Student Receives Kick Boxing World Championship World Title
Hi, I’m Ben from the Media Team, and I had the honour of interviewing Krish in Year 13, who competed in the WKU World Championships for Kickboxing in Rhodes, Greece in October. He earned a Gold and a Bronze medal in his weight category, making him a World Champion! Here’s what he shared during our interview…
How did the competition work and what did you achieve?
The 2024 Kickboxing World Championships in Greece included athletes from around 20 countries, competing in age and weight categories. I competed in the 15–17 age group under 60kg in four disciplines: Points Fighting, Light Continuous, Kumite, and Kick Light. I won bronze in Kumite and became a world champion in Kick Light.
What inspired you to start kickboxing?
My uncle introduced me to kickboxing through Nemesis Martial Arts, the club I still train at. Coming from a family where many practice Martial Arts, it felt natural. I started at four and instantly loved it!
How did you feel when you won the championship?
Winning my first national title at 10 was exciting and rewarding. At the world championship, I felt immense gratitude and pride, achieving something I once thought impossible.
How do competitions change as you progress?
Competitions get bigger and tougher, from hundreds of competitors to thousands. The pressure and nerves increase, especially at international championships, where overcoming nerves is a key challenge.
What does a typical training day look like?
I start at 5:00am with a run or gym session focused on kickboxing. After school, I train or spar with others to refine my skills. Diet and hydration are also essential parts of my routine.
What advice would you give to someone starting kickboxing?
Start where you are! I once thought I’d never compete internationally, but everyone begins somewhere. With hard work, you can achieve amazing things— the sky is the limit!
How do you prepare mentally before a big fight?
I remind myself of two things: I’ve trained hard and deserve to be there. This mindset helps me stay calm and focused, even at the biggest competitions.
Do you have a favourite move or technique?
It’s called a tornado kick, where you spin and kick in the air, but it’s quite hard to explain!
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
Winning the title has been the most rewarding part because it showed that all the support and hard work from my trainers and fundraisers paid off. Also, as a coach to younger fighters, it’s rewarding to see them succeed and look up to me.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I hope to keep training in kickboxing and possibly explore other disciplines like Jujitsu. If I continue competing internationally, I might aim for the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), but it depends on where my education and university journey take me next year.
