Second black belt at Hastings Kickboxing Academy

Dave has been involved with various martial arts for the past 30 years but due to family commitments and health issues, he was only recently able to return to kickboxing and train for his black belt.

The actual grading took more than six hours to complete and challenged Dave both physically and mentally as he pushed through the pain barriers to make it to the end.

He had to run 5km in under 25 mins, do a five hour grading exam, 10 rounds of full contact sparring followed by 80 push ups, 80 setups and 80 burpees. Dave said: “On grading day I discovered things I never realised I had in me, I had to physically go to hell for 6 hours 25 mins. In the end it was so worth it.”

Carl Denne (Chief Instructor) said “For me, to be a Black Belt grade, you must be dedicated, fit, and willing to go where most others are not.

"Also be confident coaching any class, and to have fought both in light and full contact.”Dave completed his grading with a torn cartilage and but passed with flying colours.Carl said: “I am very honoured to know and help this dedicated, humble, hard-working, kind human being and I am super grateful for his hard work, dedication, and trust in myself and the team to finally get him over the line, earning his black belt.”

Hastings Kickboxing Academy runs classes from 3yrs to Adults in Kickboxing, Muay Thai and K1. These classes are split by age and ability to ensure students can reach their full potential.For further information on classes or to book a Free Trial class please contact Hastings Kickboxing Academy on 07496 299925 or email [email protected]