15 year old Joe Edwards from Greengates Idle started kickboxing six years ago. He had tried different styles of combat sport but found kickboxing was the one for him.
Dedication to the sport motivates him to train four times a week at Warrior Martial Arts Academy in Greengates along with a fitness program of running and weight training.
Instructor Vicki Field said “It took Joe a while to gain experience to get placed regularly”
Undeterred Joe worked and trained hard and went on to win placings in many competitions.
A fantastic achievement recently by Joe gave him a first in the World Kickboxing Council National Championships. He has now been accepted into the England squad and will represent England at the World Championships in Portugal on the 1st Nov 2014.
Vicki commented “As his instructor I am very proud of him. This is going to be a mentally tough year for him as he has to study for his GSCE’s too,so the pressure is on. I love to watch young adults work hard and work for their goals.It is a true achievement in today’s world.”
I asked Joe how he felt representing England “I am a hardworking focused young man committed to my craft and determined to succeed at all forthcoming competitions.The WKC World Championships in November will be the pinnacle of my career.”
Good luck Joe from the Yorkshire Reporter!!