Connor kickboxes his way to victory

Year 7 Connor, has been kickboxing for nearly seven years at the NSKA (National Sport Karate Association) in Leyland.

He admitted he originally took it up to help with anger issues and has been dedicated to it ever since, training five times a week.

He has won the British Championship at both -35kg category and his latest title was in -40kg, which won him a place representing England at Blackpool.

"I came third in the points category, which is more stop-start. I wanted to win but missed out by a point for second place to another English competitor.

In his ‘points’ category Connor took a knee to his ribs and was injured quite badly but he still carried on. 

The next day he fought in the ‘continuous’ and did really well, wining a fight, but his ribs were bothering him and it affected his breathing.  

He had a guaranteed third place but his coaches took the decision to pull him out of the section to protect his ribs from any further injury, getting fourth by default.

"I competed in continuous kickboxing category which is like boxing but you can use your legs, I came fourth in that.

"I am the smallest fighter at my category so I was happy to win a medal.

"I got some England clothing and when I stood on the podium and they played the national anthem - the winner was a fighter from England - it was really cool.

"I just love kickboxing, it channels my emotions, it helps my flexibility and it helps my fitness."