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Press release


  • 9 June 2008

University of Sussex student wins British kickboxing title


Peter Muffett (right) in training with University of Sussex Kickboxing Club captain Aidan de Gruchy

Peter Muffett (right) in training with University of Sussex Kickboxing Club captain Aidan de Gruchy

Super-fit student Peter Muffett made the most of his Wednesday afternoons off from studying - by training for his title-winning bout at the British Kickboxing championships in Bracknell on Sunday (June 1).

Peter, 34, from Eastbourne, fought two contenders to take the British & International Kickboxing and Martial Arts Association (BIKMA) kickboxing title in the 67kg-70kg category.

Already a black belt in several martial arts, Peter wants to take his training further by living and working in the Far East as an English teacher. He is studying for an MA in English as a foreign language to help him achieve his dream.

He keeps on top of his training by taking part in regular sessions on campus, where he trains with Brighton-based instructor Chris Kent, who runs KICKS Martial Arts Centres. Chris also teaches martial arts to students on campus on Wednesday afternoons, which are left free on the study timetable for sport.

Peter says: "I started martial arts like kung fu and Tae Kwon-do when I was 11 and I intend to pursue it further. I've travelled all around China, Korea and Japan and am planning to emigrate when I complete my MA so I can learn more. "

Kickboxing is a combination of karate and boxing and like other martial arts its Asian origins can be traced back more than 2,000 years. It is a contact sport, using kicks and punches.

"To me it's more than just fighting - it's about all-round well-being," says Peter, who will now be looking to defend his title with further bouts in the summer and October.

Peter's trainer Chris Kent, who also works with the University of Sussex Kickboxing Club, said: " Peter has been training really hard and thoroughly deserves his win."

The University club has 200 members, many of them women, who train on Wednesdays and Saturdays on campus. Some members took part in the recent UK University championships, with club member Joanna Davis and club captain Aidan de Gruchy reaching the finals.

Club president Bonnie Burdett said: "Kickboxing helps to improve fitness and self-confidence, and many train to improve their knowledge of self-defence."

Notes for editors

University Press office contacts: Maggie Clune and Jacqui Bealing. Tel: 01273 678 888 or email press@sussex.ac.uk

 

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