Year 7 student Max has enjoyed an exceptional year in kickboxing, achieving success on both the national and international stage while representing Phoenix Martial Arts.

European Cup Success – Bulgaria
He travelled to Bulgaria to compete in the WAKO Kickboxing European Cup, an event featuring more than 2,000 athletes from across the continent. Entering four sections across three disciplines, he faced around 25 opponents in each category.

His first event was Light Continuous, where he fought brilliantly and secured a silver medal. This was followed by Kick Light, a discipline he was trying for the first time, and he impressed again by earning a bronze. In the Points -42kg category – one weight above his usual class – he reached the quarterfinals and narrowly missed out on a medal. He then returned to his usual -37kg Points category and claimed a superb gold medal.

He also qualified for the prestigious Grand Champion division, competing against boys aged 12 and under from any weight category. After a series of outstanding performances, he won gold and earned the coveted title of Grand Champion, marking him as the best in his Youth Cadet category.

Hungarian World Cup Results
His success continued at the Hungarian World Cup, where he entered four categories across Points, Light Continuous and Kick Light. He added two more gold medals in his own weight class and two bronze medals in the category above.

National Achievements 
He has also competed in events across the country, including Bristol, Bath, Crawley, Nottingham, Birmingham and High Wycombe winning gold at every single competition. Thanks to his remarkable consistency and determination, he is currently ranked Number 1 in Britain and Number 3 in the World.

Background and Leadership
WAKO Kickboxing is the largest and most recognised kickboxing association globally. Now acknowledged by the International Olympic Committee, it is being considered for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games – something he is incredibly proud to be part of.

Showing leadership beyond his years, he has also taken on the role of junior instructor at his club, helping to inspire and guide younger kickboxers.

His coaches, Matthew and Joseph Brooks who are both former pupils of Woodcote High are delighted with his progress and achievements so far.