Head Coach at Hastings Kickboxing Academy (HKA), Carl Denne, has pronounced himself ‘so proud’ of his fight team that took part in Battle of Kent at the weekend.

Staged at the Lordswood Leisure centre there were more than 90 fights in three rings, “when we arrived I knew it was going to be a busy day” says Carl.

Jake Payne notched up his second win in as many weeks. This time he faced a much harder fight and had to work hard to take control of the bout. Both Jake and his opponent battled hard but towards the end of round one Jake started to find his range and started to take control, Carl says: “This was a great second fight for Jake and I’m really looking forward to seeing how he progresses as fighter.”

Riley Davies had a tough battle against a strong little man. At just seven years old they were some of the smallest fighters on the day. It was a battle for all three rounds with Riley in constant control and on his front foot, Carl says: “For me Riley was in control the whole time but didn’t throw as many kicks, the judges decided in favour of his opponent who had thrown a few extra kicks.”

Drew Rogers had a bloody battle, after last week’s fight Drew came out a different fighter and was stronger and faster, wanting to make sure she did her best – and she did just that! It was a tough, close, bloody battle, but at the end Drew had won her second fight.

Abigal Jordan  had another tough battle after last week’s battle. She really tried hard and although she did everything she could in a very close fight, it wasn’t enough against her very talented opponent.

Tayla Ranson won again in her second fight in two weeks. Tayla really has a great talent according to Carl but she doesn’t even know it, he adds. Tayla took control from the opening bell and didn’t let her opponent find her feet. After two clear rounds Tayla backed off the pressure and started to practice a few more skills as she was clearly in front and didn’t need to keep pushing on.

Leyton Glover Simms had the best fight of his life with the referee saying, “…that was the best fight of the day… that was pure Kickboxing at its finest!” Leyton was in control using a mixture hand and leg combinations, confusing his opponent. With a few beautifully placed foot sweets he knocked his man to the canvas, at the final Bell Leyton’s hand was raised high in victory.

For more details on how to train with the HKA team visit, www.hastingskickboxing.co.uk