In this feature we bring you the truly inspiring story of Team Kilbride — the Muay Thai club and gym situated in Price Street Business Centre in Birkenhead that’s been doing amazing things to give local kids a better future. We explore its impressive history, the success stories and why it’s such a great place to send your children.
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Team Kilbride was formed in 2007 by highly decorated boxer, kick boxer and Thai kick boxer, Karl Kilbride.
It offers both kids and adults of all ages, sizes and gender a range of classes including Muay Thai, Thai Boxing, circuits and personal 1-2-1 training sessions. But what they teach and offer runs far deeper than just that.
For Team Kilbride classes CLICK HERE!
The story of Karl Kilbride himself is a source of great inspiration. Despite suffering with mental health problems following many tragic events in his life, he went on to be a recognised local champion from the age of 18 — fighting and beating many top fighters from all over the world including Brazilian, French and South African World Champions.
He’s fought and beat the best such as Faco Correa, Edward Mcavella and Marco De Paula and he trained Jamie Crowder who trained Renzo Gracie — one of the men behind the UFC.
Check out the Team Kilbride WEBSITE!
Karl was a sparring partner with 4 time World Thai boxing and kick boxing Champion Chris Wright and has himself won North West, English, Inter-continental titles and drew World Titles at Thai boxing and kick boxing.
He has won the boxing West Lancs & Cheshire title twice, the North West title twice and was 2nd best in England at one stage. Karl uses his story and the way he became a champion to show kids that anything his possible.
For Team Kilbride classes CLICK HERE!
Karl told LVL: “I had a tough childhood and have had a difficult life with some particularly tragic deaths. This has resulted in my mental health suffering quite badly. However, through talking to counsellors and through sport I’ve been able to fight my demons and turn myself around. I want to show people that despite hardships you can achieve anything.”
Check out the Team Kilbride WEBSITE!
Karl continues: “Training and fighting has taught me many things including training my mind and I aim to pass on all I’ve learnt to kids to help them be the best they can be, sometimes against the odds. I was fortunate to have the support of my trainer, Alby Bimpson, who was a like a coach and father figure rolled into one — I like to pass that on to kids I teach.”
Check out the Team Kilbride WEBSITE!
This source of inspiration has led to some amazing success from the Birkenhead club. It has produced no less than 9 World Champions, 10 British Champions, 7 English Champions, 5 North West Champions and 9 Black Belts.
They once took 13 fighters to the World Championships in Italy and won 11 World Titles. As a coach, Karl teaches discipline, respect (of self and others), faith, hope, confidence and the will to be the best. There are also strong anti-bullying and anti-knives messages.
For Team Kilbride classes CLICK HERE!
One of the amazing stories comes in the form of Nathan, who Karl brought off the streets and fostered. He left his troubled life behind and went on to become a British MMA Champion and a North West and English Thai boxing Champion.
Karl’s son, Jerome, won his first British title fight despite suffering from fits and having only had one inter-club fight previously.
Check out the Team Kilbride WEBSITE!
There’s a local lad who has a troubled family life with his mother dying of cancer amongst other tragic things — Karl and the team all chip in to offer this child free training classes and free kits and equipment.
One of the students has autism and has benefited greatly from the club’s guidance. There’s also a disabled kid, Leo, who has no toes on one foot and issues with his hands. The club has provided him with the tools needed to live a better life going forward.
For Team Kilbride classes CLICK HERE!
Leo’s mother, Steph, told LVL: “Leo has Amniotic Band Syndrome that has caused issues with his hands and feet following birth. Team Kilbride has given him confidence and he has been able to do things we never thought he would because Karl pushes him and empowers him to break down barriers and believe in himself. It’s amazing!”
Check out the Team Kilbride WEBSITE!
Team Kilbride offers kids classes on Mondays and Wednesdays (3-5yrs from 4-4.45pm, 6-8yrs from 5-6pm, 9-15yrs from 6-7pm) and also a mixed age kids class on Fridays from 6-7pm.
Classes are great value for money and teach kids invaluable lessons whilst keeping them fit. There are inter-club events with no winner or loser and there’s an annual Christmas party and awards ceremony where some receive awards and all receive certificates.
For Team Kilbride classes CLICK HERE!
For adults, there’s a circuit and sparring class between 6-7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a Muay Thai class between 7-8pm.
There’s also a circuit class for all on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10-11am, as well as an adults Thai boxing class between 4.30-6pm on Saturdays. Access to all classes is great value for money and Karl offers 1-2-1 personal training also.
Check out the Team Kilbride WEBSITE!
Following their amazing work, Team Kilbride are in talks with Wirral MIND to work on projects to get kids off the streets and help them through difficult upbringings.
There are also plans to work with Tranmere Rovers and embark on outreach programmes in schools, to educate children and teach them valuable life lessons.
For Team Kilbride classes CLICK HERE!
As Karl quotes: “IF If you think you’re beaten, YOU ARE. if you think you dare not, YOU DON’T. If you’d like to win, but think you can’t, YOU WON’T. If you doubt once, YOU’VE LOST. If you think you’re out classed, YOU ARE. You’ve got to think high and rise, you’ve got be sure of yourself, before you can win a prize. Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the one who thinks he can!”
Check out the Team Kilbride WEBSITE!
For Team Kilbride classes CLICK HERE!
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