George Cook is 15 years old, lives in Rye Harbour and is certainly making waves in the world of martial arts. A champion kickboxer and martial arts fighter, he began his training at Sean Kinsella Martial Arts (SKMA) in Rye and Playden when he was five.
His father, Robert, explains, “George had very poor co-ordination as a young child and ball games were just not his thing. He found his niche in martial arts and it was obvious from the start that he was going to flourish. As he improved and gained confidence he was entered into both national and international competitions.”
Rye News caught up with Robert to find out how George’s career has been progressing since our last update in May.
So what has George been up to since May? How many competitions has he entered?
Since May, George has competed in three major WKO tournaments: he has fought some world class fighters from around the globe. His categories have been tougher – this half of the year has seen George go up a weight class as well as age group, now competing against 16-17 year olds. This was daunting at first as George has been the lightest, shortest, and youngest in most of his fights, however that did not stop him, and earnt him some very respectable silvers from big categories, and he also walked away with WKO British Champion in Boxing.
What training regime does he undertake each week to maintain these high standards?
George trains in Rye and Playden on Mondays and Fridays with SKMA. Sean works incredibly hard with George to ensure he remains focused and continues to progress. Outside of these times he will be sparring with me at home, his fast hands and feet keep me on my toes. George also uses the fantastic facilities at Rye Bay Fitness, where he is also supported by gym owner, Gavin Broomfield. As George has gone up a weight class, it’s important his exercise regime changes to ensure he is evenly matched and stays at the top of his game. It’s hard to get the balance right of cardio and weights as well as eating the right diet but this is something George manages under the watchful eyes of us, his parents, to ensure he remains safe, being such a young age.
He has just received his latest award which is remarkable for someone so young, tell us a bit more about the WKO World Grand Prix Championship?
WKO hosts many events over the year, within the UK and internationally, with 45 nationalities participating. Within these nationalities, they make up 400 teams, totalling 2,340 athletes. Each fight George competes in gains him points if he wins Gold, Silver, Bronze.
George has gained many medals over the last twelve months: to be honest I have lost count, it’s been a very busy year for the lad. The WKO World Grand Prix Champions Awards looks at each individual’s points in each category. All athletes with the highest points are invited to an awards ceremony to be congratulated on their achievements. George came top in his weight/age category in Light Contact Kickboxing, Light Continuous Kickboxing and Boxing. He was also the overall winner of his weight category for K1 across every age.
Sponsorship is needed to help George attend as many competitions as possible, can you help?
If there are any companies that would like to sponsor George or any of the SKMA fighters to support them with their journey, please get in touch
robertgcook@hotmail.co.uk
George is now having a break from competitions over December and January, however, will not be slacking on training. February is the start of a new season where George will be back in the ring, focused and ready for 2026!
Image Credits: WKO , Robert Cook .