Today (Saturday 13th September) marked an important step on the journey to the ICO World Championships, as the Team England squad gathered at the USKA Fight Factory in Birmingham for their penultimate training session.
With just weeks to go until Swansea, the atmosphere was charged with a different kind of focus and determination.
This session wasn’t just about hard work on the mats, it was also about preparation off them.
Fighters completed their official medicals and were issued their England team kits, a proud moment that made the upcoming Championships feel very real.
Seeing squad members walking around in their team England Kit made for proud viewing.
Training itself was, as always, intense. Under the watchful eye of ICO Head Coach and USKA Chief Instructor Neil Kelly, the team pushed through a demanding program of defensive padwork drills.
Every round served as a reminder that only maximum effort now will translate into podium places in October.
The turnout was once again strong with over 70 fighters travelling from across the UK to put in the work. Commitment like this speaks volumes about the hunger within the squad, the drive to represent England with pride and to bring home gold.
With just one final open session left before fight week, the countdown is well and truly on. This last stretch is about fine tuning, sharpening, and ensuring that every fighter steps onto the World Championship stage fully prepared in body and mind.
A huge thank you to Coach Kelly for his tireless dedication, and to every athlete who continues to rise to the challenge. The next time we gather, Swansea will be just around the corner.
The finish line is in sight. The work goes on. Team England, ready for battle!
