WRESTLING: SOME of the leading lights in sub-mission fighting and wrestling got to grips with each other when a major championship came to Crewe.

Competitors from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales took part in the third Submission Wrestling and Amateur MMA Championships at Ruskin Sports College.

Staged by Crewe Judo Club and Ren Bu Kai Submission Fighting, the championship was split into two events.

In submission wrestling, competitors use takedowns, armlocks, leglocks and chokes in order to gain a submission on their opponent.

Full-contact Amateur Rules Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sees players competing to win by submission but also able to use the striking techniques of their hands, feet and elbows.

MMA competitions have become increasingly popular over the last few years, with competitors in a variety of martial arts and also traditional boxing wishing to test their skills against another discipline - for example, a jujitsu player versus a kickboxer.

Traditionally, MMA competitions are fought at different levels, according to their rules: amateur, semi-professional and professional.

At amateur level, the power of the striking is still full-contact. However, striking to the face is prohibited.

Competitors may punch or kick to the body but the ultimate aim is to gain or force a submission on their opponent.

Crewe's stars on the day were Steve Maskery, who gained bronze medals in both submission wrestling and MMA tournaments, Chris Perry and Ged O'Hara, who both gained bronze in submission wrestling, and Mike Ravenscroft with submission gold.

Ren Bu Kai's female members also tasted success with Suzanne Hanlon and Kelly Haywood gaining gold medals in submission wrestling and Linzi Hobson gaining a gold and bronze medal.

Two brave young fighters from Ren Bu Kai, Shaun Highfield, 15, and Shane Grimshaw, 17, made their debuts and enjoyed some excellent bouts on the day, finishing fourth in their respective weight categories.

Anyone interested in training in judo or submission wrestling is welcome to attend training sessions at Ruskin Sports College in Crewe between 7-9pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Final team placings (gold 3 pts, silver 2 pts, bronze 1pt): 1st, Crewe Ren Bu Kai (14); 2nd, Atherton Sub Wrestling (10); 3rd, Mansfield Constrictors and Hull Sport Ju-Jitsu (both 8); 5th, Ground and Pound Academy, Liverpool (7); 6th, Next Generation Liverpool (6); 7th, Impact Martial Arts, Grapplers Academy and Team Crezio (all 3); 10th, Martial Arts Co (2).