KEIGHLEY’S Jackie Harper has been selected to represent the UK at the prestigious IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) Asian Open in Beijing between September 10 and 15.

After a fantastic performance at the UK trials, she was selected ahead of a very talented group of women, including some of the best in the UK, and will make her debut in China.

The IMMAF events are considered the best amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events in the world, with global impact for the winners.

Head coach Duane Harper said: “Aire Valley Martial Arts has been Keighley’s only Mixed Martial Arts club for over a decade and this is our first entrant into the IMMAF.

"It's an amazing achievement for Jackie and goes to show how dedicated she is.”

Jackie runs the successful female-only Warrior Woman programmes at Aire Valley Martial Arts.

Warrior Woman offers kickboxing, fitness and Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes to females aged six upwards and women’s only Mixed Martial Arts will be starting in October this year.

Jackie enthused: “I started the Warrior Woman programme to give women and girls a place to go, train, to have fun and not be judged.

"The aim is to create a positive environment and help ladies achieve their health and fitness goals through martial arts based training methods. Hitting things is fun.”

You can keep up with Jackie’s progress on the Warrior Woman Facebook page and attend any of her classes at Aire Valley Martial Arts.