Hi, my name is Matthew Smalling, I’m 15 years old and I’m the WTKA (World Traditional Karate Association) British champion.

How I got into kickboxing
I started kickboxing in October 2006 when I met Rick Dubidat at the annual Sandwell Show where he was giving out the club flyers. I decided to give it a go and loved it straight away! Up until that time I had been playing football and felt I needed a change. I’m studying PE (GCSE) at school where I do football, athletics and basketball. I also competed for my primary and secondary schools in cross-country and athletics.

My role model
Rick Dubidat is my hero! Rick is an amazing role model as he influences my fighting styles and hopefully I could be as respected as Rick in the martial art world. One day I would like to be able to work for him in one of his gyms. I feel that Jet Li and Jackie Chan are amazing role models too. Watching their films inspires me to compete more and learn more martial arts.

My Achievements
I have been kickboxing for two years at the Rick Dubidat Black Belt Academy (RDBBA) and in that time I have been competing in the interclub tournaments, where I have achieved several first places. In October last year I represented England at the World Traditional Karate Association (WTKA) in Italy, where I came Third. I’m a WTKA British Squad Fighter and became a WTKA British Champion on the 26th April 2009. I also competed at the Malymplex in London, where I came Second.

The other international tournaments I have been in are the World United Martial Arts (WUMA), where I came first in the ‘Points Sparring’ and the ‘Continuous Kickboxing’, and at the British Sport Martial Arts (BSMA) championship, I came Second. I’m also training in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and boxing, and I’m also training to become an instructor. I’m going to take my black belt in December this year, and one day I hope to run my own gym.

Earlier this year, I was nominated for the ‘Sporting Individual Award’ at the annual Sandwell Star Awards 2009. It was a great evening and I went on to win the award which was a great honour for me.

Want to join?
I would recommend the sport to anyone of any age because it builds your character, confidence and you learn discipline. If anyone wants to learn more or you want to join a club, then contact Rick Dubidat on 0800 618 9325. There are clubs in West Bromwich, Kinver, Oldbury, Bewdley and Halesowen. If you want to find out more about kickboxing clubs in Sandwell click onto www.justyouth.org.uk or www.sandwell.gov.uk