The Bristol Open is easily the biggest open kickboxing tournament in the UK as it attracts clubs from all over the world. At this two day event, held in the Bristol City Academy, UK, teams from America, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Slovenia and of course a large participation from Ireland were in force to try and make a name for themselves in front of a packed out arena.

BMA Clondalkin was well represented with 10 competitors and two coaches leading its troops to podium finishes with  2 runner up and 3 third place.

Louise Shortt, current national champion was in top form beating off strong opposition in the girls OC PF -42 and -46kg categories reaching both semi finals. Unfortunately she was just picked off in both divisions by a couple of points in the dying seconds, leaving her with  well deserved double bronze medals.

Cayden Derwin took off like a bullet in the  JM  KL -63 kg category, reaching the final. Here he was a couple points shy to take the win but alas a brilliant result for the  Clondalkin fighter showing true grit and skills.

Younger brother, 12 year old Roan Derwin was equally as impressive reaching the semi finals of the boys PF YC -32kg category where he was stopped short in a nail biting bout. None the less with a well deserved bronze medal.

Robert Barrett who was doubling up as coach alongside fellow club coach Kym Fitzgerald and as a fighter.

He had plenty of work to do with focusing on competing as well as mentoring the Clondalkin team. With all the pressure he was still in outstanding form finishing with a silver medal in the Men's LC -63kg and reaching the quarter finals of the PF division. 

Matas Noreika, Sean Hawkins, Jamie Hawkins, Arthur and Robert Dryja as well as Donnie Caren all showed great skills in their respective fighting categories but were left short in progressing to the medal tables this time round.