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Jack Griffiths
Jack Griffiths is 13 years old and lives in Bolsover with his Mum and Dad. Jack has been 
competing in Karate and Kickboxing for 4 years and has won numerous National, European and World titles. He is a 2nd degree black belt. On 21st October 2011 Jack was awarded the PeakFM Local Sports Hero Award. At the Derbyshire Sports Awards on the 11th November 2011, Jack was Runner Up in the Junior Sportsman Award, recognising his excellent achievements over the last 12 months.
Jack's Latest News (08.03.12)
I've just returned from the Irish Open where I won a silver medal in the open hand event. There were over 2,500 competitors from across the world. I was the youngest competitor in the U17 category and was up against 4 Americans, a canadian and other British and Irish competitors.
How did you first get involved in Karate and Kickboxing?
I went to a Martial Arts show when I was 6, where I saw my present Instructor Ashley Beck (full time stuntman) perform an extreme Martial Arts demonstration. From that minute, I was hooked ... and pestered my parents constantly, until they took me to a local Martial Arts club. I kept pestering the instructor for a karate suit, and to my parents amazement, the instructor approached them to say that he did not think I had the apitude for Martial Arts. I was so determined that I decided to switch clubs, to the one I'm still training at and have never looked back.
How often do you train and what is a typical session?
I train 6 days a week at the British Martial Arts Academy in Sheffield and compete for Team Evolution. On Monday's I practice and work on techniques needed for competitions i.e. flips, kicks and tricks, along with weapons and open hand work. Tuesday's I concentrate on my basic Martial Arts fighting skills. Wednesday I train on my open hand skills and Thursday and Friday are also spent training on basic Martial Arts skills. Weekends are often spent travelling to and competing at competitions. There are open sessions which take place at the British Martial Arts Academy and there are sessions dedicated to people who complete in the Team Evolution Team and for the country. For more information on the British Martial Arts Academy check out their face book page www.teamevolution or have a look at their website at www.team-evolution.co.uk
How difficult is it to balance training/competitions with school work?
It can be difficult, though it helps that my school is supportive of me and try to help me adjust my timetable, so I fit everything in and manage to keep up with my school work. They are even giving me a mentor to help me with the big workload.
What do your school friends think about you competing for Great Britain?
My friends are happy for me, because they know I enjoy it and some even come and watch me compete, which really makes me happy.
You are a 1st Dan. Tell us about this?
I achieved my 1st Dan black belt grading 2 years ago. I had to train for 4 years and complete a 9 hour grading assessment in which I had to demonstrate a range of techniques as well as memorising and performing 4 kata's. I have my 2nd Dan grading in 2 weeks time.
How many titles/medals have you won during the last 4 years?
I have won:
- 28 International titles including;
- 10 Austrian World Cup Golds
- 8 Italian Best Fighter World Cup Golds
- 5 Irish Open World Cup Golds
- 6 WAKO European Championship Golds
- 1 WAKO World Title
- 2 Cimac World Cup Golds
- 12 British Titles and over 100 other gold medals
I have also won 2 World Silver medals in the 13-15 age group when I was 11 years old. I have also competed in Karate where I have won 4 British titles and 8 Kickboxing British titles.
What do you like to do when you are not training and competing?
Play Football and go on my BMX.
What is spirit2power?
spirit2power is a documentary about Martial Arts. I performed at an event for MA Action and was then approached by the director of spirit2power who had watched my display. I did an interview in London and various clips of my performances have been included in the film. You can see more information about the film by going to www.spirit2power.com, there are also clips on You Tube. The film should be released sometime in November 2011.
How did you get to be the new face of Marks and Spencer's
I sent in a video of me doing Martial Arts and my Dad did a small story. I was in Italy, when my Dad got a phone call telling me I had won. I travelled to London where a famous photographer, RANKIN, photographed me in various poses wearing Marks and Spencer's clothing.
Though a few years away have you got any plans for when you leave school?
I would like to be a successful Martial Arts Instructor or a stuntman in films.
Has any individual/coach particularly supported/advised you?
There have been 2 individuals who have particularly supported me. Brian Beck is a 7th Dan and was part of the Olympic Trampoline Team. He has helped me a lot with flips and tricks I use in my displays. Ashley Beck, his son has trained all his life in different Martial Arts styles and acrobatics and is a qualified stuntman. He is a former 3 x World Forms and Weapons Champion and is my present Instructor.
Who inspires you?
Matt Emig, a hugely successful American Martial Arts Champion.
If you could interview anyone who would it be and why?
Matt Emig, so he can give me some advice about tricks and flips. I remember seeing Matt in the audience at my first competition in Austria and just being star struck!
Do you receive any funding to support you as a Martial Artist?
My main Martial Arts style is free style Kickboxing and this is not a lottery or Government funded sport. For the past few years I have received a small grant from the Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund (now known as Podium) and I'm hoping that I'll receive some funding from them again for next year. My Mum and Dad have supported my club in getting around £6,000 from Sheffield Council over the last few years to purchase kit. I have been spotted by a Martial Arts clothing supplier called TOPTEN and they have agreed to sponsor me with their clothing brand. I'm always looking for sponsorship. My Mum and Dad pay thousands of pounds a year to ensure that I can train and compete in competitions throughout the world. They are very supportive and want me to succeed, and I'm very grateful to them.
What's the best advice you would give to other young people trying to become Martial Artist's?
Don't give up and learn the basics first.
What has been your proudest moment to date?
Winning the WAKO World Title in Serbia in September 2010.
2012 Key Dates for Jack
- 20th April - Austrian Classics International
- 1st June - Italian Open International
- 16th September - World Championships
Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 April 2012 08:56
