FATHER and son martial arts specialists Eddie and Jake Quinn have been recognised nationally in the British Martial Arts Awards 2017.
Both Eddie, 51, and Jake, 21, are well known locally through the self-defence classes they run throughout Solihull for schoolchildren.
Eddie has been running the classes for the past two decades, with Jake joining him three years ago.
Eddie was a double award winner at the awards evening, held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, in Shropshire.
He won the Reality Martial Arts Artist of the Year award for the second year running, while internationally acclaimed self-defence instruction method, ‘The Approach’, won the Martial Arts System of the Year.
And he was further honoured as runner-up in the Seminar of the Year category, following a special presentation on martial arts he hosted as a fund raiser in memory of his sister, Sharon, who died of cancer last year, which raised £5,000 for St Mary’s Hospice in Birmingham.
Jake, 21, was also a runner-up, in the Rising Star category – the first time he has been nominated for a national award.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to bits, not just for me, but for Jake too,” said Eddie, “To be honoured nationally is a fantastic feeling, and the recognition for my seminar was very special.
“Jake’s award is thoroughly merited. He’s worked so hard since he came on board with me three years ago, and is making a big impact as an instructor, and I’m really proud of what he’s achieved.”
