Northampton Martial Arts Academy celebrates claiming eight world championship medals in France
Three Northampton martial artists have returned from the 2026 ICO World Championships in France with eight medals.
Their haul includes two golds, two silvers and four bronzes, after overcoming extraordinary circumstances at one of the organisation's biggest international competitions.
Shak Ahmed, Adam Wilson and 14-year-old Oliver Wilson represented ICO Team England at the championships in Thonon-les-Bains in France earlier this month.
The trio, representing Endurance Martial Arts Academy in Northampton, joined an international field of approximately 1,200 competitors from around 35 countries, with 3,928 competitive entries recorded across multiple martial arts disciplines.
However, what should have been a straightforward week of international competition quickly became one of uncertainty.
Shortly before competition was due to begin, French authorities blocked the event over regulatory concerns, leaving competitors who had travelled from across the world unsure whether the championships would take place.
Following two days of discussions between organisers and local authorities, a revised competition programme was approved, allowing the championships to proceed from October 16.
For the Endurance trio, who had spent months preparing, the uncertainty added an unexpected challenge to an already demanding international competition.
Despite the disruption, all three returned to Northampton as World Championship medallists.
One of the academy's biggest achievements came from 46-year-old Sensei Adam Wilson, who returned home with two gold medals and one bronze, becoming a double ICO World Champion.
Having already become English Kick Light Champion earlier in 2026, he completed an outstanding year by adding two World Championship titles.
Endurance chief instructor Ahmed, also 46, travelled to France as the defending double World Champion after winning gold in Ring Continuous and Light Continuous at the 2025 championships.
Although he was unable to retain his World titles in France, Ahmed added one silver and one bronze medal to his international competition record.
The youngest member of the Endurance team, 14-year-old Oliver Wilson, enjoyed his most successful World Championships to date.
Despite his age, Wilson is already a 1st Dan black belt and has previously represented England at both the ISKA European Championships and ICO World Championships.
After returning without a medal from the previous year's World Championships, the teenager travelled to France determined to make his mark.
He returned with one silver and two bronze medals, achieving his first World Championship podium finishes
The results mark another significant milestone for Endurance Martial Arts Academy, which moved into its own full-time training facility at KG House in Northampton in September 2025.
Endurance Martial Arts Academy is based at KG House in Northampton, and offers kickboxing and martial arts classes for children from age five through to adults.
For more information, visit endurancefitness.co.uk