Widnes Taekwondo fighter Daryl Stokes to represent UK University Games.

Jun 25 2009 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A WIDNES student will aim to put his home town on the world martial arts map when he competes in the worldwide University Games in Serbia.

Daryl Stokes, 19, who is studying for an online qualification in sports science, secured a silver medal in last year’s British Championships in Manchester, after losing narrowly in the final to former Olympian Craig Brown in a fight that was broadcast on Sky Sports.

He will now compete against fellow student fighters from as far away as France, Korea, Brazil and Iran at the event in the former Yugoslavia in July.

Dedicated Daryl, who trains every night at Stobart Stadium Halton and Rockferry in Doncaster, home of his club Scorpions, said: “The UK Championships were tough, but I learned a lot and now feel confident.

“I’ll keep training hard until we go to Serbia so that I’m ready to fight.”

Middleweight Daryl, who funds all of his own travelling costs, will then go to contest the Under 21 European Championships in November.

When he’s not competing, Daryl runs his own martial arts centre, Olympic Taekwondo in Widnes.

The centre, currently has 20 pupils and recently held its first grading day.

Daryl added: “It was a good day as all the students passed and many of them also double graded to gain yellow belts.”

Anyone interested in joining and receiving a free first lesson can call Daryl on 07516311666.