16/03/2026
As National Sanda team coach the last 10 years, this has been one of my best experiences and most proudest moments.
Firstly to Oscar who after two internationals previously and just getting better and better had some expectation on his shoulders to do well.
He did not disappoint. Oscar got to final beating Greece and Azerbaijan on the way, but unfortunately lost to arguably one of, if not the best fighter in the whole tournament. Oscar was incredible in this tournament and we definitely have another Sanda superstar for GB in the making.
As for Harriet, Matthew and Ellis who all competed internationally for the first time at this level and with all less than 3 years of martial arts experience, they too showed they belong on the biggest state. They unfortunately all lost very close fights but all secured clean strikes and clean takedowns and all looked like Sanda fighters.
Their inexperience showed but they all know what work and adjustments are needed to turn those brilliant performances into winning results.
I couldn't be prouder of such a young team with so much potential. A big thank you to Joshua Villar for being part of the coaching team and helping in preparing and cornering the athletes.
The future is bright. The future is Red, White and Blue!
Let's go Sanda Team GB
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