BEN Heap is looking forward to passing on his skills to the next generation as he helps lead the new Malmesbury Martial Arts Academy.

The 24-year-old kickboxer, from Chippenham, is the lead instructor at the new martial arts club, who held their first-ever session at St Mary’s Hall last Saturday.

Malmesbury MAA will hold classes for three different age groups, twice a week, and Heap, who will be assisted by coaches from Chippenham’s Spartans Gym, where he trains, is delighted to be playing a lead role.

“I know that there are Tae Kwon-Do clubs but Malmesbury doesn’t have a kickboxing club,” said Heap.

“We’re going to be running out of St Mary’s Hall but we may end up looking for a more permanent premises. We’ve got three different groups and we’ve got sessions two nights a week, which is a good start.

“We’re a part of Spartans and the coaches from there will be helping but it’s my thing really and it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do – it’s good to be passing on the talent.”

Meanwhile, ‘The Hammer’ Heap will be looking to put on a show for his home crowd when he steps into a traditional boxing ring in Chippenham next month.

The Spartans fighter will be taking on former professional boxer Chris Long, from Calne, for the WCA (World Combat Arts) British middleweight title at the Olympiad Leisure Centre on November 15.

Heap said: “Chris used to be my sparring partner at Spartans before he left to go to another gym. He’s an ex-pro and it’s going to be my biggest challenge.

“He held the most titles of the people from Spartans until I went past him. If he wins, that could level us up.

“Tickets have been flying because he’s local too – it’s going to be a big one.”

For more information, visit ‘Malmesbury Martial Arts Academy’ on Facebook.

  • ANOTHER Spartans fighter primed for action at the Olympiad is Andy Webb, who is set to fight Bristol’s Joe Mechin for the WCA English middleweight title.

The 33-year-old, from Chippenham, won on the Spartans last home show and on a Bristol Fight Club bill back in July.

“This is a big title and a big challenge for me,” said Webb.

“I don’t want to be fighting average foes. I want to be moving on to tougher opponents and that’s what I’m doing.

“I know that he’s going to be a good opponent. I try to put into my head that I don’t like whoever I fight because that helps me get ready for it.

“It’s in my home town and I want to go out there and do it for my kids.”

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