MARTIAL ARTS Champions have been attractive for a century, but the scoring system doesn't.
Instead, Tom Aspinall hopes to find 100 people from across the Greater Reading area to try his sport and help raise money for charities supporting people with autism.
The 30-year-old is the interim British heavyweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and supports Ultra MMA, an organization that gives newcomers the chance to try out the fast-growing sport for free.
The Reading date is Sunday July 7th and will be held at Henley Leisure Center, Gillotts Lane, Henley. By signing up, participants receive eight weeks of free training before experiencing their own “fight night” in the cage in front of a large crowd. They must pledge to raise at least £50 for an autism charity of their choice.
More than 10,000 people have already taken part, raising more than £2.5 million for charity.
Tom, a father of three, says he wants to do everything he can to help families awaiting a diagnosis get the help and support their children need. This is personal for him as he welcomes a 4-year-old son. His son was diagnosed last year.
He is a twin and was born six months before the coronavirus pandemic began. When it became clear that the youngster was not achieving his goals compared to other children his age, Tom initially blamed lockdown and lack of socialization.
“I was really in denial. Since the pandemic started, the twins had barely left the house and hadn't seen anyone other than their parents. I thought, 'Once the world reopens, everything will be fine. “I was thinking, “Dew,'' he said.
Tom asked comedian Paddy McGuinness to help him spot possible signs of autism in his son after watching a documentary the TV presenter made about his three autistic children. Thank you for your help.
“As I watched the show, I realized there were a lot of similarities. He talked about symptoms, but some of the things he was describing about his children were very familiar. I was shocked that there was,” Tom said.
A few weeks later, by chance, the two met on a talk show, where McGuinness gave Tom his best advice: see a specialist as soon as possible.
Tom said: “I told him I was already on the waiting list, but the reality is I've been waiting two or three years. This means you're in this no man's land and you know there's something wrong with your child. This is also the point when you can't get the help you need.
“It just leaves you guessing and it's exhausting. Having to look after other young children can be very stressful.”
He further added: “Paddy was kind enough to give us the phone number of a specialist so we were in the fortunate position of getting the funding to go private. We started giving him lots of help and support and he is now thriving.
“But not everyone is so lucky. I really believe that more needs to be done to support families and make it easier and faster for children to be diagnosed.” Masu.”
Tom continued: “More and more children are diagnosed with autism each year and I want to shine more light on this condition. I want to raise more awareness and support organizations that provide support and care to young people with autism. I would like to do what I can to help.
“This film has a very broad spectrum and affects families in many different ways.”
Currently ranked 12th in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings, Tom has been an avid fan and supporter of Ultra MMA for the past three years, attending multiple events each year as a spectator.
A conversation with his father Andy sparked the idea to partner with Ultra MMA and challenge 100 beginners to support autism charities across the UK.
He said: “We submitted a proposal to Ultra MMA and we are really happy that it took off.
“The event has been really nice, smooth and well run and it's a really great occasion. I've been going for a few years now and it's amazing how many people are willing to go out and put themselves at risk in the name of charity. I'm always surprised and in awe of how many people there are.
“To be honest, I thought this would only attract a certain type of person, men between the ages of 18 and 30, and I wasn't wrong. Driven by all sorts of personal reasons. There are people of all ages, shapes, and sizes who are.
“I've seen 50-year-old women go crazy training and fight each other in front of a crowd. It's unbelievable.”
Tom, who lives in Manchester, said of his challenge: “I'm looking for 100 people who have the courage, confidence, and most importantly, are ready to finally dedicate months to something. Others I can think of Give them topics like your experience.
“The biggest advice I can give to anyone considering signing up is that you'll have a great time, but this is a sport that has to be part of your daily life. You have to be committed . It's not something you can do half-heartedly. You have to give your all to MMA and really give yourself.”
Tom hopes this event will help not one good cause, but many.
“I don't want to single out just one charity as a beneficiary because there are so many organizations that are doing such important things, not just on a national level, but really in the local community,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how quickly we can get those 100 people registered, because I know it makes a huge difference for kids like my son.
“Although I won’t be able to attend all 60 events scheduled, I will definitely be attending more Ultra MMA nights this year and will be watching these amazing people having the night of their lives. I would like to see it.”
For more information or to sign up, log on to https://www.ultra-mma.co.uk/events/.
