Holborn Tigers members at the World Union of Martial Arts Federation’s third World Championships

A STUNNING five-second stoppage was among the highlights as the Holborn Tigers struck a mighty medal haul against some of the best young martial artists in the world.

A squad of 11 taekwondo stars from across Camden, Islington and Westminster took part in the World Union of Martial Arts Federation’s World Championships, which were held in Crawley at the weekend.

And the fierce team certainly packed a punch – not to mention a fair few electric kicks and great timing, too – as they returned home with 18 medals, consisting of eight golds, seven silvers and three bronzes.

Eight-year-old Ekai Tan, pictured with Master Rienzi Trento, celebrates his gold in the sparring

The fastest knockdown saw Maya Funmilayo, 8, clinch gold on Sunday in the kyrougi – otherwise known as the art of sparring. The blue belt with a red stripe, who lives in Holborn, stopped her rival with “a stunning roundhouse and back kick combo”.

Master Rienzi Trento explained: “As soon as the referee said go, Maya went on the attack. She overwhelmed her opponent with a kicking combination that she practices all the time in training. She was great.

“Now, she can go back to playing with her toys like any other eight-year-old, but on the mats, she is ruthless.”

Another showstopper was Maximilian Babak, who lives in Soho. The nine-year-old red belt won what Master Rienzi described as “a real David versus Goliath” contest as he beat an older, taller and heavier opponent to add another gold medal to his collection.

Maximilian and Lilli Babak enjoyed more success

“I went there to defend my title from last year, but when I saw my opponent I was a bit worried because he looked so much older and taller, like he belonged in an older category,” said Maximilian.

“But my coach told me that he believes in me, and I can do it. Also, Grandmaster Ansar Mahmood was there, and I wanted to show all of them my skills and went all in to defend my title.

“I am so happy I won. Three grandmasters shook my hand and congratulated me after my fight, so it was a day to remember.”

Maximilian’s older sister Lilli, 11, also did well in the sparring, winning a silver medal.

Meanwhile, other sparring successes saw Ming Aw, Ekai Tan, Zackaria Menai, Britney Gunarathna and Samuel Plamada all strike gold.

Britney Gunarathna was among those who struck gold in Crawley

Clutching his shiny new medal, yellow belt Zackaria, 9, said: “I can’t believe I am actually a gold world champion! I can’t wait to tell my friends at school.”

For eight-year-olds Britney and Samuel, victory in the sparring marked a perfect weekend after they also won gold medals on Saturday in the poomsae – otherwise known as patterns – in which a competitor is judged on their ability to perform a set sequence of movements.

Offering praise beyond the medals, Master Rienzi said: “It was definitely a good weekend at the office. But this success is about a lot more than just the kids who won medals.

“Our squad could only do so well because, week in, week out, they spar and practice against other talented martial artists within our club, including those who decided not to compete in competitions. So this success was a tremendous team effort from everyone.”