TKB Bully-Proof Kickboxing tournament on August 10

A yearly summer camp entitled Bully-Proof, held by Total KickBox (TKB), was the inspiration behind starting a kickboxing tournament aimed at tackling bullying, self-empowering children between ages five-16 and improving the standard of kickboxing in Trinidad and Tobago.

The second annual TKB Bully-Proof Kickboxing event themed Fear Has Nothing On Me will be held on August 10 at the La Joya Gymnasium, St Joseph from 9 am-1 pm.

Founder and head coach of TKB Kwesi Thomas said the event helps children to become "bully-proof."

"The adrenaline rush of getting in a ring and actually fighting is being bully-proof," Thomas said.

"Knowing you can face your fears, the anxiety and still move forward."

Thomas said the tournament will see kickboxers as young as seven and as old as 15.

With competitors this young, Thomas assured the event is sanctioned by TT Kickboxing Federation.

"They are providing safety, judges and the referees – to ensure the rules are followed."

Thomas described the support from various stakeholders as "tremendous."

"It's been amazing, though there's been a lot of challenges.

"It's a new event and the first of its kind in TT – catering to kids in kickboxing."

He listed and thanked Milo and Linda's Bakery for being the main sponsors of the event. "Both have contributed products, samples and invested $25,000 collectively. They see the dream in it because it's an untraditional sport (in TT), moving away from cricket and football."

Thomas said Bermudez, other small businesses and parents have also made sign

ificant contributions to the event.

There will be 15 volunteers helping with the 15-bout fight card.

He said this event has encouraged other kickboxing schools to host tournaments as well and drew reference to Evolution Kickboxing, who hosted the Rooftop Rumble Junior Jabs on April 6.

Thomas hopes for harmony within the "small" kickboxing fraternity in TT.

"I just want the support of the parents and coaches. We need a level of unity.

"It's not one club is better than the next or one club has more athletes or who gets more trophies."

Thomas said his own club (TKB) has no athletes on the fight card.

"Overseeing this tournament is a selfless act on our part as we know the benefits to the children and the exposure they will get."