Kick-boxing mum packing a punch

Helen dominated her recent three round fight showing great character

A woman from Maylandsea who only took up kick-boxing competitively a year ago, has won her first competition.

Helen Robinson-Carey, a Ju-Jitsu Black Belt has practiced Martial Arts for over 10 years.

The mum of two was victorious in her first Full Contact Kick-boxing fight at the WAKO show in Doncaster, two days after celebrating her 39th birthday.

"When I got in the ring I just looked at my opponent and I thought I'm going to win," said Helen.

The 39-year-old started kick-boxing nine years ago, however it was only a year ago that her interest became more serious.

"It was something I found myself getting addicted to," said Helen.

Helen follows a strict diet despite helping run a fish and chip shop

Training at 5 Elements in Basildon, head coach, Tony Willis spotted Helen's potential and invited her to join the squad.

"Tony set-up a squad session on a Sunday in his free time. The squad come along and do extra training to get them ready for fights," said Helen.

As well as training regularly, the mum of two also helps husband Dave run the Chip Inn in Maylandsea.

It is a bit of a juggling act for the fighter, but she is fortunate her family are very supportive.

"We're all into sport. My husband does kick-boxing, my son does ABA Boxing and belongs to Chelmsford Boys Boxing Club and my little girl has done judo," said Helen.

Like most athletes, Helen follows a strict diet and exercise regime.

Helen with her trophy won following her victory in Doncaster

"I normally start the day off with porridge with sultanas in so I've got slow release carbs.

"I'd then head down the gym and do conditioning work, then followed by a protein shake. Then I'd head home for a bit of lunch which would be a brown pita with salad and chicken.

"By three, four o'clock, when the children head home I'll do a dinner which could be chicken or pork. I don't eat a lot of carbs, I eat more protein than carbs."

Helen also steers clear of alcohol when she is fighting.

"I did celebrate last week, obviously a double celebration, [with my] birthday and win," said Helen.

Good physical condition is obviously important, as is mental attitude.

"I didn't want to go in there being angry and aggressive and lose all my energy through being tense," said Helen

"I just relaxed and tried to move around the girl and pick my shots and let the girl burn herself out.

Helen has only been training in competition kick-boxing for a year

"In the ring it's more of a skill moving around, moving your head, picking your shots rather than going into hurt each other actually using a good technique," she added.

"This year will be my last year of fighting, because a woman can only keep fighting until they're 40.

"Tony is going to keep me busy getting as many fights as he can for me this year," said Helen.

When Helen is too old to fight she intends to carry on training and is hoping to take a judging course.

"That way I can still go along and be involved. So, I'm never too old to be involved," she added.