Second Year student Joey recently competed on the international stage at the WAKO Youth European Championships in Venice, after being selected to represent Team GB in the Kick Light category.
Joey secured his place on the squad at the GB Nationals in Nottingham earlier this year. He then travelled to Venice to take part in the Older Cadets section for his height and weight, competing against fighters aged 12 to 15. At just 12 years old, Joey was the youngest in his category.
“I lost in the quarter finals to the current European champion so I finished in 5th place,” said Joey. “It was a great first experience and learning curve for me and I am looking forward to hopefully qualifying again for the World Championships next year in Bulgaria, where I aim to get that gold medal!”
The competition brought together 2,400 fighters from 45 countries. Team GB finished at the top of the table for gold medals and placed third overall in the medal standings.
This latest achievement follows a string of impressive results. Last year, Joey competed at the Kickboxing GB Grand Slam 2024, where he took home 2nd and 3rd places in Point Fights and Light Continuous categories, and described the experience of beating a reigning world champion as one of his proudest moments to date.
Having trained in kickboxing for over six years with Phoenix Martial Arts in Croydon, Joey already holds a black belt, trains up to five times a week and regularly travels nationally to compete.
Reflecting on the Championships, Joey said: “I was proud to be part of a great team from my club, Phoenix Martial Arts, and to represent my country.”
Well done to Joey for representing Team GB on the European stage.
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