Michael tobin

MUAY THAI & kickboxing

What was your sport and how did you get into it?

Muay Thai / Thai Boxing. I was rehearsing with a Local band and was introduced to Kickboxing by the Bass Player, I enjoyed it so much that  I dedicated the whole of my spare time to kickboxing and Thai Boxing,  luckily for the Band as my musical skills were non-existent. :-)

Tell us about the highlights of your sporting career?

Fighting for Team Great Britain in The World Championships in Budapest, Competing in Greece, Holland, France, Belgium, and Spain. Also Training in Thailand was a great experience.  

What were some of the challenges you experienced and how did you overcome them?

Growing up in the eighties and following Leeds United meant I had quite a large friendship group, at this time the music and club scene was huge and the majority of my friends were out drinking week in week out, many also sadly involved in drugs, having your mates week in week out to join them was never easy.  Luckily I was strong enough to avoid this and focus on my chosen Sport, something I have never looked back on.

What do you do now alongside working for the Trust?

I run a Full-time Gym in Leeds teaching Thai Boxing / Boxing and Kickboxing. I also have classes that are community-based, also working with Teenagers on the periphery of crime as well as supporting children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

"Mick has been an inspiration to many people (including countless disadvantaged young people) in the Leeds area for many years. His vision for innovation and strategy for youth development are second to none. Year-on-year, Mick consistently develops Muay Thai champions and has nurtured a network of excellent coaches through his successful gym in Lower Armley, Leeds" Dr Kieran Mervyn.

"Mick undertook a very challenging youth work session for me when I was a project Manager for Healthy Living Network Leeds / BARCA on the Wyther’s estate. This session was by far the stand-out session of the series, the audience was a group of local disenfranchised local youths involved in or on the peripheries of crime. Mick managed to successfully engage with them and Mick informs me there are lads from the Wyther’s estate that attend his gym today. Mick has a lot to offer and I wish him all the very best in his future endeavors. He has a huge spectrum of work to offer, understands and is respected by the local community, and has had a beneficial and positive presence in the area for many, many years." Jon Hindley, Advanced Health Improvement Specialist-Inner West, Public Health Localities and Primary Care Team.

What life advice would you give a young person?

Listen to yourself not others, also Have FUN that is by far the most important thing.

Competitive
Record

British Kickboxing Champion

British Thai Boxing Champion