A FAMILY from Ringwood are taking the Kickboxing world by storm after securing four British titles.
Elizabeth Ferioli, who lives on Davids Lane, won three disciplines at the WAKO British Nationals in Birmingham last month, whilst her daughter, Maggie Brown, also claimed top honours in the Under-32 points category.
The victories came less than a month after Maggie’s sister, Katrina Ferioli, secured victory in the Watford Nationals.
Elizabeth, whose five children aged between three and 12 are all into the sport, said: "I would have been happy with just one title, but to collect three is unbelievable.
"The kids are really up and coming and I’m hoping this is going to be a big year for them.
"My seven-year-old Katrina has only been kickboxing for a year and I only wanted her to take part in Watford to get experience.
"We thought we were throwing her in at the deep end, and she only went and won it.
"Her coaches said she was doing stuff that they hadn’t even taught her yet, but I guess that comes from watching her siblings all the time."
Elizabeth, who also registered a second place in last month’s British Championships, represented Team GB at the Kickboxing World Championships in Hungary last year, finishing in third place.
She added: "It was absolutely amazing and awesome to be a part of. It was a very proud moment and an unreal feeling.
"To say that you’re the third best in the world sounds good, but you still want that first place.
"The aim for my older kids now is to get into Team GB. I would be even more proud than when I was selected, because as a parent, everyone wants to see their kids succeed.
"Kickboxing allows them to gain fitness whilst learning a life skill.
"It increases their focus capability and it’s a chance to do some character building as well. It’s great for them."
The family were due to arrive in Dublin on Thursday to compete in the Irish Open, the largest kickboxing tournament in the world, but saw their flight cancelled as a result of adverse weather conditions.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel