LATVIAN-born kickboxer Mareks ‘Dreamkiller’ Pelcis talks to Charlotte Oldroyd about his life story and impressive career.
Mareks was born in Riga and started training in martial arts at age six.
By age seven, he specialised in K1 kickboxing, sparking his love for fighting.
He also has a background in taekwondo and Thai boxing.
He relocated from Latvia to Barnsley at age 14.
Mareks found the move difficult but found comfort in his family, who already lived there.
Whilst he had already learned some of the language in Latvia, Mareks originally spoke English with an American accent.
He attributes his English fluency to friends at Horizon Community College and kickboxing.
Mareks discovered his current gym The Combat Academy, through school friend and kickboxer Tommy Crossland.
He felt immediately welcomed and eventually made lifelong friends, saying: “We are all a Combat Academy family.”
Mareks has worked with many coaches on varying levels and disciplines.
His first coach, Robert Shenin, taught him in Latvia.
Then, Saulis Sheikis taught him K1-style kickboxing.
He has also worked with Liam Harrison, owner of Bad Gym in Leeds.
His favourite, however, is Mick Crossland, owner of The Combat Academy.
Mareks added: “He’s my coach, my best friend and manager.
“He is my brother.”
Mareks also earned his ‘Dreamkiller’ moniker from Mick. He explained: “I was fighting undefeated fighters and I kept winning the bouts.
“My coach called me ‘Dreamkiller’ but in a good way and it stuck.”
Outside of fighting, Mareks is a proud Christian and enjoys spending time with his family.
His religion helps serve as motivation for his fighting career. He said: “I’ve had some hard sessions. I was really focused on training.
“I’m a Christian, so my relationship with God helps. Hopefully, it will pay off.”
In his 12 years living in Barnsley, Mareks has found a new home there. He said: “I’m really thankful for Barnsley. It has given me so many opportunities. I love Barnsley, especially the accent.”
During his time in the UK, he became a professional fighter contracted to Glory Kickboxing and has an impressive record of 13 wins and three losses.
He is also a two-time pro world champion, boasting the titles of ISKA Pro European and British Champion.
Mareks is a versatile fighter and doesn’t just have one signature move. He commented: “It is many things - I love to confuse people.
“I like the spinning back fist and scissor knees - I like to mix up levels that nobody will know.”
His favourite fight so far is actually one that he lost. He faced off against Croatian fighter Andreij Kedves last year in Rotterdam.
The first round was close, but Mareks lost energy in the final two rounds, with Kedves winning the fight unanimously.
He admitted that he learnt a lot from the fight and wants a rematch against his opponent.
Mareks enthused that ‘big things are coming up’ in his future. He is set to challenge for the ISKA world title on November 23.
Mareks’ ultimate goal is to become a Glory Kickboxing champion. He said: “It means big winning, it’s my childhood dream.”
