Camden New Journal - by STEVE BARNETT Published: 4 October 2007
Shaolin fighters Jon Robson and Dom Dumaresq are aiming high
Shaolin duo’s quest for gold in China
AN entourage of martial artists from the Shaolin Temple UK in Tufnell Park will be flying out to China next month to show their support for two of the Kung Fu school’s best fighters.
In a true gesture of solidarity, 10 students from the school – the only martial arts centre in the country to be tied to the world famous Shaolin Temple in China – have forked out £1,000 each and are ready to abandon work for a month to aid Dom Dumaresq and Jon Robson in their quest to win gold at the ninth Wushu World Championships in Beijing.
Dom, 27, and Jon, 24, both personal fitness trainers, were picked for the British squad by the British Council of Martial Arts (BCCMA) after winning gold at national level.
Preparing to do battle in the under 75kg weight category, Dom, who lives in Brecknock Road, was fully focused on the task that lies ahead. “It’s the biggest challenge of my life so far.” He said.
Earlier this year Jon, who lives in Highgate, set himself the goal of becoming British champion in the over 90kg category. He said: “I’ve now decided I want to be world champion.”
If they fight off competition in their respective weight categories the duo could represent Britain in the Wushu World Games, a martial arts event organised by the Wushu International Federation, which is due to coincide with the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Despite being one of the most ancient forms of martial arts, Kung Fu has so far been denied a slot on the Olympic programme.
The BCCMA contribute £300 per fighter, which Dom and Jon argue only just covers the cost of the hotels and the uniform. The rest of the funding has to be raised through sponsorship.
Soo Cole, 30, who will be joining the fighters on their trip, has been training since Shifu Shi Yanzi first set up the Chan Buddhist temple on Junction Road in 1999. She said: “It’s going to be great. I’ll be living and breathing martial arts and also supporting Dom and Jon in the World Championships. “But it’s hard for people from lower income families to compete if there’s no funding.” She added.
Shifu Shi Yan Lei, who has been training Dom since 2000 and Jon for two years, says he is confident the pair will do their best. “As a master my happiness comes from teaching my students. Their skill is ready for this stage. It’s a good opportunity for them to practice. I want them to win good and lose good. I want my students to give everything.” He said.
SARA NEWMAN
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