MIDDLESBROUGH kickboxer and falcon Fight Academy fighter, Leif Taggart has taken the latest step on his long journey through martial arts.
For the Thorntree fighter has passed a gruelling K-1 rules grading after four years of studying the syllabus set out by the British Freestyle Karate and Kickboxing Organisation.
Taggart has won everything from area to world titles over the years and runs his own Flying Falcon Gym in South Bank, Middlesbrough and trains out of Falcon Fight Academy at Dinnington, Sheffield.
His trainer, Master Cris Janson-Piers, a national coach and grading examiner, passed him for his grading after putting him through four-and-a-half strenuous hours involving fitness tests, padwork and sparring.
Taggart’s grading success provided him with an early 21st birthday present and the former Ormesby School pupil said: “I am thrilled with my achievement.
“I have trained under Cris for many years now in all the various disciplines and received two years of private tuition, seven days a week.
“I have been travelling abroad trying to progress my K-1 career and have already won many titles.”
K-1 kickboxing rules originated in Japan and allows low kicks and knees, but unlike regular thai boxing clinching and elbows are not permitted.
The sport has widespread popularity in Holland and Taggart is currently in fight training for a possible bout there, having won on his last trip to the Netherlands.
He is also scheduled to fight on a prestige live streamed show in Norwich on March 31.
