Wirksworth father ‘n’ son take on world

The World Kickboxing Championships takes place at Disneyland Paris on November 15-19.

If successful Richard will return to the UK as an ICO World Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion.

Also selected is his son Tobi Wilkinson, who at eight years old is fighting in the Junior Under-12 category.

Tobi has trained at DKA Fight Club under Gee and Mark Smedley and hopes to return as the Junior World Champion.

As well as training at the home club Richard and Tobi have spent the last nine months travelling up and down the country with the England Team to train with clubs as far away as Ultimate Sports Kickboxing Association (USKA) in Birmingham, as well as more local clubs such as Burton Kickboxing Academy (BKA).

A club spokesman said: “Hopefully by next week Wirksworth will have two World Champions at the local club.”

Anybody interested in joining or training at Derbyshire Kickboxing Academy can by contacting Lindsey Wilkinson on 07575 422057.

Children of all ages welcome.

DKA can train you whatever your interests. If you are looking to train for competition, or just learn a new sport and get fit, DKA can teach kickboxing for you, at your own pace.