OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: 2025 GB National Championships
New Divisions for 2025:
We are introducing a new 52kg division for junior boys aged 16-18, available in Points, Kick Light, and Light Contact categories. Please note that this division is specific to the 2025 Nationals and will not serve as a qualification spot for the GB team.
Additionally, we are pleased to announce the inclusion of Light Contact for the CH age group (7-9 years old), providing younger athletes with more competition opportunities.
Important Changes for the 2025 Championships:
Registration through R-Sportz:
All registrations for the 2025 Championships will be managed via the R-Sportz platform.
Coaches must register on the platform and upload a profile photo to their account. Only coaches with completed registration, including an uploaded photo, will be issued a coach's lanyard required for access to the competition areas.
Each athlete must also have a profile photo uploaded on R-Sportz to ensure smooth identification and organization during the event.
Competitor and Coach Zones:
To maintain a focused and professional competition environment:
Only registered competitors and coaches will be allowed in the fighting zones.
Each team can assign 1 coach per 5 athletes attending the event.
Adequate Coach Coverage and Timing:
Due to the growth of the Championships and Kickboxing GB, we emphasize the need for teams to have enough coaches for their athletes. We will not be able to delay bouts to wait for coaches.
In line with international standards, a 2-minute timer will be in place for coaches to be tatami-side with their fighter. Research from
previous championships shows that this policy could save over an hour per tatami, ensuring a more efficient event.
Referee Encouragement for Clubs:
While not compulsory, we highly encourage each team to bring at least 1 referee to the championships. This will help the event run more smoothly and contribute to the growth, development, and professionalism of the GB kickboxing community.
These changes are aimed at enhancing the quality of the 2025 National Championships while ensuring a fair and organized competition. We look forward to welcoming all athletes, coaches, and spectators to what promises to be an exciting tournament.
Thank you for your continued dedication to kickboxing and to Kickboxing GB.
Kickboxing GB
GB Grand Slam going from strength to strength
Special recognition goes to the core team of organizers: Ian Watkins, Andy Cleeves, Sean McCarthy, Tony Anderton, and Jacey Cashman. Their dedication, teamwork, and attention to detail have been instrumental in growing the GB Grandslam series. These individuals aren't just partners—they're leaders within the community who bring the sport to life with their commitment and drive for excellence.
Since the inaugural event in 2018, the GB Grandslam has grown to host 14 tournaments, with an impressive 11,621 entries from 530 clubs. These are incredible numbers for a national series of GB-only tournaments and a testament to the strength and unity of our kickboxing community.
We also extend our gratitude to everyone who plays a vital role in making these events possible—the clubs, coaches, competitors, parents, officials, and helpers. Your support, effort, and passion ensure that each event not only meets WAKO standards but also inspires future champions. While these may not be world championships, they are platforms where dreams begin, and that's the power and success we aim to cultivate.
With our sights set on 2025, we are committed to building on this momentum and taking the GB Grand Slam to even greater heights. We thank you all for your continued support and look forward to the exciting journey ahead!
GB Grand Slam - 2025 Dates for Your Diaries:
Western Event – Bath University Sports Training Village (BA2 7PJ): 26th-27th April 2025
Southeastern Event – K2 Crawley (RH11 9BQ): 28th-29th June 2025
Central Event – TBC, University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness (B15 2TT): TBC, September 2025
Northern Event – TBC, 2025
Stay tuned for more updates, including details on league winners.
Gurjit Gallon
Kickboxing GB at the 2023 World Combat Games
Team GB, led by President Peter Edwards and Vice President Neville Wray, saw Chris Aston, Jack Buckley, and Grace Chandler competing in their respective Point Fighting categories. The support team comprised of esteemed GB Coaches Sean Veira and Billy Bryce, along with seasoned international referee Shaun Whelan.
The cultural richness of Riyadh offered a unique backdrop for the athletes, who are well-travelled but found this experience particularly enriching. Coach Veira lauded the high calibre of athletes and the exceptional standards of the event, which echoed the Olympic spirit through its professionalism and hospitality.
Coach Bryce, reflecting on the event's significance, expressed that even though Kickboxing is not part of the Olympic Games, the World Combat Games fostered a sense of Olympic camaraderie and inclusion.
In terms of competition, the GB qualifiers had previously proven their mettle at the WAKO European Games. Grace Chandler, facing the reigning European Champion Carol Scacchi, showed tenacity despite a 13-7 defeat. Jack Buckley, against Erik Zimmermann, displayed exemplary skill, advancing through the rounds and reaching the final, only to be hindered by an injury.
Chris Aston, however, emerged victorious in the -94kg division, overcoming Italy's Davide Mancuso with a decisive 18-11 win. This triumph, coming after a narrow and contentious defeat earlier in the year, was a sweet redemption for Aston and a testament to his world-class abilities.
The GB Team's achievements at the World Combat Games have set the stage for future successes, with promises of more stories to unfold from these world-renowned athletes.
2023 World Combat Games - Chris Aston vs Davide Mancuso
2023 World Combat Games - Jack Buckley vs Bence Zajacz
Top Team in Europe
WAKO CHILDREN, CADETS AND JUNIOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
28th August to 3rd September 2023
INSTANBUL TURKEY
Compiled by Chris Collymore - Head Coach Junior Team
Kickstartsboxing GB laid a solid foundation with its well-executed British National championships. Competitors from across the nation vied for the esteemed title of WAKO British champion. The podium finishers were then invited to monthly open squad training and a two-day summer training camp at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. This rigorous journey aims to refine the athletes' skills and foster a bond with the coaching staff, ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared for the WAKO Junior European Championships. From this process, Kickboxing GB was poised to select a formidable squad to represent against the best of Europe.
Outbound Journey
This year, the Kickboxing GB squad had a significant presence at the WAKO European championships. Flights departed from Scotland, two from London Heathrow, one from Manchester, and one from Birmingham. The squad comprised 90 athletes competing in over 133 categories, supported by 94 fans and 20 coaching staff and officials.
Arrival
All flights landed punctually in Turkey. Each group proceeded directly to the weigh-in location in Istanbul to confirm their weight class and officially register for this esteemed competition. Every participant met their weight class requirements, underscoring the athletes' professionalism. The team then checked into their hotel, had dinner, and rested after a long travel day.
Day of Scheduling
While the Kickboxing GB athletes enjoyed a day of relaxation and sun, the coaches and officials attended seminars and the official draw. The coaching staff ensured everyone was registered in their respective competition sections. This year was particularly notable for Kickboxing GB, as many athletes competed in multiple individual sections, showcasing their dedication and fitness. Later in the day, a team meeting was held to discuss the week's schedule and set expectations for both athletes and supporters.
Let the Games Begin…
After an early breakfast, the team headed to the stadium. Team GB secured prime seating, and the Union Jack flags were prominently displayed. The supporters' enthusiasm was unparalleled.
In Attendance… (Day 1, Monday 28th August)
The WAKO European championships saw participation from 38 countries, totalling over 1500 competitors. The atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for a competition of resilience and performance. Kickboxing GB had 39 starts on the first day, spanning various fighting disciplines: Full Contact, Points Fighting, Light Contact, and Kick Light.
The Fighting Begins…
The calibre of fighting on the first day of the WAKO European championships seems to escalate with each international event. The athletes showcased exceptional skill and tactical acumen. While many from the Kickboxing GB squad delivered outstanding performances, standout fighters included Emily Greatrix, Joshua Aimger-Boyt, and Jake Studwick. However, Kenzo Cambridge was crowned "Fighter of the Day."
DAY 1 Analysis...
Kickboxing GB's achievements for the day were commendable: out of 39 starts, 27 fighters advanced to the next round, translating to a 69% conversion rate.
In Attendance… (Day 2, Tuesday 29th August)
After an early breakfast, Kickboxing GB was en route to the venue. The day featured Forms, Full Contact, Points Fighting, Light Contact, and Kick Light competitions.
Forms Categories
The Forms divisions were a highlight, with competitors showcasing unparalleled skill and composure. After the judges' evaluations, Kickboxing GB celebrated significant achievements. Notable performances included those by Florence Lucas and Shayla Williams. Out of 12 starts, the team secured 9 medals: 5 Gold and 4 Silver, a 75% podium conversion rate.
Fighting Categories
Inspired by the Forms team's success, the Kickboxing GB fighters showcased exceptional skill and technique. Notable fighters included Teia Doyle, Adam Devet, Masie Ross, and several others. However, Aaron Kingsley & Jack Adamson stood out. Out of 53 starts, 41 fighters advanced, marking a 77% conversion rate.
In Attendance… (Day 3, Wednesday 30th August)
The days seemed to blur as Kickboxing GB returned to the venue, securing prime seating for optimal athlete support.
Forms Categories
The Forms competitors continued to dazzle, with standout performances by Marshall Powell & Florence Lucas. The Forms team's stats were impressive: out of 10 starts, they secured 9 medals, a 90% podium conversion rate, with 6 being Gold.
Fighting Categories
This was the coaching staff's busiest day, with 67 starts spanning various fighting disciplines. The day was filled with high-energy starts and numerous standout performances. By day's end, out of 67 starts, 37 fighters advanced, marking a 55% conversion rate.
In Attendance… (Day 4, Thursday 31st August)
The mood was upbeat in the Kickboxing GB camp, but as the medal rounds approached, the intensity was palpable.
Forms Categories
The Forms divisions continued to impress, with standout performances by Marshall Powel & Emily Pearce and Jack Adamson-McMinn & Kaden Lukas. Out of 9 starts, the team secured 9 medals, a 100% podium conversion rate, with 7 being Gold.
Fighting Categories
The day's fights were intense, with several Kickboxing GB fighters delivering memorable performances. Special recognition goes to Harley Quinn Guiver, who secured Kickboxing GB's first fighting Gold medal of the championships. By day's end, out of 61 starts, 44 fighters advanced, marking a 72% conversion rate.
In Attendance… (Day 5, Friday 1st September)
The atmosphere was charged as the semi-finals and finals approached.
Semi-Finalists
Out of 14 fighters, 11 advanced, marking a 79% success rate.
Finalists
The finals were intense, with several standout performances. Out of 26 starts, 16 fighters won, marking a 62% win rate. Special recognition goes to Summer Harvey & Maia Bisley, who each secured 3 Gold medals.
In Attendance… (Day 6, Saturday 2nd September)
The mood was upbeat, but the finals and team event remained.
Tatami Results
Out of 11 starts, Kickboxing GB celebrated 9 new WAKO European champions, marking an 82% success rate.
Ring Results
The ring fights were intense, with 2 wins out of 3 starts, marking a 67% success rate.
The Team Event…
The team event was the highlight, with 8 teams participating. Kickboxing GB secured 2 Gold team medals, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals, marking an 88% win rate.
Summary
Gratitude goes to the parents and supporters who gave their unwavering encouragement throughout the week. To Phil, Linda, Nigel, Lucy Edwards, Nev Wray, and Peter Edwards for all the unseen work that is needed on an international trip such as this. Also a big shout out to our referees Brian Beck, Peter Markland and Mark Holmes, who made his debut at international level.
Last but by no means least, a massive thank you to the coaching team that helped to make this European Championships such a success. The coaching team included Chris Collymore (Head Coach - Juniors), Dev Barret, Sean Veira, Sharon Gill, Duane Reid, Tony Atherton, Kevin Baldwin, Carl Thomas and Dale Bannister.
A historic performance by the junior squad that saw Kickboxing GB secure the top spot on the medal table with 48 Gold, 27 Silver, 22 Bronze medals and Junior Athlete Liam Holden being awarded Best Tatami Fighter of the championships.
