Believe Achieve Succeed
Hi I am Kru Ricky Richardson Founder and Chief Instructor at Calder Thai Boxing Academy. I started training in Muay Thai in 1990 and after studying and practicing this spectacular martial art for over 12 years under the tutelage of some of the most renowned Masters and teachers of the time, Arjarn Ralf Kussler, Grand Master Toddy, Grand Master Woody and (still to this day) Master A, to name but a few, I finally got the opportunity to open my own Muay Thai school in Halifax in May 2002 .
I'd had a very illustrious career competing all over the country and abroad many times for the European Muay Thai Schools where I gained a reputation of a strong and fearless fighter often taking bouts against much more experienced and prominent fighters of the day. In 1998 I started training and competing under the guidance of Master A. It was whilst I was with Master A's team when I got my first opportunity to really take it to the next level, I got the call up from the International Amateur Muay Thai Federation (IAMTF) to represent England in Cyprus at the 2000 European Championships. Although I didn't come away with a medal the experience was invaluable and on returning to England I carried on competing at top flight level winning my first title belt, the World Muay Thai Organisation's (WMTO) English Championship, in 2001.
After this win my career went from strength to strength competing again against more top flight fighters of the time until finally getting a shot at a second title, the W.A.K.O Junior Welterweight Belt, late in 2002 shortly after opening the Calder Thai Boxing Academy. This British title belt was in the possession of Walter Scott , a very seasoned fighter, from Spartan's Muay Thai fight team at the time and my first attempt wasn't successful as the fight got stopped in the 4th round when I sustained a serious cut to my left eye. Undeterred I managed to secure a second chance a few months later when Scott agreed to a rematch on his home turf at Middleton conference centre. in front of a sell out capacity I put on a performance of a lifetime to dominate the bout and take the title home that night. It was 12 years in the making with many ups and downs in 'the game' but I'd finally got the British Title Belt I'd craved right from the very first fight way back in 1991, it really was a dream come true.
As an I.T.B.F. qualified Instructor and now retired from competition I have been dedicated to my role teaching and coaching the next generation of students and fighters. I have been fortunate to have been able to pass on some of my skills and knowledge to a number of champions over the years and still working with my mentor and great friend, Master A. he awarded the very prestigious title of Kru Yai (Assistant Master) in 2010 as recognition to my dedication and commitment to the progression of the sport.
As we have been established since 2002 and are now a well respected and renowned Muay Thai School I, alongside my other coaches take great pride in delivering high quality martial arts training to a varied age and ability range of students. We are an all inclusive and diverse Academy that takes its role seriously in the development and wellbeing of all our members in a safe, friendly and fun environment.
Come try a no-obligation FREE taster session, just Call/text us or send us an email to book your place!
OUR FACILITIES
Our facilities are second to none. With over 2500sq/ft of matted training area, 2 boxing rings and plenty of boxing bags, kick/focus pads and other equipment which means we can easily accommodate for 30+ students per class. We also have a small strength and fitness studio for those students who want to push their training to the max. With separate male and female changing rooms, showers and a stocked equipment counter there is everything you could possibly need to get the best out of your Muay Thai journey.
