I was sitting at the breakfast bar drinking a beer when Amy told me. I couldn’t believe it. “You work with a former British Kickboxing Champion?” I just had to find out more.

At 38, I grew up watching films from the 80’s. Martial arts was one of the genres I loved, mainly because of my Brother’s influence. Two films spring to mind, Bloodsport and Kickboxer. Looking at them now, the films don’t seem that great but at the time, Jean-Claude Van Damme definitely inspired me.

Amy would describe Gary as a gentle giant and you would never think he was a kickboxing champion. It was like listening to a movie plot. I often walk past people in the street and wonder what their story is. Gary’s story was definitely one I needed to hear!

All images captured by Andrew Davison.

I was stood in the hallway nervous as all hell. I introduced myself to one of the trainers and I heard a voice “Aye, send him in here.” There were two young girls in the ring whacking hell out of each other. In the corner stood Gary Miller, a former British Kickboxing Champion. Even in the ring, I could tell he was over 6 foot. I remembered Amy telling me he was a gentle giant and even at 51, I wouldn’t fancy my chances, haha! I can remember thinking at this point, it takes real guts to get through those ropes and it was probably something I’d never ever do.

Gary started kickboxing at the age of 11. Bearing in mind that was 40 years ago, kickboxing in the UK wasn’t as popular as it is today. The term kickboxing was created by a Japanese boxing promoter called Osamu Noguchi. It’s a variant of muay Thai and karate that Osamu created in the 1950s. American kickboxing was developed in the 1970s, as a combination of boxing and karate. By the 1970s and 1980s the sport had expanded beyond Japan and had reached North America and Europe.

In the room were a bunch of kids ranging from 6-10 years old. Outside of the ring they sat quietly. Inside the ring, it was like the opposition had stolen their dinner money. Gary was firm and I could tell instantly that all of the kids respected him. “Quickly get your stuff together and get out. I hate yer” Gary would holla. It was clearly banter and the kids loved it.

Speaking with Gary, it sounded like he had a colourful past. Kickboxing was something he used to channel his energy. He trained hard for the next fours years and had his first professional fight aged 15. He fought in his home town of Stanley and he still sounded very proud of that fact today.

Remember I said earlier it was like listening to a movie script? Well Gary’s first 20+ fights ended up being first round knockouts. He literally blasted the competition out of the ring. He was very blasé about this too and it was humbling to witness. Gary travelled the length and breadth of the UK and even travelled abroad. This he enjoyed. He would become British Kickboxing Champion at the age of 20.

Before I knew it, I was lacing up and climbing in the ring! I did some pad work with a guy called Lee Chapman. It was my first real time in the ring doing anything like this.

I was uptight and nervous but my punches began to flow once I settled down and listened to Lee. It was a great experience and one I’d like to do again.

Gary would compete in a total of 60+ fights in a 14 year career. He only lost three times, all on points and he had one no contest. His losses came later in his career. I guess you get introduced to girls and don’t train as often! Then you’re faced with a much younger and hungrier opponent.

Gary Miller would retire just before he turned 30. What a career he’d had and it didn’t stop there…

As we were chatting I noticed a little girl was patiently stood waiting for a gap in the conversation. Gary looked down and asked if everything was ok. “Can I please stop back and do some pad work? My Mam said it would be ok.” I couldn’t believe it. Right there was a young girl that literally didn’t want to go home.

Gary helps train two nights a week from 6 o’clock until late. I found out later on that it’s all voluntary work too. Gary clearly loves doing what he’s doing. The North East Kickboxing Academy (N.E.K.A) is found in Burnopfield and currently trains ages 6 to 64. The 64 year old woman Gary was telling me about wasn’t present that evening but how amazing is that? You can join the guys at N.E.K.A three nights a week – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The classes are great for losing weight, gaining natural muscle and building confidence. Gary would tell me that some kids walk in with their head down and barely utter a word. A few weeks later, you can see their confidence starting to build.

The guy behind N.E.K.A is three-time World Welterweight Kickboxing Champion, Wesley Fagan. I remember reading an article on the Chronicle website a few years ago about how Wes was bullied at school. I had the pleasure of briefly meeting Wes and I’d love to chat to him more about his story. Watch this space!

It was great to meet Gary and the rest of the team. I know Amy said he was a gentle giant, I’d like to add humble to that description too. I certainly respect Gary for what he’s done and is continuing to do. You don’t come across many people in your life who have such an inspirational story. Then to pay it forward to other fighters, especially the youngsters, is something we can all take as an example from. I hope our paths cross again.

Always earned, never given.