Phillips set for Olympics
Over the years he has won numerous titles, including the South African Championships 26 times, All African Games and bronze at the World Combat Games.
Xtreme Kickboxing Technologies’ (XKT) Sensei Ryan Phillips has his eyes set on achieving his life ambition of going to the Olympic Games.
The Brakpan man has recently learned that his beloved kickboxing will be included in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Phillips has been involved in the sport since the age of three.
Over the years he has won numerous titles, including the South African Championships 26 times, All African Games and bronze at the World Combat Games.
“The sport gave me a lot of opportunities to see the world,” he said.
The 28-year-old kickboxing star also admits that he had an advantage growing up.
“I was home schooled so I had more freedom to focus on the sport,” he says.
“I was never restricted by school so I could write a test a day early if I had to travel for championships. I could also afford to train three times a day.”
Phillips also teaches students alongside his father Shian Raymond.
When asked what he prefers between being trained and teaching kickboxing students he makes a point that shows how much he dominated the sport in the country.
“As a kickboxer, I reached a point of stagnation as I had won 26 national titles in a row,” he said.
“I’m trying to get that passion back because now there is a chance of going to the Olympics. So I want to reach that goal and I think with my skill and technique I can reach it.”
The sensei has often ended his semi-contact fights, which were scheduled for two rounds, in one round as he gets so far ahead of his opponents that the fight would get stopped.
His road towards Paris will start this weekend where he hopes qualifying for the national team will help him get into position to fight at the All Africa Games which could see him qualify for the Olympics.
As a trainer, Phillips not only teaches students at XKT but he also manages 10-year-old gym Vitafit, which helps him with his training.
“I do a bit of weight training there and a bit of cardio,” he said.
Phillips has not competed in the South African Championships since 2018 and he will be looking to pick up where he left off.
