On the 23rd of March, Swansea University Kickboxing took part in the University Kickboxing Championship in Leeds, a huge event with almost 249 fighters present from a total of 18 British Universities. Each fight in the University Kickboxing Championship consists of two-and-a-half-minute rounds with a thirty-second break between each round.
The winner is decided by a vote from three judges who score points based on punches (1 point), body kicks (2 points) and head kicks (3 points). If the judges call a draw, then a minute extra round is called, and the winner of that round goes on to win the fight. On the 23rd of March, Swansea University Kickboxing took part in the University Kickboxing Championship in Leeds, a huge event with almost 249 fighters present from a total of 18 British Universities. Each fight in the University Kickboxing Championship consists of two-and-a-half-minute rounds with a thirty-second break between each round. The winner is decided by a vote from three judges who score points based on punches (1 point), body kicks (2 points) and head kicks (3 points). If the judges call a draw, then a minute extra round is called, and the winner of that round goes on to win the fight.
Six of the best fighters from the club fought in five different categories. In the men’s beginner light-middleweight category, club member ‘Dom’ represented Swansea. This is only Dom’s second competition and despite losing, he showed his skill and determination throughout his fight and continued the pace into his third extra round after two exhausting first rounds. Dom has shown real improvement since his first competition on the 10th of March – showing us all that hard work is the key to improvement.
In the men’s beginner middleweight category, we had Kester. Kester won both of his qualifying fights and went on to win in the grand finals, making him the University Kickboxing Champion of his category! We are all incredibly proud of Kester for his victory. He really stood out in all three of his fights, not just because he won all three fights but because of skill, dedication and perseverance in what was a very tiring day for him.
In the ladies’ beginner middleweight category, club member Ellie took part in her first competition. In a vicious fight, Ellie sadly lost in a controversial result despite dominating her first two round and even the extra third round. For her first fight, Ellie showed real potential and confidence in herself.
In the ladies’ Intermediate middleweight category, club member Patricia represented the Swans. Unfortunately, Patricia was injured in her first round when her shin collided with her opponents’ knee causing her to be withdrawn from the fight. This was a very upsetting outcome as she was in the lead due to a series of perfect kicks. Had she had not been injured we are certain she would have won her fight – a fact that is even more annoying as her opponent was from Cardiff and later won her category. Thankfully, it was not a serious injury and she is already feeling much better.
In the men’s intermediate middleweight category, Rhys and I took to the stage. Rhys was first and competed against a very experienced opponent. Despite being on the backfoot, Rhys still managed to put up a strong fight, landing some very beautiful head kicks on his opponent. Next, I went up against another strong opponent. Unfortunately I lost, with 2-1 decision from the judges. In both of my rounds, I went punch-for-punch with my opponent and the fight quickly descended into an all-out brawl – which I have been told was very entertaining to watch.
As club captain, I am very proud of everyone who fought as it takes serious guts to compete against an opponent whose only goal is to punch and kick you for 3 minutes. Again, well done to Kester for his victory and I hope to see the club return next year and claim another trophy (or two – the more the better).
by Will Ashwood
