More than medals: ECKA make their mark at the WTKA Unified World Championships in Italy representing GB

It has been an emotional week for Team ECKA representing GB at the WTKA Unified World Championships in Italy, with an incredible display of determination, dedication and sporting achievement.

This time last week, Adeeti Kotecha, Dan Berry, Evie Brittain, Michael Adams (Mikey) and Toby Cardall were representing ECKA and Team GB on the international stage. After months of preparation, sacrifice and hard work, the team returned with an impressive collection of medals, achievements and memories that will last a lifetime.

But behind every medal is a story that goes far beyond the competition itself.

Outstanding results on the world stage

The team delivered some fantastic performances across their respective categories, with several World Championship Titles secured. The team enjoyed an exceptional championship, achieving an incredible collection of individual and team medals. An outstanding achievement and a testament to the hard work and commitment they have put into their training.

Mikey: Gold and Silver

Adeeti: 4th Place

Dan: Runner Up

Toby: Gold and Silver

Evie: 8 x Gold and 2 x Silver

The story behind the medals

While the results are something to celebrate, competing internationally is certainly not for the faint-hearted, and it is far from a holiday.

Adeeti, Dan, Evie, Mikey and Toby have worked incredibly hard to reach this point. Their journey has involved months of preparation, commitment and sacrifice, all while balancing illness, school, work and family responsibilities, alongside the inevitable self-doubt and emotional challenges that come with competing at this level.

Their bodies and minds may be exhausted, but their hearts are full.

The hard work doesn't begin when the competition starts; it begins the moment you leave home. Long journeys, demanding schedules and emotionally charged days all take their toll, both physically and mentally.

Behind every medal, result and action shot is a story that many people never get to see. There are the early starts, the sacrifices, the pressure and the countless hours of preparation that make competing at this level possible.

But there is one factor that makes all the difference: a strong team.

The bond formed through these experiences is difficult to put into words. Teammates share almost everything. They laugh together, cry together and support one another through the highs and lows, both mentally and physically. They become each other's support system, offering encouragement when it is needed most.

Sometimes, if you are lucky, your team becomes a family you choose.

And that is exactly what this team has become.

Leadership that makes a difference

At the heart of the group is Mikey, whose role extends far beyond that of a coach. He guides and supports the team before, during and after competition, understanding the demands and emotions that come with representing your country.

What makes his leadership so effective is that he leads by example. He trains alongside the team, competes alongside them and understands first-hand what it takes to perform at this level. He has experienced it all and certainly has the T-shirts to prove it – in fact, quite a collection!

Just as importantly, he understands that building a successful team is about bringing the right people together. The strength of this group is not simply measured by individual ability, but by the character, commitment and the support each member brings.

More than just medals

This week has been an emotional one, filled with incredible highs, challenges, pride and moments that will stay with the team for years to come.

Of course, there is disappointment but these experiences are also part of international competition, and they never diminish the effort, preparation or achievements of those involved.

We are incredibly proud of Adeeti, Dan, Evie, Mikey and Toby. Their commitment, resilience and determination have been outstanding, and their achievements deserve to be celebrated.

The results and medals may tell part of the story, but they only show the visible rewards of an enormous amount of unseen effort.

There is so much more behind every performance.

This is dedication. This is commitment. This is friendship. This is family.

This is what a team looks like!

If you are interested in starting your martial arts journey ECKA Kingsthorpe can be contacted at [email protected].

We now look ahead to 2027, more achievements and just maybe grow our already successful fight team.