09/06/2026
After 7 years, we finally awarded two new Black Belts at Bai Lang Kickboxing Academy.
Black Belts are not given here — they are earned.
In an age where many people struggle to see things through, these two young people have done exactly that. Through years of focus, consistency, hard work and perseverance, they have reached a standard worthy of wearing the belt.
More importantly, they have inspired those coming behind them. Several students are now within the next 12-24 months of their own Black Belt journeys, and seeing role models like these proves what is possible.
The test itself is designed to push candidates physically and mentally.
It begins with a run up The Wrekin, aiming for a sub-20-minute time. Deshawn managed an incredible 16 minutes 40 seconds 😮
From there it was straight into 15 minutes of hard fitness work before demonstrating all technical aspects of kickboxing — defence, counters, movement, boxing, kicking and combinations.
They then completed 12 rounds of high-intensity sparring, with both myself and Henry, who came home from RAF training for the weekend to help put them through their paces. This was followed by a brutal 2-on-1 sparring round where the objective was simple… keep moving.
Finally came the dreaded burpee relay — 210 burpees to finish.
Molli Marson (17) has been with Bai Lang for over seven years, having started martial arts at just four years old. Already a Black Belt from her previous club, she arrived as a talented fighter with a fantastic attitude.
What has impressed me most is how coachable she has been. She embraced our way of doing things, made changes and continued to develop. Today she is a three-time World Champion, multiple World gold medallist and Bai Lang’s first apprentice.
Deshawn (16) started from scratch over eight years ago. He is genuinely one of the most attentive students I have had this decade. I honestly cannot remember ever needing to tell him to focus or stop messing around.
He listens, learns and gives everything he has, even on days he hasn’t felt his best. During lockdown he never missed our online sessions and has always put extra work in at home.
Today he is an England Team member, multiple World gold medallist and now sets his sights on this weekend, where he will challenge for the ISKA English K1 Championship.
He also hopes to become Bai Lang’s second apprentice.
These two represent everything martial arts should be about.
Commitment. Resilience. Determination. Consistency.
Many people have come and gone over the years, but they stayed.
They have grown into two formidable young adults with a work ethic that will put them first in line for anything they choose to pursue in life.
Super proud coach moment.
Congratulations, Molli and Deshawn. 🥋🐺❤️
