Billy Brown is the Founder of the East Anglian Kickboxing Academy based in Thetford, which teaches all ages and abilities. Here, Billy shares the inspiring story of falling in love with the sport at the age of 13 – and helping to improve the lives of young people
I am Billy Brown, 32 years of age, Head Coach and Founder of the East Anglian Kickboxing Academy. I grew up in Thetford, Norfolk, Born in Brentwood, Essex. Moved to Thetford early on in life around age 9.
I started off training in martial arts and predominantly kickboxing at the age of 13. I fell in love with the sport from the get-go. I quickly realised in some way or another I would be involved in martial arts for a lifetime. Throughout my teens I competed in the sport of kickboxing, boxing and judo whilst also gathering valuable experience as a volunteer coach alongside my own training and life commitments, allowing me to pick up coaching qualifications along the way. This, combined with college studies in subjects such as coaching and development, would later aid my pursuit to become a full-time martial arts instructor and business owner.
At the age of 21, I started teaching my own kickboxing classes under the previous club’s name – Billy Brown’s School of Kickboxing. We started in a small village hall in Necton, Norfolk. The class slowly grew and eventually became popular enough for me to run classes in two other locations across Norfolk. As our membership numbers grew, I was able to reduce my full-time working hours as a forklift driver to a part-time role and eventually at age 24 commit to full-time self-employment.
As we continued to grow, the decision was made to find a full-time singular location. In 2018 we opened the doors to our current location – Ashley House, Stephenson way, Thetford Norfolk. Now known as the East Anglian Kickboxing Academy – also known as EAKA for short. We run a total of 12 classes a week, plus private tuition. Our classes are structured for all different age groups and abilities. We boast multiple champions at amateur and professional level competitive kickboxing, regularly travelling up and down the country to compete – and sometimes abroad. Although EAKA has a reputation as one of the best competitive Kickboxing clubs in the UK, we take great pride as a club to be able to offer classes to anybody who wants to learn the art of Kickboxing for whatever the reason, regardless of desire to compete.
Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to help improve the lives of younger people, making a difference to those who need it. In the past two years we have worked directly with the likes of Norfolk County Council, providing one-to-one tuition to teenagers out of full-time education and also a charity called The Mental Shift, which is committed to helping teenage boys improve their mental health through martial arts. We are very proud of our impact on the local community, and we welcome any local charities or authorities who would like to get in touch about how we can help those who need it most.
In 2025, we have already made many improvements to our timetable, making kickboxing more accessible to those who wish to take part. We have upgraded all of our equipment at EAKA and a brand-new custom boxing ring is on its way. Our goal of reaching 200 members in 2025 is looking more and more achievable as each week goes by and we hope one day to open a second location in Norwich, Norfolk. I would like to thank all of our customers, members and supporters of past and present.
Visit East Anglian Kickboxing Academy and follow on Instagram.
Wow what a fantastic achievement and a great coach you are ,
Your students are lucky to have to have you as a coach
What a great article! Billy is an inspirational coach. Give kickboxing a try; it teaches you so much about life: resilience, discipline, self-confidence, stress management, and respect. For me, the importance of the journey is emphasised: kickboxing highlights continuous improvement and growth. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about the dedication and effort you invest in the process, a valuable lesson for personal and professional development.
So inspirational billy ! Such an amazing school ! Brilliant article
I echo Jess’s comment, inspirational. Billy is a great coach and mentor, and kickboxing is so much more than a fighting art; it teaches you –
1. Resilience. Kickboxing teaches you to take hits, both literally and metaphorically. You learn to get back up after setbacks and keep pushing forward, developing perseverance and mental toughness that applies to challenges in all aspects of life.
2. Discipline and Focus: Mastering kickboxing techniques requires dedication, focus, and consistent effort. These qualities translate into everyday life, helping you achieve goals and stay committed to your pursuits.
3. Stress Management: Kickboxing provides a healthy outlet for stress and frustration. The physical exertion and focus required help clear your mind and improve your ability to handle tense situations.
4 Respect: In kickboxing, you learn to respect your instructors, training partners, and even opponents. This translates into greater respect for others in your daily life and fosters positive relationships.
and most important for me ; The Importance of the Journey: Kickboxing emphasizes continuous improvement and growth. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about the dedication and effort you put into the process, a valuable lesson for personal and professional development
Dear Billy
I am a very great advocate for mental health.
I have recently joined a Gym which I find better than other Gym’s I have been a member of. Although there was a Gym on Eversholt Street in Camden where the rowing machine knew my name
I think Gyms can be intimidating though. Although if you can learn to deflect personal space invasion or the aggressive usage of conversation. And become known. Then Gym’s and their motivational comments can decide for themselves where who belongs where.
Exercise is only a part of my life, although I am thankful for the usage of my limbs and my ability to type badly fast.
Contact sports (Apart from my days with the foil) have not features so much in my life.
I feel that MH has boundaries which afford me knowledge that is not available to others unless I choose to express myself.
Sparing if you like to watch dancing is an expressive art form. Although if you are angry I feel it is best to just use a punching bag with the relevant equipment, like gloves etc, Gym rules.
I am 4 months into the membership and have increased my rep time from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. My aim is to move up by 5 minutes every month. To max out at 1 hour. I want to go at least once to 3 times a week.
I continue to walk every day I can and take photographs.
Kick true Billy.
KR
David
Dear David,
Thank you for your comment. I am happy to hear you have found a gym you are enjoying and making progress at.
I wish you all the best going forward. Keep on pushing
Kind regards,
Billy
What a great article about someone as amazing as you! Your gym has come so far and you’re doing better and better everyday! You are very inspiring and hard working! Your fighters should be proud to have you by their side!