Roshan crowned British champion in the Mixed Martial Arts sport of Arnis

A long-standing member of a martial arts school in Maidenhead has been crowned British champion in the sport of Arnis.

Roshan Singh Bains, 19, trains at the Combat Academy School of Martial Arts, which has branches in Maidenhead and Windsor, and recently claimed the lightweight division title in the World Sport Arnis British Championships.

Arnis, also known as Escrima or Kali, hails from the Philippines, emphasising the skilled use of sticks, padded sticks, and padded knives in full-contact combat.

Roshan's achievement comes after clinching gold in the double stick category and silver in the single stick category.

He started participating in the sport just over 10 years ago in 2013 at Combat Academy UK, where he's been a dedicated and active member since the age of seven under senior master instructor Ian Gauldie.

The academy is now in its 35th year and Roshan is one of its most recent success stories and it is hoped his achievements will help promote the sport and nurture further development of the sport in the Thames Valley.

His impressive recent performances in both the double stick and single stick categories of the sport have not only made him British champion but will also likely secure his spot on the Great Britain team for the upcoming World Championships in September.

His father Suki, said: “His unwavering dedication, skill and commitment to excellence serve as a source of pride and inspiration from the local community and beyond.”

It's been a journey of discipline and development for Roshan in the sport. As a black belt holder in Japanese Jujitsu and Kickboxing, and an u18s British Kickboxing champion, Roshan has shown he can turn his hand to a range of martial arts and master them all.

He also studies Japanese Jujitsu, Silat, Panantukan, Escrima, Shasthar Vidya, and Kickboxing.

He has also had the privilege of being guided by some of the best in their respective disciplines, including Guro Dan Inosanto, the best friend and student of Bruce Lee, Guro Bob Breen, revered as the 'godfather' of European Jeet Kune Do - and who was recently Batman's Robert Pattinson's fight prep trainer for the film.

The world-renowned martial artist Daniel Lonero, and, Erik Paulson, a pioneer in MMA and coach to fighters, including Brock Lesnar, have all played a role in Roshan's development alongside Ian Gauldie's guidance at Combat Academy UK.

Their tutelage has led Roshan to a series of trophies and titles, including the UK u18s British Kickboxing Championships in 2022.

He has since added gold in the team event at the World Arnis Stick Fighting British Championships in 2023 and the individual gold and silver medals he's won this year, showcasing his versatility in mixed martial arts.