Barnsley’s Future Star: Kickboxer Max Aims for Gold

Barnsley’s teenage kickboxing champion Max Emeny has done it again, adding a gold and four silvers to his ever-growing medal collection after an impressive performance at the ISKA World Championships in Brisbane, Australia.

“My bout with a New Zealand fighter was absolutely my best work ever and my first world championship gold. It was a privilege to have competed on the world stage, making amazing lifetime memories with my teammates. How many young people our age can say that? We’re all aware how fortunate we are to have had so many of us get this opportunity as a team and for our hard work to be recognised.”

The 17-year-old from Worsbrough, who already had two golds and a silver from the WKO World Open Championship held at Metrodome earlier this year, fought five times in Brisbane, taking on opponents from Australia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Germany and England.

“I’ve trained as a kickboxer as far back as I can remember,’ said Emeny, who turned 17 in June and who lives in Worsbrough with mum Steph, stepdad and two siblings. ‘I guess I’ve done well to sport 12 kilos of medals plus quite a few trophies. But it’s what I love. It’s made me who I am. Such success as I’ve had is down to high-quality teaching and training from my coaches at The Combat Academy, or TCA, and particularly Mick Crossland and Gasan Gindra, as well as the mutual support that all of us fighters offer each other. I started at TCA at the old premises in Wombwell as one of the original ninjas, and now we’re based in top-quality, state-of-the-art facilities at Claycliffe Business Park. It’s often said, but it’s nonetheless true that we’re a family.”

That family worked hard this year fundraising to get Team England competitors to Brisbane. There are numerous sanctioning bodies in combat sports, but for kickboxing, the ISKA is arguably the most prestigious.

“The truth is, I enjoy the art of fighting. It’s exhilarating. There can be a beautifully brutal brutality to it.”

“This was my fourth time at the event. I visited Vienna, Austria, in 2024, Munich, Germany, in 2023, and Kema, Turkey, in 2022, where I won medals at all three events. Last year, I did a sponsored skydive. This year, it’s been a bit more down-to-earth, with long and quite gruelling sponsored spars in the gym. Getting the chance to travel and meet competitors from different countries and cultures is an important part of it. But nothing comes close to the exhilaration of winning.”

“No one works harder than Max,” confirmed Mick Crossland. “Everything he’s achieved has come from consistent concentration and application of what he’s been taught. He’s always been dedicated and a good listener, and he spends at least 12 hours a week at the gym. Max is a role model both for children his age and for the younger children who look up to him, including his cousin Jacob, who has recently qualified for our fight competitor team, aged ten. Max is also intellectually gifted. Proof that it’s possible to combine academic ability with physical prowess. He’s a very tough, resilient person both physically and mentally.”

“I don’t feel I’m missing out on anything,” agreed Max. “I have the social life that suits me in a welcoming, friendly and positive community. The truth is, I enjoy the art of fighting. It’s exhilarating. There can be a beautifully brutal brutality to it. Although I’ve hurt some opponents, there’s no cruelty. Fighters expect to be tested and challenged and relish the rough and tumble. That’s what makes it fun. I no longer have enhanced protection in a bout. I primarily compete in K1 kickboxing, which allows for upper-body knee strikes and kicks to the legs, body, and head. All boxing techniques to the head and body are legal.”

A former student of Horizon High School, Emeny is in year 13 at Greenhead College near Huddersfield. “I’m studying Philosophy, Psychiatry and Art. I hope that philosophy will enable me to study law at university. But I’m good at art, so why not an apprenticeship in tattoo artistry? I’ve a thirst for knowledge. I read. I write. I draw. I’ve sold some drawings. The worst thing a person can be is ignorant. I’m frightened of being ignorant and complacent. I like to have full knowledge of what’s going on, what I’m doing. Kickboxing has helped me grow in confidence and allows me to control my autism. There’s nothing I’d change, although it’s time to update my photo on the TCA Hall of Fame. I’ve said goodbye to that young boy. I’m enthusiastic about what the future holds, including the hope of becoming a national amateur kickboxing champion. But why stop there?”

Individuals or companies potentially willing to sponsor Max should contact Steph Rowett at stephcrowett@gmail.com .