Alchemy Martial Arts, based at Northdown Industrial Estate in Broadstairs, is celebrating its most recent medal winners.
The club, which teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, wrestling, Judo, Yoga and fitness sessions, has been represented by Ross Barnett at the World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi and Freddie Finn at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation ( IBJJF) England and IBJJF Europe.
Fifteen year old Freddie, from Broadstairs, has been attending Alchemy Martial Arts since April 2024 and is ‘progressing amazingly quickly’ says black belt instructor and club owner Alan “Gunz” Mark.
In October the teen won gold in his grey belt category at the London Fall Kids International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship held at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London.
This month the youngster also scooped a silver medal in the IBJJF Europe competition held in Dublin.
Proud mum Aimee said: “This is such a massive achievement and not many people manage it as quickly as he has. Now he is training even harder to get to worlds and get gold.
“He is mentally and physically the best he has ever been and that is because of the club, it is like a family. They really want everybody to be their best.
“The club is really inclusive and they really care about their kids and adults.
“Liam Harris (from Alchemy) has been Freddie’s biggest support and given him one-to-ones and always prepped him before any competition. Freddie definitely wouldn’t be where he is today without him.
“Liam has always backed me as a parent too with how Freddie should conduct himself in certain situations.”
Ross, from Margate, has also added to the club’s haul after taking silver at the World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Ross owns Channels and Choices children’s residential, education and foster care services and Majestic Family Services which provides residential family centres.
The 45-year-old took up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2021 as a way to keep fit.
The dad-of-two has already won medals in the London Open in 2023 and Milan Open in March this year, among other competitions, and says the next step was to challenge himself with the worlds.
He said: “Jiu-Jitsu is like a game of chess at times with strategy and it is a fantastic club with quality teaching from a couple of black belts and a world champion who comes down. It’s really inclusive and they do lots of kids’ stuff.”
Ross travelled to Abu Dhabi alone this month after deciding to enter the competition. He said: “I ended up beating last year’s silver and bronze medallists but lost to a Russian in the final so got silver.”
‘Gunz’ said: “Ross is a dad, has multiple jobs and still finds time to train. He went to Abu Dhabi on his own and had a division of 12 or 13 people, all tough guys, and got second place.
“Freddie has progressed amazingly quickly. He has come to the club and dedicated himself for the last 18 months and has smashed it.”
For further details about Alchemy Martial Arts contact Alan on 07719 474102 or go to Alchemymartialarts.co.uk
Find Freddie on Instagram @fredfinnbjj
