Young competitor Lottie Peck, nine, scooped medals just two weeks after being treated in hospital for viral meningitis
A local martial arts club is celebrating after coming second in a high profile national competition. A huge contingent from the Allstars MMA based in Willerby travelled to Leeds last weekend to take part in the All Stars BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) event.
Out of 72 academies across the nation, the team placed second overall, bringing home an incredible 40 medals, including four double gold champions and an absolute champion belt winner. And one of the most worthy medal winners was Lottie Peck, nine, who recovered from viral meningitis in time to compete.
The Willerby youngster was being treated in hospital for the condition just a fortnight before the journey to the Jiu-Jitsu competition – but determined to take part, she took to the mats to win two medals. Head coach Andrew Hazell praised the whole team of 22 competitors, with the youngest just six years old and the oldest adult competitor in his late forties.
He said: “This event truly captured what Allstars MMA Hull is all about — a club where kids, teens, and adults train side by side, supporting and inspiring each other as one big family.”
The Allstars MMA has been running since 2006, last year relocating from Hessle Road to a huge centre in Willerby where programmes are held in MMA (mixed martial arts), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, boxing, and wrestling, with programmes for children as young as four.
Andrew said all 22 club members who went to the Leeds competition showed true fighting spirit, with big winners on the day including Double Gold Champions Jack Perry, 29, Jamie Ennals, 44, Jessica Gregg, 33, Kayleigh Elletson, 36, and eight-year-old Freddy Markham. Jack was also crowned Absolute Champion and Belt Winner, taking home £100 prize money.
The proud head coach said: “To finish second out of 72 academies nationwide is an incredible achievement for a Hull-based team – and narrowly missing out on first place by just a few points. Every competitor showed heart, composure, and true Allstars spirit from start to finish.
“Many of our young competitors have only been training for less than a year, yet showed amazing courage and composure on the mats. It’s a huge boost for the team and a proud moment for the whole Hull community.
“Our youngest competitor was six years old, and our oldest adult competitor was in his late forties, so it was truly a family-wide effort — kids, parents, and adults all competing side by side. We also had our daughter Charlotte, who’ turned 12 last week, competing in BJJ for the first time. She did amazing, winning gold and silver.
“Our club is built around families. Adults and parents often train alongside their children, and that shared journey creates real connection, confidence, and resilience. We see kids grow in focus and self-belief, and parents love watching them thrive.
“For many families, Allstars has become a second home. We even have a family of three generations all training BJJ with us – child, mother, and grandfather. It’s truly amazing!
“One of the most inspiring moments of the event came from Lottie Peck, aged nine, from Willerby. Just two weeks before the competition, Lottie had been in hospital with viral meningitis. Despite that, she was determined to take part — and went on to win silver an bronze medals in her two divisions.
“It was amazing to see her smile back on the mats. She showed more bravery in one day than most people show in a lifetime. Her dedication is truly inspirational!”
Frances Vann, mum of Sam, aged nine, who won silver and bronze, added: “I’m still feeling completely overwhelmed and so, so proud of Sam. What a journey it’s been watching him prepare for this, changing his whole diet, his eating habits, his mindset… everything. He threw himself into it with such focus and grit. There was no backing out, even when the nerves and fear crept in just days before.
“As a parent, my heart was constantly out of my mouth watching, hoping, bursting with pride. These are the moments that make you stop and think about what real determination looks like. A massive thank you to Allstars MMA – the confidence, focus, support, and discipline you’ve instilled in Sam are truly immeasurable. ”
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