By Bruce Archer

A Wimbledon-based martial arts instructor has returned from the US with a trophy so big, it had to be split in two to fit on the plane home.

Wendy Wilshere, a fourth Dan black belt in kickboxing, beat all comers in Orlando, Florida, last week to become IKSA US Open world champion.

The 35-year-old won the womens’ black belt traditional weapons event, that is based on a routine watched by three judges.

Wilshere, who runs the British Martial Arts and Kickboxing Academy in Wimbledon Park, was up against seven other competitors, but her scores, out of 10, of 9.9, 9.9 and 9.8 were enough to take the silverware.

Her massive trophy measures almost 5ft, which caused some complications when flying home.

Wilshere said: “The trophy was so big, it was a nightmare to get home.

“I had to unscrew it into two halves and the cabin crew took half and the rest went in my bag. It was a bit tricky, but we got there in the end.”

It was her first time at the three-day tournament, where more than 3,000 entrants do battle across various disciplines – making it one of the largest martial arts tournaments in the world.

She said: “I was last to perform in my category, so I was nervous having watched the others do their bit, but I think it helped because I knew what level I would need to be at.

“After I finished, the judges read out the scores in order of when we performed, and I was even more nervous. When my scores came up I was trying to work out where I was.

“I was over the moon when it was finally announced.”

Wilshere first started martial arts when she was eight and set up the club in Wimbledon four years ago.

The club has approximately 200 students each week, from beginners to experts.

For more information on the club, go to bmaka.com.