GOLDEN: Robbie Kennedy claimed two Gold medals at the WKC World Championships in Florida earlier this month
GOLDEN: Robbie Kennedy claimed two Gold medals at the WKC World Championships in Florida earlier this month

A kickboxing champ from Bradford is celebrating a successful debut on the international stage this month as he claimed two gold medals in one of the sport’s biggest contests.

27-year-old Robbie Kennedy has recently returned from the WKC World Championships in Florida where he cemented his place amongst the top competitors in his division with a stellar display.

Facing off against opponents from America, Canada and Germany, the heavyweight competitor scooped top prize in the continuous fighting category and team section over the four-day tournament.

PROUD: It was the first time Robbie has represented Team England
PROUD: It was the first time Robbie has represented Team England

A member of the Bradford-based Physical Impact Kickboxing Club, Robbie only took up the sport just over three years ago yet has experienced a meteoric rise onto the world stage.

With his latest two medals taking pride of place in his ever growing trophy cabinet, Robbie described what it was like to represent his country.

“It was an honour to go out there and compete as part of Team England,” he said. “To be entered in three different sections, for the first time on an international level, and to come back with two gold medals is something I can be really proud of.

“I was representing England and of course my gym, Physical Impact, on the world stage and I would never have imagined doing so when I first took up kickboxing.”

Robbie was the oldest representative from his club to be competing in the prestigious contest and was somewhat of a late starter in the sport.

He competed in his first national competition back in 2012, claiming Silver and Bronze medals, and has since become a national, and now world, champion.

“I’m still not used to be calling a world champion,” he added. “I’ve never competed in a tournament like that before so I think it is still sinking in what I achieved.”

After winning Gold in his individual section, Robbie was selected by the national coach to take part in the Team categories where he was able to double his tally of medals.

Fighting six times over four days, the martial arts ace only suffered a single defeat and thanked the team for their support.

He said: “To be selected for the team section after my continuous fighting medal was another honour for me. It wasn’t something I was expecting when I went out there but to be selected was a great experience.

SUPPORT: Robbie and the team from Physical Impact Kickboxing celebrate with the world championships medals
SUPPORT: Robbie and the team from Physical Impact Kickboxing celebrate with the world championships medals

“I want to thank my trainers here at Physical Impact Kickboxing for all their support and all the staff and coaches at Team England.”

Head coach at Physical Impact, Mohammed Shaban, praised Robbie’s attitude in the sport and hoped it would be the first of many future international successes.

“Robbie is very committed and dedicated to his kickboxing,” he said.

“He trains very hard and very regular. The key to his success is dedication and he sacrifices a lot of his own time to get to the level that he is at.

“We are all really proud of his achievements and hopefully it is a stepping stone to further success.”