At North Staffordshire Kickboxing, inclusion isn’t a buzzword — it’s how we train, how we coach, and how we support every student who walks through our doors. Ash’s first Show Fight this year is a powerful example of that in action.
After taking on ICO competitions throughout the year, stepping into a Show Fight marked a new challenge. A different format, different pressures, and unfamiliar expectations — but the same mindset that we work to build in every student: belief, resilience, and the confidence to try.
Ash trains and competes as an autistic and disabled athlete. Competition environments aren’t always designed with accessibility in mind — from loud venues and unpredictable schedules to long waiting times and sensory overload. These challenges are real, and they’re not unique to Ash. Many of our students face additional barriers, whether visible or not.
At NSK, we don’t ask students to “fit in” or hide who they are. We adapt coaching, communicate clearly, plan ahead, and create space for students to succeed in their own way. That approach doesn’t lower standards — it raises confidence.
We’re incredibly proud of what Ash has achieved this year. She is now a double world medallist, has secured a strong collection of gold medals at open competitions, and has continued to push herself by stepping into new formats. Taking on — and smashing — her first Show Fight is another milestone in an already impressive year.
This Show Fight wasn’t about proving anything. It was about applying the same inclusive, structured training approach used in the gym to a new competitive environment. Trusting preparation. Using coping strategies. Staying focused under pressure. And stepping forward anyway.
From the opening moments, Ash showed composure and determination. The bout was fast and demanding, requiring focus, adaptability, and clear decision-making. She stayed present, worked through pressure, and showed exactly what inclusive training can achieve when students are supported properly.
But this moment is bigger than one fight.
It represents what we want every student at North Staffordshire Kickboxing to understand: that there is no single “type” of kickboxer. Progress looks different for everyone. And with the right support, structure, and belief, students can achieve far more than they ever thought possible.
Ash’s first Show Fight is a milestone — not just in competition, but in showing what inclusive martial arts training looks like when it’s done properly.
Our students can do anything they put their minds to — and we’re proud to support them every step of the way.