Durham High School pupil Annabel Cooper competed in the World Traditional Kickboxing Association British Open in Chesterfield.
She won a gold medal in the Creative Forms category and a bronze in Traditional Forms against teams from across the UK and Europe.
In the Creative Forms discipline, Annabel performed a two-minute solo routine with her nunchucks, showcasing her control over the weapon, martial arts techniques, and theatrical elements.
To earn her bronze in Traditional Forms, Annabel impressed the judges with her bowing techniques.
The County Durham youngster said: “I’m so proud of myself, and impressed, as this was the biggest competition I’ve taken part in so far.
“I’m happy that I got first place for my nunchucks because I felt that it was the best form I’d done.”
Annabel trains three times a week at The Martial Arts Centre in Horden, where she learns tricking on Mondays, taekwondo on Tuesdays, and weapons on Wednesdays.
She also trains monthly on a Saturday with their competition squad, Team Explosive.
Tricking, a modern training discipline, combines acrobatic and gymnastic movements such as flips and twists, with kicks from martial arts to produce a routine with artistic elements.
Annabel said: “I dedicate a lot of my time to martial arts and love that it combines many sports into one, including gymnastics and dance, and is a very creative sport.
“At my club, there’s a lot of males, and I like having the chance to kickbox, and show girls that they can do combat sports too.
“Every time I tell new people about my sport, they’re surprised, because not many girls do it.”
Annabel, who has been training in martial arts since she was four, recently achieved her black belt in taekwondo and looks forward to being graded for her black belt in weapons during the spring.
Her mum, Lucy, said: “Annabel has worked very hard over the years and I’m extremely proud of the effort and commitment she puts in.
“I’m especially proud of her growth in confidence.”
Headmistress of Durham High School, Michelle Hill, said: “A huge congratulations to Annabel for achieving gold in the WTKA British Open.
“Winning gold on such a prestigious stage is a remarkable accomplishment, and we can’t wait to see what she achieves next.”
