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Rochester Scaffolding sponsors promising Kickboxer

RM • 15 January 2025

From Struggles to Strength: My Kickboxing Journey - Callum Austin

Life has a funny way of throwing challenges our way, and sometimes the darkest moments can lead us to the things that give us that fire back in our bellies. For me, that "saving grace" came in the form of kickboxing. 


I was 14 or 15 when I first started training, and honestly, I was in a pretty tough place. My family life was rocky, and I was dealing with a lot of personal struggles, including depression and anxiety. I was searching for something to help me cope, something to channel all that chaos, and kickboxing became my outlet. It wasn't just a sport for me—it was a lifeline. 


My dad introduced me to kickboxing, and at the time, I had no idea how much it would change my life. Kickboxing gave me structure and focus, and slowly, it started to show me the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt empowered every time I stepped into the gym, surrounded by people who shared the same drive and determination. That sense of community and purpose was something I hadn’t experienced before, and it played a massive role in improving my mental health. It wasn’t just about getting fit or learning to fight—it was about healing, building confidence, and finding stability. 


When I was 16, I joined the Paul Wiffen Academy, and that’s when everything began to shift. Training under the guidance of such experienced coaches and being part of that supportive environment truly helped me grow—not only as a fighter, but as a person. Kickboxing didn’t just teach me how to throw punches; it taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of keeping my head up when life gets tough and these disciplines are how I now live my life 

 

I’ve been competing since I was 17. My first fight didn’t go my way—I lost—but it didn’t stop me I learnt so much and I wasn’t going to let one loss define me. Then, of course, Covid hit, and all competitions ground to a halt, but I kept training. When the fights recommenced - I was ready. 


Since then, I've had 12 wins and 3 losses, including a streak of 8 consecutive wins. This year alone, I’ve had 4 fights—and won them all, with 3 of those victories coming by knockout. The highlight of my year was winning my second Southern Area title, and in October, I had the opportunity to fight on one of the biggest stages in the UK—the Muay Thai Grand Prix (MTGP). It was after that fight that Ben and Rochester Scaffolding became my sponsor. His sponsorship has been a game-changer, covering my training equipment and nutrition costs, allowing me to focus on my training without worrying about the financial strain. 


In November last year, I won the English title with a knockout in the 3rd round, and the journey doesn’t stop there. In December, I flew to the Gold Coast in Australia to train with none other than the legendary John Wayne Parr, a true icon in the world of Muay Thai and kickboxing. I’ll be dedicating the next three and a half months solely to training and fighting, with the goal of coming back stronger than ever. No distractions, no side jobs—just pure focus on becoming the best version of myself as a fighter. 


Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to turn professional in K1 when I return from Australia. By the end of 2025, I plan to either move back to Australia or head to Thailand to continue training and fighting at the highest level. The dream is clear: to become a world champion, and I truly believe that I will get there. 


I can’t express enough how grateful I am for Rochester Scaffolding’s sponsorship. The support has opened doors for me, giving me the opportunity to push myself further than I ever thought possible and the sponsorship has given me that additional layer of belief in myself. I hope that our partnership continues throughout 2025, without it, some of these incredible opportunities might not be possible. 


Kickboxing has not only changed my life—it’s saved it. And I’m only just getting started. 


Follow Callum’s amazing journey on Facebook 

 

Who are we?  


Rochester Scaffolding Co Ltd is a family run business and we have been trading since 2007.  

We have over 30 years' experience working within the scaffolding industry, steadily working our way up through the ranks to become a market leader that constantly raises the bar and sets new standards. The company consists of three main divisions; a Small Works, a Major Works and Special Works all constantly supervised and managed from start to finish erected by fully trained and certified operatives and backed up by a professional Health and Safety Adviser.  


We are TG 20 compliant as authorised by NASC Scaffolding Portal.   
  
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contact us or call our team on 01634 735300.  


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