Sam from Whitehawk is a full time kick-boxing instructor. The gentle giant stands 6ft 6 and has been instructing at the Whitehawk Boys Kickboxing Club for the last few months. Sam: "As a boy I was getting badly bullied at school so I started going to kick-boxing classes and the bullying just stopped! I didn't have to raise a foot or a fist; I just started walking tall with a raised head and felt more self-confident."

"I started training in 1995 at 'Kicks' martial arts centre on Lewes Road, when a friend suggested I would be a good trainer. Eight years later I have won seven out of ten semi-contact fights and was the N.A.K. Tournament Semi-Contact Heavyweight Champion of 2000." The Whitehawk Boys Club is run by local parent volunteers who recognised the benefits in this form of self-defence. The group claim that it "Physically, it builds your stamina, sense of balance, co-ordination and it helps fitness. Mentally, you feel more confident and self aware. We are not for profit club so are subsidised by an eb4u grant from the After Schools Activities Project; this gives us a professional trainer and professional equipment in a proper sports hall but it only costs you £1.50."

Boys from the age of 8 to 15 can come and train with Sam in the Valley Social Centre's new sports hall. Mat who is a "purple belt" has kindly volunteered to assist the class and one day hopes to be an instructor. Classes run from 4.30 to 5.15. on Fridays. Call Amey on 079 0044 8338 for info.

Whitehawk Girls Kick-Boxing Club

Beginners welcome!
At the Valley Social Club on Whitehawk Road.
Tuesday:
Juniors 4.30 to 5pm
Beginners 5.10 to 5.50pm
Red belt and above 6 to 7pm
Adult Class Friday: Adult 9.30 to 10.30am with crèche, prior booking essential before Wednesday.

Mahony.