Wow. Just… wow.
Every event we attend fills us with pride but this weekend in France was something truly special. The HKA Fight Team travelled across the channel, stepped straight into our opponents’ home turf, and delivered one of the strongest collective performances we’ve ever had abroad. And make no mistake, the French fighters did not make it easy for us.
This trip was packed with heart, grit, and world-class martial arts. Here’s how our fighters brought the heat and came home with a clean sweep.
Mehran — International Debut, Total Control
First up was Mehran, stepping into the ring for his first ever international light-contact bout. You’d never have known it. From the first bell, he looked like he’d been competing on the European circuit for years.
Using his long reach to full advantage (honestly, he’s all limbs at this point), Mehran kept his opponent exactly where he wanted him, at range and on the back foot. He followed the game plan flawlessly: calm, sharp, and controlled across all three rounds.
He even snuck in a cheeky clinch (earning a very French, very theatrical warning), but the job was done. Win secured.
Massive respect goes to his opponent as well, a tough, game fighter who refused to be intimidated by the height difference. A brilliant match to start the night.
Fyn Williams — First International Fight, First Belt
Next in the ring was Fyn Williams, taking on a local French fighter who came out ready for war. This was Fyn’s first time competing abroad, and the pressure was high from the moment he stepped onto the mat.
The opening round saw Fyn working to find his rhythm, but once he settled in, everything clicked. His timing sharpened, his confidence grew, and he began to dominate the exchanges.
By Round Two he’d turned the tide completely, forcing a standing eight count. By Round Three? The momentum was fully his, and so was the title belt.
This was a huge moment for Fyn:
First international win, first title, and absolute proof of how far hard work and consistency can take you.
Jake Payne — Injured, Underdone, Unstoppable
Last up was Jake Payne, and this fight came with a story.
Jake had been carrying injuries for two weeks leading into the event, barely any pad work, barely any sparring. Ten days before the fight, he was advised to pull out. His response?
“No chance. I’ll fight one-armed and one-legged if I have to.”
That tells you everything about Jake.
What followed were three rounds of absolute war. His opponent was strong, technical, relentless, the kind of fighter who just keeps coming. But Jake’s ring craft, experience, and unbreakable mindset shone through.
Flying knees.
Spinning kicks.
Heavy roundhouses.
A full arsenal of shots that would have stopped most people.
Despite the fatigue from missed training time, Jake dug deep and pushed through the final round with pure heart. When the decision was called, he walked away with HKA’s third belt of the night.
An exceptional performance from a true machine.
A Huge Thank You to Our French Family
We want to extend our gratitude to Fabrice Garnier, Anthony Duchene, and the entire FKR team and family. Every time we visit France, we’re welcomed not as visitors but as part of the community, supported, respected, and always guaranteed a good laugh.
These events aren’t just about fighting. They’re about building friendships, sharing knowledge, and growing the international kickboxing family together.
Three Wins, Lifelong Memories, and Experience Money Can’t Buy
The HKA team travelled to France, fought with heart, and returned home with respect, experience, and three new belts for the shelf. But more importantly, they came back with lessons, confidence, and memories that will stay with them for life.
Another unforgettable chapter for HKA and definitely not the last.
Till next time, France…
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