Hythe Dragons Kickboxing Club was founded by former Club Secretary, Neil Crouch in 1997 and was based at St Annes Community centre in Hythe.  In 1998, Martin Binge took over the training and worked closely with Neil for several years to build what is today the most prolific kickboxing club in the Southampton and New Forest area.

In 2001, the Club moved to a new venue in Blackfield where we had the use of an old sports pavilion which we raised funds to equip with a ring, punch-bags and mats. Local businesses helped us with funding for club uniforms and protective equipment. Sadly in 2003, this hall was burned down by arsonists and we had to move to a temporary venue in Fawley where we trained for the next five years.

In 2008, the Hythe Dragons move to our current home back in Blackfield. This brand new building boasts a large training hall with room for three fighting areas, five punch-bags stations and excellent changing facilities.

Achievements

Hythe Dragons began with affiliation to the Independent Karate & Kickboxing Association (IKKA). Within two years of starting, we had two British Title Fighters under our belts and a clutch of first prize trophies that were so impressive that we hit the local press.

  • In 2000 we moved to the Southern Freestyle Karate & Kickboxing association (SFKK) and won several Grand Champion titles in the association’s annual open tournaments.
  • In 2001, Martin Binge was enrolled on the SFKK’s ‘Black Belt Role of Honour’ for his loyalty and dedication to the sport.
  • In 2003, three Hythe Dragons were selected to represent England on the SFKK National Squad in Greece where they picked up Gold & Silver Medals.
  • In 2004, several members of Hythe Dragons represented the SFKK at both National & International events.
  • In 2006, we made a decision to leave the SFKK and become an independent organisation, although we have strong links with the World Kickboxing Association (WKA), British All-Styles Kickboxing Association & the Independent Martial Arts Association (IMAO).
  • In 2008, five Hythe Dragons become IMAO British Champions and was this exceeded in 2009 when we had six.

2009 also saw two Hythe Dragons become WKA British Champions and one third place. This enabled them to represent England at the WKA World Championships in Spain where we gained a new World Champion. We also won both silver & bronze medals.