Best foot forward for Shropshire fight club

With star fighter Chris Aston at the helm, Astons Kickboxing Academy are forging a top quality reputation not just locally, but also nationwide and at European level.

Aston is chief head coach and owner and the progress the club has made since he took charge five years ago is a real source of pride.

The club, which he refers to as 'his baby', has achieved a dramatic rise recently, winning countless awards and events at different levels.

And the unassuming Aston admits the academy is still not at the level for which he strives.

He said: "I've got really high expectations of what I want to achieve. We can't get any more in the classes here, the word of mouth is terrific.

"There is a balancing act. We want to win things and competing further afield helps the club, as they represent Aston.

"But everyone we have through the doors is achieving in their own way, just to see them smiling, laughing and making friends is an achievement. We are like one big group of friends now."

The club's success has really taken off recently with their self-proclaimed 'golden year' continuing at the prestigious Top Ten British Open competition in Birmingham.

The tournament is one of the highest levels in the kickboxing calendar, with national, European and world title-holders aplenty.

Aston secured silver in the advanced section, while Sam Heenan and Vince Dovey grabbed a third, with Helena Blain, 10, taking a gold and a bronze.

This was on top of Blain's stunning gold at the Irish Open recently in Dublin, one of the largest meets in Europe with more than 4,500 entrants.

"Of course it costs to compete in big events abroad, but that's what we're trying to push, it only helps the club grow," added Aston.

"We're trying to get 13 or 14 out to the Flanders Open in Beveren, Belgium, later in the year.

"Those are the events we want to build on and get people out to.

"But it's an absolutely amazing time at the club right now, I don't want to spout off about the number of awards we've won.

"All of my students are doing so well, which makes me proud."

While up to his neck in coaching commitments – Chris travels all around the country and even abroad, holding workshops and seminars – he also revealed his heart is very much still in competing. "I'm going to the World Championships in Dublin in November," he said.

"There is only one competitor in the UK who can beat me, so it's great for me to challenge abroad, great for the club too.

"This is the eighth year I've qualified and been selected now, so I take it all in my stride."

While the High Ercall-based fighter took up a full-time role at the club five years ago, managing and balancing everything has not always been plain sailing.

"When I inherited the club, I was 16 and we were working at a massive unit," he said. "My dad funded the place for a year and a half, but it became too much and we downsized.

"We moved to a smaller place and the thing took off, we got way more through the door. Now we're looking for a bigger home – but it would cost £250,000-plus.

"I struggle with the paperwork and that side of the business, it's great when people around me give me a hand.

"Sam and Vince can't get enough of the club, they help me out massively with coaching and PR work.

"Nine out of 10 people through the door stay on when they come. We're trying to arrange a presentation evening where we're looking to get all 95 or so students together for the first time.

"With families there will be hundreds there!"

One of his rivals from overseas, Hungarian competitor Krisztian Jaroszkievicz is heading over to join Aston in August to travel the country with workshops, as well as a number of sessions at the Academy itself.