TWO of the UK’s top martial arts publications are campaigning to have Dorchester’s Aaron Cook included in the British Olympic squad.

Martial News and Martial Arts Illustrated are asking martial artists to sign a petition demanding the British Olympic Committee overturn GB Taekwondo’s decision to exclude the world number one from the team.

Group editor of Martial News, Phil Doherty said: “The martial arts community is in utter disbelief at GB Taekwondo’s failure to include Aaron Cook in the GB team.

“Aaron is the world number one fighter at his weight and is one of Britain’s best chances of a gold medal at the London Games. Not to have him in the team is ludicrous – it’s the equivalent of dropping Wayne Rooney from the England squad before the World Cup.”

Bob Sykes, editor of Martial Arts Illustrated, added: “We are calling on as many martial artists as possible to sign a petition to the British Olympic Committee calling on them to overturn GB Taekwondo’s decision.

“After all taekwondo is one of our sports and we believe that the martial arts community’s voice should be heard on this important issue.

“This is about Great Bri-tain’s medal hopes. It doesn’t matter what style or system we practise, we can make a difference if we all work together and let our voice be heard.”

Martial Arts Illustrated is the UK’s biggest martial arts magazine and Martial News is the country’s only dedicated newspaper for combat arts.

The online petition can be accessed at martialnews .co.uk/petition.php