Ash first joined North Staffordshire Kickboxing in 2023 while recovering from an injury and completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award. What started as a way to rebuild fitness quickly became a real passion — one that’s taken them from complete beginner to Purple Belt and two-time world champion in an incredibly short space of time, becoming the 2025 ICO World Champion and 2025 WMAC World Champion in Inclusive Kata.
Ash represented WMAC Team England at the 2025 WMAC World Championships and ICO Team England at the 2025 ICO World Championships. Following their success, Ash has also secured another place on ICO Team England for the 2026 ICO World Championships. In 2025 alone, they earned more than 15 medals while competing across a wide range of disciplines, including Points, Light Contact, Ring Continuous, Martial Box, Inclusive Kata, and Inclusive Pad Blast.
Beyond competing, Ash plays a vital role as the gym’s Safeguarding Lead. They’re committed to making sure every member of the gym feels safe, supported, and valued. Whether it’s managing safeguarding responsibilities, helping keep the gym organised behind the scenes, or supporting the competition team at events, Ash brings structure, encouragement, and calm to the team around them.
You’ll also spot Ash in Cobra classes, encouraging the gym’s youngest students to enjoy their training and grow in confidence. With lived experience of being autistic, Ash understands how important it is for people to feel included and supported, and is passionate about making sure every student at NSK has the same opportunity to succeed and reach their potential.
Vision: To make kickboxing accessible to everyone while maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming gym where every student can grow, feel valued, and be given the opportunities they deserve.