SOUTH WOODFORD: Kickboxer returns with gold

1:43pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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A WORLD Champion kickboxer has returned from her triumph to start her own martial arts academy for the next generation of sporting stars.

While the eyes of the sporting world were on Beijing, Sevda Arif was celebrating winning the gold medal in one of the world’s biggest non-Olympic sports at the ISKA Amateur World Championships in the Czech Republic.

The 28-year-old, of Bedford Road, South Woodford, faced a tough three rounds with Danish fighter Persson Dorthe but dominated the fight and was awarded victory by a unananimous decision. Ms Arif told the Guardian: “I am absolutely delighted to have been able to represent my country and bring back gold.

“The last two months of training have been very gruelling. However, it was all worth it in the end.”

Despite having only recently started entering competitions, Ms Arif shot up the ranks, winning the IKF English championship title in February.

She said: “Reaching the pinnacle of my fight career in just four fights is a dream come true having had back surgery which delayed any hopes I had of competing.”

Ms Arif took up the sport after attending East London University where she studied sports science.

After that she taught at Master’s Academy in Loughton for five years with two friends before deciding to hone her skills abroad.

And after working in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as training with five-time world champion Kathy Long in the USA, all the effort appears to have finally paid off.

With her success at the World Championships, Ms Arif is now focusing her energies into developing her new academy in South Woodford which will specialise in teaching women but will also include classes for men and children.

l If you would like to find out about Allstar Kickboxing Academy call 07930 142 321.