A thriving martial arts school is continuing to flourish as it prepares to stage a show in its hometown that includes international competitors and a "massive" European title fight.

The H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai Lowestoft gym and martial arts school has just completed a major expansion ahead of staging a special show in Lowestoft next month which will feature a WBC European title bout.

Lowestoft Journal: The show poster. Picture: H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai LowestoftThe show poster. Picture: H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai Lowestoft (Image: H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai Lowestoft)

And for former world champion kickboxer Bin Tyler, it promises to be an evening not to be missed.

Mr Tyler, who set up his own gym and martial arts school back in 2019, the club's stature continues to rapidly rise as its gym in Unit 5 on Battery Green Road in Lowestoft has just undergone a major transformation.

Initially established with a group of around six members, the club now caters for dozens of children throughout the week - with training sessions for beginners to elite fighters, and adult fighters.

Mr Tyler said: "The expansion is awesome.

"Now we can offer bigger classes and new classes in the new space as there is more room."

With the gym featuring Thai boxing and boxing, many children and adults are continuing to compete each weekend with national titles having been won.

Mr Tyler's talented twin daughters Mimi and Mila Tyler are still shining internationally as they have represented England at the WBC Muay Thai World Youth Games in Canada and at the World Muay Thai Federation (WMF) championships in Thailand.

Lowestoft Journal: Mimi and Mila Tyler preparing for the WBC World Championships in Thailand 2024. Picture: H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai LowestoftMimi and Mila Tyler preparing for the WBC World Championships in Thailand 2024. Picture: H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai Lowestoft (Image: H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai Lowestoft)

The pair - who both attend Hobart High School in Loddon - have also fought in Italy, and are due to compete in the WBC World Championships in Thailand next year.

But next month Mimi will be facing her toughest challenge yet in her hometown of Lowestoft.

For she will fight French champion Melivanh Houel in a prestigious WBC European title fight at Water Lane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft on Saturday, December 9.

Mimi will compete against the Naga Muay Thai fighter from France, in a bout for the vacant belt in the 14-16 age group, 45kg and under category.

Mr Tyler said: "Its a massive one.

"To be having a French fighter come over to Lowestoft to compete for the WBC Muay Thai European title, well it is a major belt.

"She is the French champion, we are the British champion - the girl has had 30-plus fights, but we are ready.

"It is a boost for everyone to host a prestigious fight like this - what is a first for the area.

"Mimi is training four or five times a week in the gym, going running every day and is doing really well."

Lowestoft Journal: Club members of H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai Lowestoft. Picture: H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai LowestoftClub members of H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai Lowestoft. Picture: H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai Lowestoft (Image: H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai Lowestoft)

Of the show next month, Mr Tyler said: "Its going to be a big one, with lots of bouts, fighters from all over the country as well as competitors from Italy, Portugal and France."

Tickets are now on sale via 07739 987 604, which is also the contact for further details about H̄odr̂āy Muay Thai Lowestoft.