The highlight of the championships was a historic performance from Jacob West, who became the first non-French athlete ever to win the Men’s Canne de Combat World Championship. Competing against the world’s best exponents of the discipline, Jacob’s victory marks a landmark moment in the history of international Canne de Combat and reflects years of dedication, training and commitment.
The championships attracted athletes from across Europe, Asia and Africa, with competitions in men’s, women’s, wheelchair and mixed team categories showcasing the continued international growth of Canne de Combat. While France once again topped the overall medal table, Jacob West’s historic victory demonstrated that the highest honours are now being contested by an increasingly diverse international field.
There was further success for CAMA as Alessandro Nguyen Rievaj claimed the Youth title at the accompanying 3rd Prague World Cup. Alessandro’s impressive performance continues his rapid development and confirms his place among the most promising young Canne de Combat athletes in the world.
CAMA’s contribution extended well beyond the competition area. Senior Instructor Dr Julie Gabriel served as one of the Competition Managers for the championships, while Jon West officiated throughout the event after successfully completing the international Referee Training Seminar held immediately before the competition. Together with the achievements of Jacob West and Alessandro Nguyen Rievaj, CAMA members played important roles as athletes, officials and event organisers at the highest level of international Canne de Combat.
Everyone at Cambridge Academy of Martial Arts congratulates Jacob, Alessandro, Jon, and Julie on their outstanding contributions in Prague. Their performances, professionalism and commitment are a credit to the club and demonstrate CAMA’s continued contribution to the development of Canne de Combat at the highest international level.
Ollie Batts is the main founder and senior instructor at CAMA. He has over 40 years experience in the martial arts, and has black belt and instructor grades in several martial arts.
I
a member of the Great Britain team in World and European Savate Assaut Championships from 2005 to 2009, and was the GB league champion in the 52-56kg category three times. She earned a bronze medal in European Savate Assaut in 2005. She was placed 5th in the European Canne de Combat Championships in Strasbourg in 2006 and 13th in the World Canne de Combat Championships in 2008.