James joined the West Midlands Mayor Andy Street tonight on a visit to Hickman’s Kickboxing Academy (HKA), which meets for training on Friday evenings at the Ormiston Forge Academy in Old Hill.
Founded by Garry Hickman, who has been in martial arts for over 40 years and is a 9th Dan in kickboxing, the Academy run sessions throughout the week at both Ormiston and the Leasowes Sports Centre in Halesowen. Garry delivers sessions alongside his daughter Natalie and other instructors, with classes for both adults and children.
James and Andy had the opportunity to meet the instructors, parents and students from HKA, and watch the students put through their paces.
“I certainly wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of these young kickboxers, they certainly seemed quite fearsome, and I was very impressed by their punching and kicking prowess!", said James. “The Academy has been running for over 30 years, and I pay tribute to Garry for the hours he spends each week, as well as his colleagues, passing on their skills, knowledge and expertise to the next generation of kickboxers. It’s a great opportunity for them to make new friends, keep fit and improve their confidence.
“I want to thank everyone for making Andy and I welcome, and I wish all the students well in whatever belt they are working towards.”
Garry Hickman, Founder and Chief Executive of HKA, added, “Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and James Morris MP came to visit Hickman’s Kickboxing Academy last week. We’ve been training at Ormiston for over 25 years and I’ve been in martial arts for over 50 years, and the club is run by the family for families.
“Andy and James were keen to hear about the club, chatting with the parents and students, and their visit was a great confidence boost for all the students who were there on Friday.”
