Ipswich Kickboxing Academy wins big at European tournament

Gary Staff, a former kickboxer who launched the academy 16 years ago and is the team’s main coach, said he is "over the moon" and very proud of his team. 

The 2023 Open European Ringsports Championships took place on April 23 and saw fighters from 22 countries. 

Ipswich Kickboxing Academy celebrates a huge success after its fighters won seven gold medals and belts at 2023 Open European Ringsports Championships, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Staff said: "We were one of the smallest clubs that entered the tournament, with just eight fighters. 

"I coach them on a daily basis, and I have to say, they are lovely to coach. They’re good kids. 

"It usually takes a year or two to prepare those six and seven-year-olds to fight. It all depends on their own capabilities. 

"They’re all brilliant and it’s nice to watch them grow and become better." 

Gary Staff, the team’s main coach and the owner of the academy, Ipswich Kickboxing Academy (Image: Ipswich Kickboxing Academy)

Mr Staff, who was a fighter himself and won many titles, said he did not want to walk away from the sport and opened his own academy to teach young talents. 

He added: "The school has been going from strength to strength. 

"The students come from all walks of life and different nationalities. They joined my academy because we are real. 

Ipswich Kickboxing Academy celebrates after its fighters won seven gold medals at 2023 Open European Ringsports Championships, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Kickboxing Academy celebrates after its fighters won seven gold medals at 2023 Open European Ringsports Championships, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"We don't mess about, so when they go in the fight, they're fighting for real. We train them this way." 

Academy members range from five-year-olds up and are a mix of male and female fighters. 

Mr Staff said: "We have parents bringing their children to us as they want them off the streets. 

Ipswich Kickboxing Academy celebrates after its fighters won seven gold medals at 2023 Open European Ringsports Championships, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

2023 Open European Ringsports Championships- results, Ipswich Kickboxing Academy (Image: Ipswich Kickboxing Academy)

"We do our best to help kids who struggle with bullying and mental health issues get engaged in sports, and they love it." 

Mr Staff added that his secret to being a successful coach is to be passionate about his job and teach children that if they lose a fight, they should call it "learning, not failing". 

Gary Staff, the team’s main coach and the owner of the academy, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The coach is already planning to send his fighters to the next tournament, the World Championships.

Ipswich Kickboxing Academy is open for new talents to join the team.