Master Hopkins received a Hall of Fame award from the WHFSC (World Head of Family Sokeship Council).  This council is made up of 200 Masters from all over the world, they now back the WUMA with such things as gradings, Hall of Fame, European & World Titles etc.

The WUMA are looking for people to run more events and seminars in their area.  If you wish to do this you will receive full support from the Federation.

Most new members come from word of mouth, an Instructor joins up and then passes the word onto his associates.  We are quite proud of this fact as it proves to us that we must be treating everyone right.

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