PENISTONE schoolboy Charlie Herbert is an English champion kickboxer.
The 14-year-old, who competes for Barnsley club The Combat Academy, won the International Combat Organisation’s (ICO) K1 title at 52kg.
Charlie said: “I’ve been training for eight years now, starting when I was six. I tried football but didn’t enjoy it, but I took to kickboxing immediately.
“I hope to go on and win an ICO world title.”
Professional kickboxer Gasan Gindra said: “This crowns a fantastic year of achievement for us at The Combat Academy. Charlie delivered an outstanding performance to beat a tough, heavier, bigger and older fighter who was a late replacement for the original opponent. Charlie stayed composed under pressure and showcased sharp boxing skills with some spectacular head kicks helping secure a unanimous victory.”
Charlie is sponsored by his school Penistone Grammar and Penistone Scaffolding for gala fights.
Potential sponsors should contact Mick Crossland at TCA as should those interested in kickboxing training.
Visit thecombatacademy.org.uk or call 07927 134366 or locate The Combat Academy on Facebook.
