Martial arts trio target professional circuit
Full contact Sanshou trio Jermal Woolridge, Sentwali Woolridge and Samir Furqan will showcase their talents at tomorrow’s International Chinese Martial Arts Championships at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida.The championships will offer event promoter Nick Scrima the opportunity to determine whether two of the fighters, cousins Jermal and Sentwali Woolridge, possess the pedigree to be considered for the soon-to-be launched World San Da League professional circuit.“Master Scrima has already expressed an interest in both Jermal and Sentwali for the pro league, and this event will provide him with an opportunity to see the fighters compete first hand,” said Bermuda Sanshou Association president and coach Garon Wilkinson.“Jermal Woolridge is presently off Island once again preparing for his match-up at Extreme Couture MMA Gym in Ontario, Canada. This fight will serve as a warm-up match for his main priority this year, the Sanda World Cup, taking place in China in October.”Jermal Woolridge, who qualified for the World Cup by winning a bronze medal at last October’s World Wushu Championships in Turkey, will also be out to avenge his first home soil loss in his last fight against Canada’s Marcelo Jones (Teachers Rugby Football Club Fight Night XIV) earlier this year.Sentwali Woolridge will also be looking to put his best foot forward during tomorrow’s International Chinese Martial Arts Championships.“Sentwali, who won Kickboxer of the Night honours at Fight Night XIV after an impressive win over Marc Hare, will be looking to impress enough to be considered for the pro league debut event, which presently is scheduled for early September,” added Wilkinson.Furqan, who is the nephew of Sentwali, will use the high calibre championships to gauge his preparation for September’s Junior World Wushu Championships in Macau.The 18-year old fighter is fresh off a first round TKO victory against Shayne Dejardais of MAS Muay Thai from Ontario when they clashed at TRFC Fight Night XIV.Accompanying the trio to Orlando, Florida are coach Wilkinson and female fighter, Talia Iris, who will assist in the fighters’ corner.