Horbury Bridge-based kickboxer Brandon Wood wins world amateur title

Wood, 21, won the ISKA Elite Amateur World Welterweight title (67kg K-1R) on a memorable night in Sheffield when he came up against Spain’s Adrien Diez.

On a big bill of top class kickboxing presented by GB Promotions in association with Powers Martial Arts Centre the Horbury Bridge fighter produced one of the most impressive displays of the evening.

In a title match set for five two-minute rounds Wood’s strong experienced opponent come to fight in an all-action contest.

Both fighters were landing heavy shots until Brandon landed a well timed head kick early in the third round that decked Diez.

The Spanish fighter struggled to get to his feet and was clearly hurt with the referee stopping the contest, resulting in Wood being crowned the ISKA world amateur kickboxing champion.

Brandon has been working his way up well to the world title, enjoying previous success at local level initially then national level, previously winning two British title belts, the ISKA English crown and a four-man tournament belt.

He also won the ISKA European title belt 12 months ago when defeating Irish warrior Conal McBrearty in a hard-hitting bout that went the distance.

Although he has only just turned 21 Brandon has been training in martial arts for six years, starting fighting five years ago.

He is a 2nd Dan kickboxing black belt and is trained by coach Peter Lakin, of who he said: “The best coach and father figure a fighter can ask for.

"The British Combat Academy have the best coach in the game, wouldn’t recommend anywhere else to anyone who wants to start their kickboxing journey.”

Sensei Peter Lakin, a 5th Dan black belt, is the principal training instructor at the academy, which has been going for five years and has proved so popular that it has relocated from its first home to larger, purpose-built premises in Horbury Bridge.

Instructors and heads of organisations from all over the UK regularly travel to train at the British Combat Academy, earning it a reputation as the place to train for anybody serious about the practical application of martial arts.

It has built up a friendly, enthusiastic community and is open to all, regardless of age, ability, style or association and has become a world class kick boxing and fitness training facility – as evidenced by Brandon’s latest success.

The core focus is on children with a goal to help them develop into confident, disciplined individuals with exceptional fitness levels.

And if the child has what it takes to compete at an international level, the academy can help them achieve their dreams with students regularly taking part in nationally organised and internationally recognised kickboxing events throughout the UK – and consistently excelling.

The British Combat Academy can be found at Unit 21B, Bridge Road and for further details pop in, see their Facebook page or ring 07869 120179.