A NORTON College student is punching above his age as a champion kick-boxer

Cole Rochester is only 13 and yet he is a current two-times world champion, as well as a European British champion kickboxer.

Currently in Year 9, he has just chosen his options for his GCSEs and has big plans for his future.

Cole, who lives in Weaverthorpe, started kickboxing when he was four. He started with his mum, and nine years later they are both still training together in a club (X Martial Arts) in York. He also helps out with teaching.

This year he will be competing in Florida, fighting to retain his world title, although he will be in an older age group.

Cole said: “It’s good to be fit and kickboxing keeps you really fit and healthy. I’ve done it since I was little and I still love it. My instructor, who’s brilliant, didn’t win any big medals, but he’s helped me win over and over.”

He is planning for the future is kickboxing. He wants to compete at adult level and go on to teach the sport and open his own kickboxing school. Cole and his parents are always on the hunt for sponsors as so far he has been entirely self-funded.

Sam Triffitt, PE teacher and Year 9 progress leader, said: “This has to be the best individual sport accolade the school has ever had: a two times world champion here at Norton College.What an astonishing achievement. Cole is a great role model to the other students and his sporting abilities are remarkable. He’s so quick, flexible and agile. But more than anything, he’s a team player who is modest and down to earth and just a pleasure to teach.”