World Champion Kick Boxer Builds Centre of Excellence at Former Car Factory Social Club

In Llanelli, Wales, a town celebrated for producing World Champion snooker legend Terry Griffiths, another world champion is making her mark, Tennessee Randall, a two-time kickboxing world champion and European champion has fought in destinations across the globe and in most instances walked away as the winner.

Now with the help of her father Leigh and a local businessman Neil O’Brien, Tennessee has taken over an old car factory social club and transformed it into a state-of-the-art martial arts training centre fit for budding world champions.

There is no shortage of those lining up to enter the old car factory social club on Sunday June 29 for the official opening. Queues of children and adults form and within minutes the old social venue is full of the sound of kick boxers going through their paces. Pints and cigarettes are replaced by healthy drinks and superfoods and there is not a beer stained table in sight, just state of the art equipment to bring out the best in those lucky enough to be coached by Randal and her team of instructors.

Despite her achievements and her new business venture, Randall faces significant financial hurdles in a sport that remains outside the Olympic spotlight. From Las Vegas to Llanelli Kick boxing is a fast growing sport and fitness option for those who may be looking for a break away from the casino floor.

Navigating Financial Strains in a Non-Olympic Sport

Randall attributes the lack of funding to kickboxing’s absence from the Olympic Games. “I think from a government’s perspective, because the kickboxing isn’t in the Olympics, that is probably the main barrier to getting funding,” she explains. The sport received full recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2021 but was not included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, despite public support for its inclusion.

Unlike athletes in more prominent sports, Randall does not receive prize money for her competitions. “We don’t get any prize money,” she states. While major promotions like ONE Championship offer substantial purses, these opportunities are limited and often inaccessible to many athletes.

Balancing Multiple Roles: Athlete, Academic, and Entrepreneur

To sustain her career, Randall juggles multiple responsibilities. She works full-time, pursues a PhD in psychology, and manages her training schedule. Recently, she secured sponsorship from Top Ten, a leading kickboxing equipment brand, which provides some support for her gear needs but it is not nearly enough to get the world champion to the next world championships in Abu Dabi later this year.

Randall has also established a new training centre aimed at nurturing future talent. “We do want to get more people in through the door and provide, not just for me, but provide more opportunities for them as well,” she says. The facility aspires to offer programs for local schools and community members, emphasizing the sport’s physical and mental health benefits.

Advocating for Kickboxing’s Broader Impact

Randall believes kickboxing offers more than just physical fitness. “Kickboxing, it doesn’t just benefit you physically, but mentally as well,” she notes. The sport fosters resilience, discipline, and community support, qualities she deems essential for personal development.

She envisions a future where kickboxing is integrated into public health initiatives, serving as a proactive approach to wellness. “Instead of prescribing pills and drugs, you send people, you pay for the cost for this, and you’re going to get a fit, healthy person,” she asserts.

Family Support and Community Engagement()

Randall credits her family’s unwavering support for her success. “My family have been instrumental. I wouldn’t be here today without them,” she acknowledges. Her parents and grandparents have been her steadfast supporters, accompanying her to tournaments and training sessions.

Through her training centre, Randall aims to give back to the community, offering guidance to individuals of all ages and aspirations. “Whether you want to be the next world champion, whether you want to just get fit, I will be behind you every step of the way,” she promises. It is a far cry from the smoke filled former bingo venue that saw generations of car factory workers spending their hard earned cash at the bar.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Opportunities and Mentorship

Randall remains open to various avenues within the sport, including coaching and mentoring. “I just want to take whatever opportunity I can get,” she says. Her recent victory at the O2 Arena in London exemplifies her commitment to seizing opportunities and promoting kickboxing’s growth.

She encourages individuals, especially those facing challenges like bullying or low self-esteem, to consider kickboxing as a transformative outlet. “Just believe in yourself as well. Believe that you can do anything that you want to do,” she advises.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.