Kickboxing ZDL Chichester

Well over 20 ZDL Academy students were put through their paces on 1 Aug at Westgate Leisure Centre, aiming for their next Chinese kickboxing belts at a summer grading event. Two of them, Steven Godfrey of Chichester and Teilo Elliot-Smith of Westbourne, were presenting for their black belts. Every individual grading represents an interesting backstory; in the case of these two, they were graded in the over 45s 'Veteran Plus' category - and neither had even tried any form of martial arts until they were into their 40s.

A gruelling five-hour assessment consumed much of Saturday for the higher grades, with the students required to show high levels of control, skill and endurance in fitness, kicking techniques, punching combinations, pad work and finally, sparring. Yet each of them had been supported in their journey and had worked hard to prepare.

For Teilo, the ZDL journey began when he started bringing his (then) six-year-old daughter along. "I knew of the academy through word of mouth and a family friend in Sifu Eddie Craig. I wanted something for our daughter that would hone her confidence, safety, physicality, coordination, and respect values that are common in martial arts. She had a real aptitude for it. It was only when I was encouraged by other students to get involved myself that it all started for me. That was over seven years ago now. It has been an amazing journey, with shared experiences, highs and lows, but always in an encouraging and safe environment where everyone is given the opportunity to realise their potential. Being in the military, I recognise the focus on personal growth, discipline, core values, ethos and teamwork. For me to attain a black belt in my late forties is a whole-academy achievement, and I couldn't be happier or more grateful."

For Steven, there were a multitude of challenges alongside the more obvious physical aspects, whilst grading alongside his 17-year-old son for his Brown Grade 3 belt. “Similarly to Teilo, I became involved in the ZDL academy through my daughter five years old; she had been watching ‘Ninja Kids’ on YouTube, and one Saturday morning on our way to a swimming lesson, she immediately noticed several individuals walking into the sports hall wearing a martial arts uniform, and shouted out daddy that’s what I want to do! So I was subsequently dragged into the sports hall, where we met a number of black belts, who were softly spoken and encouraged her to join in. Five years later, with the family involved, it's been a hugely beneficial experience.”

ZDL runs classes in Chichester, Havant, Bognor and Lampeter in Wales, and is scalable to suit those starting whatever the age, experience or fitness level.
The academy is encouraging and welcoming to all, with students and coaches of all backgrounds, from absolute beginners, youngsters, up to international world champion medallists. If interested, contact via any of the links. Join in and get started!

Huge congratulations to team GB coach and head of ZDL Kickboxing Cymru Wales Dan Cooke and for collecting up a barrage of medals including golds silvers and bronze at the European International Martial Arts Games at the weekend as part of Team GB ! So proud of your achievements and dedication
ZDL Martial Arts Academy
ZDL Martial Arts Academy

Is getting a black belt easy? - Absolutely Not.

Is getting a black belt, when you start martial arts in your 30’s, 40’s or even 50’s achievable? - Yes but it is rare

Why is that? - At any age, It takes a certain person who wants to change themselves , better them selves and become stronger , in both their body and mind. It takes someone who wants to become consistent and take on a special challenge.

Many people reach higher grades but never quite make it to their black belt . It takes some thing extra , grit , determination and a want to reach a higher goal.

We would love to proudly Welcome to the academy black belt squad,
Teilo & Steve .
2 exemplary members of our ZDL family and community who have both dedicated themselves for the incredible journey and smashed through their Veteran Plus syllabus.
A grading that lasted around 5 hours in the hot Summer conditions.

At each age decade of life at ZDL there are different requirements for students to push themselves to the limits of their capabilities in a challenging and safe capacity.

We look forward to seeing Teilo and Steve’s next chapters at ZDL unfold. 🥋

Huge congratulations to all our graders who turned up in very hot weather to attempt to gain their next belt! There were many battles both in the dojo and in the minds of students pushing to their limits ! Well done all teams from
Chichester, Bognor Regis and Havant
Sifu Eddie, Coach Dan, Coach Garry and all the blackbelts 🐲 separate post coming for our two new black belts 👀

👀🥊🐲 this year we are raising funds and awareness for two incredible charities that have impacted our local community and specifically family members of current students.
We are aiming To come together as an academy and use are skills to help others and complete our highest challenge yet of 150,000 kicks across multiple classes in Chichester, Bognor, Havant and Wales
St Wilfrid's Hospice and Heartbeat
Our just giving is a multi team event page so we recommend to please split any donations equally between the two charities unless you are specifically remembering a certain Person etc

https://www.justgiving.com/team/zdlkickteam2026?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL

Saturday - Chi 11.30am Chi
Monday - Chi (this week fight night) 7pm-9pm
Wednesday - Havant 7pm
Thursday - Bognor 7pm