An Ipswich kickboxer who wants to set up his own photography business is focusing on the big picture ahead of an appearance at a national tournament.
Ryan Clover, 22, from Ipswich, currently studies on a creative enterprise course at Suffolk New College.
He started kickboxing in 2023, and after around six months of competitive action in the bank, the Ipswich Town fan secured a silver medal at the WTKA Unified World Championships in October last year.
The athlete, who competes for Team GB, trains at Urban Combat in the town, and he secured his medal during a competition held in Massa Carrara, Italy.
On winning the silver, he said, “I got messages from so many people saying you did the country proud. You see what it means to everyone else. It made it even more special.”
After this victory, he is now training hard ahead of the national tournament that will be held in Chesterfield at the end of the month.
He said, “I grew up playing football, but took up kickboxing as a hobby in 2023. My dad did it, I was really intrigued, and I quickly fell in love with the sport.
“It was a shock to the system (getting hit in the face for the first time), but you get an adrenaline rush from it. It’s like going on a rollercoaster. The thing I enjoy about the sport is that I used to play football and your opponents are often in your face, both physically and verbally, after the game. But every single person I’ve come up against in kickboxing, as soon as the fight is over, you show each other respect.
“After a while, I started sparring, and I was entered into British Nationals last year – I finished fourth in my category (79 kilos and under).
“Then out of the blue, I was at the Portman Road Fabio Wardley fight with my dad, and as Fabio Wardley was walking out, I had an email from my coach saying I had been selected by Team GB to fight in a world championship bout in Italy. I couldn’t believe it. What an unbelievable night.”
After missing out on gold to an experienced Italian in the worlds, Ryan hopes to go for gold later this month.
He continued: “I train up to three times a week, and my coaches have been amazing. We are all like one big family (at Urban Combat).
“I’m going to throw the kitchen sink at it and give it everything, and I’d love to become a British champion. But it will be an honour to be there. I started it as a hobby because my old man did it, and now I’m competing at this level. (Thanks to my dad for taking me to all of these places by the way).
“After Chesterfield, I’m applying for university, and I’m looking at maybe going to the European championships that will be in the UK (in Barnsley) later in the year. And if kickboxing were ever to be at the Olympics, I’d love that opportunity.”
In terms of the college, Ryan added: “The course is going well, it’s informative, and it’s helping me on my way to setting up my own business. In terms of support from the college and my sporting endeavours, they have been perfect.”
Michael Klencher is a photography teacher at Suffolk New College. Michael said: “Ryan studied for two years here at the college on an Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication, supported by myself and Hannah Gooding. We have both seen how Ryan has grown in confidence as a photographer and as a person.”
Ryan, whose walk-on music would be Opposite of Adults by Chiddy Bang, has funded all of his travel and equipment by earning money via manual labouring jobs. If you would like to support him, you can email: ryaneditsvideos@gmail.com.
For more information about Urban Combat, you can visit www.urbancombat.uk