TEENAGE martial artist Callum Beeckmans is in line for another English title.
The 15-year-old from Prudhoe bagged his first Machine MMA title in March, with a win over Cumbria’s Sol Street just months after taking up mixed martial arts.
He successfully defended his belt last month, against an older opponent in the form of Sheffield’s Jonathan Webster.
But Callum returned to his roots as a kickboxer at the weekend, when he gained victory at the Battle of the North 2 event, at West Freestyle Martial Arts club, at Rawtenstall in Lancashire.
The youngster is now in line for a shot at a national kickboxing title on July 26.
His dad Mark said: “We went down to Rawtenstall at the weeken,. Callum won and the president of the World Kickboxing Association has asked him to fight on July 26 for an English title.
“I’m over the moon for him. It was a great event, which was put on by Chris West. Callum is very excited.
Callum currently holds three belts - two English and one British title.
Proud dad Mark added: “I can’t fault him any time he goes out. He’s got three belts at the moment, it’s brilliant.”
Callum works with retired MMA star Ian Freeman, at his specialist MMA school, based at Stanley in County Durham. He also works with Hexham-based David Wells, the only coach outside of New York certified to teach 52 Blocks, an African-American martial art which focuses on defensive moves.
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