Wokingham’s rising star, 13-year-old Alex Pickup, put on a stellar performance in his very first decision bout at the Road to Victory event held in Brighton.
Competing in the cage, Alex secured a unanimous decision victory, impressing the crowd with his explosive technique and relentless pace. His arsenal of devastating knees, low kicks, and powerful clinch work was on full display, earning him well-deserved praise.
The Road to Victory event showcased both professional Muay Thai and MMA fighters, giving Alex the chance to shine alongside seasoned athletes.
His success is a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put in at Shaolin Tigers Martial Arts (STMA) HQ in Wokingham.
Leading up to this victory, Alex competed in numerous non-decision interclubs, steadily building his ring experience and refining his skills. He trains regularly, sparring and pushing himself to the limit, showing an unwavering commitment to his craft.
His coach, Nadia Aquilina-Forde, has been instrumental in shaping his talent, working closely with him to refine his technique and ensure he is always at peak fitness.
Nadia has been overseeing Alex’s development for some time, pushing him to meet the high standards STMA Wokingham sets for all their students. Her pride in Alex’s progress was clear, as she highlighted his unwavering focus and willingness to push his limits.
While Nadia has been guiding his overall training, Ed Gonzales has also contributed to his growth, specifically helping Alex improve his clinch game. Together, they have created a strong foundation for Alex to build upon as he moves forward in his career.
With the recent opening of STMA Wokingham’s own fully-equipped gym in Wokingham, located at Unit 7, The Lawrence Centre, Oaklands Park, STMA is now better positioned than ever to nurture emerging talent.
The facility houses a full boxing ring, a variety of bags, pads, and all the equipment necessary to train the next generation of champions. Before this, the team had to rely on hired spaces at local leisure centers, often carrying their equipment from place to place. Now, they can focus on honing the skills of fighters like Alex, and the results are already speaking for themselves.
Head Coach Frank, who founded Shaolin Tigers Martial Arts 40 years ago, has developed numerous fighters and students, many of whom have gone on to establish their own gyms. STMA is the longest-standing martial arts club in Berkshire, with a rich history of nurturing talent.
