After two years of hard work and dedication over 1,600 A Level, Vocational Diploma and T Level students collected their results in August. With almost 1,000 students leaving College having secured entry to their first-choice university, this year is the culmination of their efforts and diligence, supported through the care, expertise and dedication of our excellent staff.
World-class martial arts champion helps students touch gloves.
WBC England Muay Thai Champion Amber Kitchen is helping to empower Penwith students by hosting kickboxing classes to boost their mental wellbeing
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Published Monday 6 December 2021
Penzance born, former Penwith College student Amber Kitchen took the Muay Thai boxing world by storm and is now helping female students enhance their confidence, health and wellbeing through the sport.
Amber is the daughter of British kickboxing and 14-time Muay Thai World Champion Julie Kitchen and her coach, Nathan Kitchen. She has recently taken over her dad’s gym, Touchgloves, near Hayle and has been striving to give back to the community.
Amber is offering a series of kickboxing classes for Penwith College students that include learning footwork and practising different combinations, whilst learning a new skill and meeting new people.
Amber said: “It’s great to be able to teach such a large group of females in such a male dominated sport. It’s important that I teach specific groups so everyone can start from the same point. It massively helps to build confidence and creates an easy-going environment.”
The weekly sessions give students the opportunity to take part in a sport that many schools don’t offer, along with the added benefit of being taught by the fighting champion.
Julia, a student that attends the kickboxing classes, said: “It is so much fun. Being able to learn from Amber and practise with a nice group of girls, all on our own accord and for our own wellbeing, it’s great.”
The classes are funded by Health Works Cornwall, HERE4U, a partnership project that seeks to inspire and support unemployed and inactive people in Cornwall.
Abi Cowls, ESF HERE4U Mental Health Advisor, who is part of the project said: “These kickboxing classes will increase students’ confidence, and there are mental and physical benefits as well as allowing them to have fun. Kickboxing is a major stress reliever.”
