"Talented Callum, in Year 10, has been attending Hastings Kickboxing Academy since he was 5 years old. Over the past 9 years he has developed his skills to become one of the 'fight team', competing in many competitions all over the South East which has enabled him to fill an impressive trophy cabinet.

Callum has learnt a lot about discipline, diet and working hard to achieve his goals and has had his confidence boosted significantly by training 5 times a week as well as some weekends. Last year he became an assistant coach, helping to teach and share his knowledge.

Callum's biggest test in his career came on Saturday 28th September when he competed in 'HKA Fight Night 10', an event at which was a crowd of over 500 people! Callum was entered into a title match against an opponent he had recently fought, and narrowly lost to, in February. The title match was scheduled for five 1.5 minute rounds which Callum had prepared for by keeping a strict diet and training plan for the previous 8 weeks.

In round one Callum sustained an early barrage from his opponent. Unflustered, he matched it in round two, finding his rhythm, before coming out strong in round three. Callum stuck to his game plan and his strength and accuracy began to show, so much so that his opponents corner had no choice but to throw in the towel and the match was stopped.

This was Callum's, in his own words, 'best fight ever' and after showcasing his talent, skill, hard work and knowledge he can officially say that he is now the Icon Under 60kg Southern Area Champion."

- Words: Mr P Helsdown

Congratulations from everyone at Rye College and good luck in your future kickboxing career!