Janine GriffithsUntil now kickboxer Callan Burke was typical of a generation of young people who’ve enjoyed combat sports training and competing on a semi-professional basis without having the ambition to do so either full-time or professionally. The twenty-nine-year-old from Swarcliffe now views things somewhat differently.
Former Temple Moor High and building college student Callan works for a glass installation company. “I turned 29 this month,” said Callan, “and I know I’m good at combat sports. I’ve just won my kickboxing bout on Scott McHugh’s show at Barnsley Metrodome. The atmosphere was amazing and it made me realise that my ambition is to do whatever’s necessary to get on as many major shows at quality venues as I can and build a solid fanbase throughout the city.”
“In recent years I’ve mainly been on Scott’s shows. He arranges quality match ups that give Leeds fighters the chance to showcase their skills. For various reasons I’d been out for nine months so was glad to get back in the ring and chuffed to get the win by a vicious but crowd-pleasing switch kick to the liver. Last year I got the McHugh’s promotions knockout of the year following my win on Scott’s September show with a brutal head kick. It’s dangerous and obviously violent but not cruel as both athletes want an all-action bout allowing us to demonstrate how skilful and courageous we are.”
I train at Team Fu martial arts in Kirkstall. It’s a friendly place. I’m there up to four times a week. I started combat sports training in 2021 as lockdown ended. Everyone felt restless and I decided to do something about it. I won two MMA bouts but lost a Thai boxing fight early on. That was a wake-up call to take training seriously. I moved over to K1 kickboxing and I’m undefeated in eight bouts. My ambition now to get as far as I can as a fighter.”
“I’ve been thinking about how many Leeds sportspeople and teams excel and I want to contribute to our city’s success. Leeds people have a sense of togetherness which means they get behind their own. I need to be part of this.”
If potentially able to offer Callan sponsorship e-mail him at callan.j.burke@hotmail.com or via Instagram @callan_burkek1. For information about training at Team Fu it’s teamfuofficial@hotmail.com or 07507 111111 or Instagram @mrchunfu. The gym is located on Burley Hill LS4 2PU.
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