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A team of young 'Dragons' from Jersey are calling for islanders' help to be able to attend a martial arts world tournament.
In April 2023, the Evolution Dragons plan to attend the open martial arts world tournament in Portugal to represent Jersey, but need support due to the expenses involved in participating.
The local 12-dragon team have been training for 10-and-a-half hours per week to prepare themselves for national and international competitions. While the Evolution Dragons say that, for them, it is all about the taking part, their success cannot be overlooked.
The team compete three times a year in Peterborough, sitting comfortably at the top of the league. In the most recent competition, they secured 13 gold medals, 25 silver and 32 bronze.
Their success also extends internationally as they compete in the annual Virtual World Competitions run from America with judges involved all around the world. The club practices a variety of martial arts categories, including weapons, self-defence, kenpo and open forms, and shadow boxing.
Pictured: An impressive set of results from the most recent 2022 Virtual World Championships.
While the team’s drive is boundless, the high costs of competitions abroad limit their ability to attend.
To get the funds to represent Jersey in the Portugal tournament next year, the team has been fundraising through bag-packing activities, but they have also set up a JustGiving Page for further support. Its target is £5,000, which will not only fund their journey to Portugal, but also the essential martial arts equipment.
The Evolution Dragons are also looking for a sponsor to supply fight suits for its competitive team players.
Although the team say they are nervous about the Portugal tournament, their main goal is to have fun.
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