A Liverpool schoolgirl who began kickboxing aged five is now a World Champion kick boxer.
Jaida Lach, 11, won a bronze medal and a gold medal in the points section of the World Martial Arts Organisation Championships in October 2022. In January 2023 passed her Black Belt grading her eighth belt in six years, Jaida's brother Mark, 13 also won a gold in the continuous and points fighting sections.
Mushin Kai martial arts dojo in Wavertree (dojo loosely translates to hall of learning) has produced countless champions over the years. 9th Dan Black Belt Alfie Lewis and his son Marcus, 6th Dan run the dojo.
READ MORE: Schoolboy left in tears to catch a bus and was never seen again
Jaida told the ECHO: "When I was five it was very scary because I was quite young. Now it’s not as scary.
"I just turned six when I did my first competition. I had only been training for a few months. I was really scared and didn't like it because everyone was looking at me.
"I won a silver medal but didn't want to compete again for a while. I carried on training, getting more confident and then competed in the National Championships and got a silver in 2018. I was so happy and felt more determined and confident".
Brother Mark started aged seven and in 2017, aged eight, won a gold medal. Jaida won her first gold medal in 2018 and qualified for the world championships, but did not take part.
Jaida added: "The night before the world championships I was really nervous but also excited. I turned 11 the week before. My category was up to 12 year olds. I knew I was the youngest and lightest but didn't let this stop me or put me off”.
Jada lost in the continuous two minute fighting stage, against bigger and older girls, were points are tallied up at the end. The next day was the points section; the bout is stopped when you land scoring blows, you return to your side of the arena then begin again.
Jaida added: "I faced the same girls and was determined to come home with a medal. I was so happy and proud when I won bronze in 35-40 kg and then went on to win gold in the -35kg category.
"The best feeling was knowing how proud my mum and dad would be bringing two medals from the world championships. I felt proud taking my medals to school and to my football and running clubs.
"Kickboxing has given me the confidence and strength to do well in other sports. I’ve been signed up as a sprinter in the Liverpool Harriers and also two football teams; Liverpool Feds and Liverpool Schoolgirls.
"My proudest moment is winning my gold. In competitions our club shout Mushin Kai, Mushin Kai… and it pushes me to keep fighting stronger".
Mum, Becky said: "I’m proud of both the kids. Mark took to it instantly and has a natural talent. I never thought I’d see the day Jaida won a world title or gained her black belt. She’s naturally quite a shy child, they both are.
“Once on mats they change, their training comes out. They actually enjoyed getting up at 4am to run around Sefton park and do a training session straight after.
"I’m pleased it paid off".
Jaida's trainer, Alfie said: "She’s an inspiration for any child who wants to achieve in life. Through martial arts it’s changed her life and made her a very independent young lady.
"What is key in martial arts and life, is focus, respect and discipline. Things many people lack in a broken society.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT
Mum who would 'do anything for anyone' died in 'freak accident'
Family 'mortified' after being thrown out of Liverpool Empire's Mother Goose panto
Man so ill he can't even cut his own food told he's fit for work
Man split second away from being hit by Avanti train in 'one of closest near misses ever'
11 characters that were once a familiar sight on Merseyside streets
