Event during Ramadan proves big success

Event organiser Mohammed Zamoord proved his critics wrong by holding the United Martial Arts Academy's annual tournament during Ramadan, when many of the entrants and their families were fasting.

Zamoord said: "Many people thought I was crazy to hold an event during this time and said it wouldn’t work with the long hours of fasting and hot weather.

"But I love a challenge - something new, something different - it gives me a buzz.”

The event surprisingly turned out to be a success, with over 60 trophies and medals handed out during the day.

The children taking part came from many regions of Bradford, including Manningham, Undercliffe, Girlington, Thornbury, Bradford Moor, Wibsey and Great Horton.

Zamoord added: “I would like to thank all the parents for coming along and supporting their children.”

The tournament started off with the forms patterns competition, seven-year-old Abdullah Mahmood demonstrating his favourite kicking technique to win gold in the junior category.

There were also some great fights in the black-belt categories, as well as the opportunity for beginners to show how they had progressed after a few months' training.

Wahed Sabar, formerly a PE teacher at Carlton Bolling College who is a martial arts coach, said: "The aim of the competition was first and foremost to be as fair as possible and welcome students from white belt up to black belt to compete in a testing and challenging environment.

"I remember back to 1992 when I won the British Championship . . . wonderful memories which gave me the experience to teach and nurture the next generation of kids to become regional, national and international champions like I had done many years ago.

“ I would like to thank Bradford Skip Hire - without their help support and contribution the event would not have been possible - and their owner Zaheer Nazir.

Nazir said: "When I was asked to sponsor an event during Ramadan, I thought it was a crazy idea at first but thankfully I was persuaded, and it paid off by seeing so many happy faces and proud parents which gave our contribution a sense of purpose.

"Finally can I wish everyone a happy and well deserved Eid, which marks the end of the fasting period tomorrow."

Anyone wanting to get involved in martial arts can e-mail info@unitedmartialart.co.uk or ring Mohammed Zamoord on 07852-897509.