AN INSPIRATIONAL kickboxer has been named a European champion.

Ringwood-based Liz Ferioli-Brown, 47, claimed the Wako European Kickboxing Champion 2022 title in hotly-contested championships in Turkey.

The mother-of-six won for Team GB in Light Contact in the Master’s category for women aged 35-55. Liz also took silver in Point Fighting.

The top-flight martial artist, who founded Ringwood Kickboxing in 2019, teaches the sport to all ages - starting from youngsters aged five.

Liz, who has 25 years of experience, said: “I’m so happy with my European Gold and Silver medals.

“It wasn’t an easy journey through the competition, I left each bout knowing that I had been in a fight – the girls were strong and they hit hard.

“I am incredibly fortunate to have some fantastic coaches and I would like to offer huge thanks to them for believing in me, and for their steer and encouragement getting me to this point.

“I’d also like to say thank you to Team GB for some amazing friendships made and the incredible kindness and support shared. I love the feeling of being European Champion!”

Fellow Ringwood Kickboxing coach Sarah Sillience added, “The whole club community would like to say how proud we are of Liz. “She’s an inspiration to us all and her achievements are simply brilliant.

“We would also like to thank her for her love, support, commitment, dedication and friendship that she gives to our children and all of us at the club, she makes it the success that it is.”

Liz has been British Champion in her category since 2016 – except in 2019 when she took time out for her pregnancy. She teaches at ringwoodkickboxing.co.uk