Parents are in "awe" of their children's intense routine that is enough to make even "grown men cry"
Every morning at 4am, while the majority are still sleeping, dedicated children in Halewood are up and ready for an intense training schedule before school, and again after school. The reason being, they were due to represent team England in kickboxing at the WMO World championships with their sensei Marcus Lewis.
Marcus, of Mushin Kai martial arts and fitness, said the intense routine has made even grown adults cry, but these children are there every day ready to go. He told the ECHO: "For myself, I've always been into kickboxing, it's a way of life.
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"But for the kids, they aren't on the streets, they're too tired and they have something to train towards. They train core fitness and sometimes kids break around three weeks in, around four weeks grown men are crying but their endurance grows.
"This will be the first world championships and although I'd like everyone to win, it's getting that experience in so although the physical training is intense, it's also more mental pressure."
Six-year-old Michael Collins will be the youngest on the team and despite his young age, takes part in the intense training regime so he can continue his champion streak. Mum Catherine Pointon said: "He lives for it, it's his passion.
"He really loves it. If it wasn't for Marcus there would be nothing else around here for the kids. He pushed them on in every class and it's life lessons they are learning."
Marcus, who is a multi-world champion and European champion, said the children start off with a run around Sefton Park before a session at the gym. They then go to school before returning to the gym, every weekday.
Despite the gruelling routine, eight-year-old Jacob Alpin is said to be "excited" to be up in the morning to meet his teammates and represent England as his aim is to "go for gold." Danielle Pointon said nine-year-old Maxi Roberts, like the other children, has "had a little cry along the way" but they are "all doing so well" and can't wait to represent their country.
Kate Smith said she "can't believe" what her 13-year-old daughter Romy Whelan does during the week. She said: "They are up at 4am, the parents too, then do a full day in work or school and go back. It's a joint effort.
"People say she's only 13 but she's not forced into it. Some parents may disagree because of the intense training and hours but they are 100% committed. We are all so proud it's unbelievable. I could never do what these kids are doing.
"If more kids got involved you'd have less people complain about kids on streets. It's teaching them respect. The world is a horrible place, let's celebrate these achievements. We're all in awe."
The event, which was held earlier this week resulted in eight world champions (gold medals), 11 silver medals and three bronze medals - with all children placing either first, second or third in their competitive category.
Michael Collins, six, brought home two gold medals and one silver, six-year-old Carter Lewis brought home one gold medal, nine-year-old Maxi Roberts brought home four silver and three bronze medals, Romy Whelan brought home one gold and one silver, April Pointon brought home one gold and four silver, Jacobs Alpin brought home one gold and one silver and Roari Roberts, five, brought home two gold medals.
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