Leighton Buzzard Kickboxing Academy hosted its first competition as an independent club in February, this being the third interclub in the club’s history. The fighters were from Leighton Buzzard Kickboxing Academy, CORE Kickboxing, 2KS Deanshanger, ECKA Kingsmere Lions and Bucks Kickboxing, totalling 75 fighters across 42 categories in Forms, Points and Light Contact.
The day was organised by Sensei Jo and members of the Leighton Buzzard Kickboxing Academy Team, who assisted in referring, time keeping, and maintaining the overall flow of the day.
The competition started with incredible forms across the children’s and cadet’s categories. The points categories opened with senior grade cadets taking to the mats, displaying a range of skill and control, displaying top performance. It then moved onto children’s categories with some excellent fighting from all the juniors before moving into adult categories that continued with the day’s streak of great displays of skill. The light continuous categories saw some intense straight finals and some terrific victories for all clubs with the ability and skill.
The event was a stepping stone for new fighters looking for experience or more experienced fighters looking for a challenge. There was high praise from parents and coaches alike for the team of referees who were “Very professional” specifically noting that the younger referees and officials were “very confident and professional” in the words of Sensei Lauren Wingrove-Cronin of CORE kickboxing who went on to add that “the competition was well organised and fights were well matched”. Sensei Lauren also mentioned that her younger students loved seeing the black belts fight. Sensei Adam of ECKA Kingsmeere Lions stated that he felt the competition was “Good for first timers, lots of experience gained” noting that “We are looking forward to returning for the next one”.
The interclub was a massive success, it showed the determination of the club by running its first solo club. The referees were on point and professional, creating a safe and fair environment and most importantly everyone had fun, learning lessons, winning medals and supporting friends.
There is much excitement for whatever Leighton Buzzard Kickboxing Academy puts on next.
Report by: Jack Geary
First Kyu & Class Assistant
Age 16