A small group of Falmouth fight fans had a huge treat on Saturday when an Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran and former heavyweight world kickboxing champion held a seminar at a Muay Thai Boxing Club.

James McSweeney, who has held eight Muay Thai heavyweight world championship belts as well as fighting MMA in the UFC and taken part in reality show The Ultimate Fighter, ran the four-hour seminar at Science of Eight (SO8) Muay Thai Club, for 14 of its members.

The seminar consisted of blending traditional Muay Thai Boxing techniques, which are already taught at the gym, with progressive fighting techniques incorporated in to McSweeney’s very own ‘Sledgehammer’ style of fighting, which has seen him achieve great success in his career.

Ian Davies, SO8’s founder and head instructor, who has run the gym for over 25 years, said: "SO8 is a long established Muay Thai Boxing Club, and has competed locally for many years. Seminars like the one today allow our students to take inspiration from different styles and incorporate it into their own style of fighting, allowing them to be more unpredictable when they compete."

James took the participants through some of the key fundamental aspects of the sport including kicking, hand work and clinch work, all of which are vital to see success in the sport, as well as offering advice on conditioning and mindset.

Andrew Bennett, an instructor and member of SO8, organised the seminar having trained with James in Thailand during a recent visit and invited him to run the training at the club.

He said: "McSweeney's credentials speak for themselves. When I heard he was back in the UK for a brief visit, I jumped at the chance to get him to come to SO8 Muay Thai gym." said Andrew.

"We had 15 people attend on the day and since the seminar I've had nothing but positive feedback from everyone, saying what an eye opening experience it was and how they learned so much from him."

McSweeney said: "I love seeing students' faces when I show them a technique they’ve never seen before. Great people, great to see the sport grow in this part of the country and I’m hoping to come back soon."

SO8 Gym is based to the rear of Falmouth Sports Club on Western Terrace.

It teaches Muay Thai Boxing for all levels and experiences as well as running fitness sessions based on these techniques. For more information about SO8 visit facebook.com/SO8gym