ANDY Melville from the South West Kickboxing Academy (SWKA) travelled to Whitley in Surrey on June 30, with head coach 3rd Dan Steve Lilley.

Andy's goal was to gain vital ring experience before the annual Guilford Spectrum Bash in October, for the next big MAAS fight day involving semi-contact, semi heavy and full contact Kickboxing, K1 and MMA bouts and title fights.

Andy, who also trains in boxing and Tae Kwando in Tavistock, enjoyed his day, meeting lots of instructors and fighters from all over the country.

Andy's bout was against a guy from Reading with two bouts in the ring already to his name, and both fighters demonstrated their skills well in the ring, picking up a valuable draw. Andy also spent some time learning about judging from 3rd Dan Steve Lilley.

Steve spend the day working Andy's corner and helping out with judging and refereeing bouts.  Steve also stepped in to the ring to give another young lad from Reading experience in competing in a kickboxing ring. It was Steve's first return to the ring since his fourth place finish as the ISKA world championship qualifiers in March 2008.

The South West Kickboxing Academy is currently preparing to receive a seminar day from 10th Dan Grand Master Soke Brian Dossett and his team of masters. Soke will be visiting Tavistock Sports Centre on Saturday, July 27, between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Soke will be running children's martial arts and stunt work session, adult kickboxing master class, an Aikido master class and finally a women's only self defence session.

Sessions are open to people with any or no martial arts experience. For more details on kickboxing in Tavistock or the seminar day call Steve on 07773863518 or email Steve at [email protected]">[email protected] or find and like the Facebook page.