MEMBERS of Hereford's Combat Academy have enjoyed more success recently.

Dali Hopkins, Fraser Hackley and Rufus Spiller all gained medals in various of events, while the karate team were in fine form at the WCKA Interclub Championships.

Hopkins travelled to Dublin to compete in the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) Irish Open.

With no one to fight in her own weight categories, Hopkins stepped up a weight to claim a gold medal, a NAGA Championship belt in the NoGi and a silver medal in the Gi.

Hackley and Spiller. meanwhile, took part in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Scottish Cup in Glasgow.

A fantastic performance from Hackley saw him win three gold medals and a ceremonial sword.

He started the day by winning the +100 kg Gi category and was on course for a second gold medal in the open weight Gi category, leading 12-0.

However, the disqualified him for using a a reportedly perfect legal technique.

Fraser came back from the setback to take gold medals and a sword in the +100 kg and open weight NoGi categories.

Competing in the -70 kg masters Gi category, Spiller defeated his opponent with a choke from mount in the final to secure the gold medal.

With no masters division for him, Spiller stepped up to fight the adults in the NoGi event and two submission wins saw him secure his second gold medal of the day.

Despite only having two students in the event, the five medal haul by Fraser and Rufus saw the Combat Academy placed fourth in the team rankings.

Elsewhere, the karate team claimed a number of excellent results at WCKA Interclub Championships.

The club only fielded a small team of five competitors at the Aberdare event and were one of only three English clubs that took part.

However this did not deter them in their quest against a huge Welsh contingent, earning three gold, five silver and two bronze medals.

Robbie Hearn, 17, claimed all of the gold medals, taking top spot in points, light continuous and kick light, while Craig Huttel and Chelle Banes picked up silver in the points and light continuous divisions.

Josh Small, 11, narrowly missed out on the medals in the points, but redeemed himself with a silver medal in kick light and a bronze in light continuous.

The final medal came in the form of a very hard earned bronze medal in points from Lisa Huttel.

Despite already carrying injuries, she fought courageously to earn her medal.

Anyone wishing to train at the club can call instructor Simon Small on 07710 775416 or email hckc@hotmail.com.

Alternatively, visit thecombatacademy.com or facebook.com/CombatAcademyHereford