A Parent’s Perspective: The Sandee Junior Novice Open
Watching your child train, grow, and fall in love with combat sports is powerful. But watching them step into the ring—under lights, in front of a crowd, chasing something they’ve worked tirelessly for—is a completely different kind of emotion.
The recent Sandee Junior Novice Open in Co Durham was filled with unforgettable moments, not just for the young athletes competing, but for the parents standing ringside, holding their breath with every round. Here are four parent perspectives that perfectly capture what the day meant to families involved.
Adi “The Baddie” – A Mum’s Story
Our son, Adison, aka “Adi the Baddie,” recently competed in the Sandee Novice Open, and it was a day we will never forget. In the lead-up to the event, Adison trained relentlessly with his fight team at Aberdeen Muay Thai (AMT), committing to training four to five times a week and giving everything to the sport he loves. He was incredibly excited to travel to Durham and compete on such a big show.
“Watching your child chase their dream is emotional—but watching them step into the ring is something else entirely.”
On arrival, Adison was calm, confident, and full of excitement. As parents, though, our nerves were all over the place—we knew just how much winning meant to him. While waiting for his fight, he watched the other competitors with admiration, taking everything in before it was finally his turn.
As he walked toward the ring, his focus was clear. His goal was to win the iconic Sandee Champion glove, previously claimed by fighters he looks up to, including Rudy da Silva and Jaxon Ritchie—and he did exactly that.
“Seeing his hand raised and the smile on his face was a moment we will treasure forever.”
That first win proved that his hard work and dedication at Aberdeen Muay Thai truly paid off.
Now, we’re already looking ahead to the next challenge, with plans to travel to Barnsley as the journey continues. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Adi the Baddie.
Thank you to everyone who organises the iconic Sandee Novice Open for such an amazing and memorable day.
Ollie – A Mum’s View from Scotland
As soon as Ollie found out about the Sandee Novice Open, he knew he wanted to compete.
“Being the only junior from his gym heightened my nerves—but they were quickly put to ease by how welcoming everyone was.”
Being the only junior attending from his gym in Scotland definitely heightened my nerves at the outset, but those worries were quickly put to ease once we arrived. Everyone involved was so welcoming, the event was very well organised, and the atmosphere made it a brilliant day from start to finish.
Ollie was absolutely buzzing. He went on to secure the win against a great opponent who showed fantastic sportsmanship throughout.
“The event was brilliantly organised, and the support shown to the juniors made all the difference.”
As a parent, it was reassuring to see such professionalism, support, and care shown to all the juniors. A big thank you to the organisers for their hospitality and support—it made all the difference.
Isobel – Belief, Preparation, and Pride
Isobel started her journey into martial arts at just five years old after buying a pair of boxing gloves while out shopping with her dad. From the first time she put them on, it was clear she could throw a mean left hook.
“From the moment she put the gloves on, it was clear Isobel had something special.”
We signed her up for kickboxing classes, and after a few sessions it was obvious she had more to give. That’s when we discovered Evolution Muay Thai, coached by former World and British Champions Peter Crooke and Reece Crooke. Isobel now trains three days a week at the gym, with extra sessions at home—she has a genuine love for the sport.
She took part in her first interclub in September 2025 and entered her first competition at the ISKA British Open in November 2025, coming second place in both Muay Thai and K1.
When the opportunity arose to enter the Sandee Northern Novice Championships in Chilton, Isobel was asked if she wanted to take part. Her answer was a definite yes.
Training increased in the run-up to the event, including one-to-one sessions with Reece Crooke to improve stamina and technique. We travelled up the night before and started fight day early, fuelled by a breakfast of champions—Nutella pancakes and fruit.
From the moment we arrived, the event was run with professionalism and clear communication. The staff were welcoming, and the warm-up area gave Isobel time to prepare as we anxiously waited for her fight to be called.
Her opponent was Ketrin from Relentless Martial Arts in Mullingar, Ireland, a previous Irish Sandee Open winner—so we knew this wouldn’t be an easy fight.
After the first two rounds, Isobel settled into her rhythm, mixing combinations with confidence and showcasing excellent teeps, strong kicks, and effective clinch work. When the decision went her way and the prestigious Sandee glove was awarded, she couldn’t have been happier.
“Winning the Sandee glove was incredible—but seeing her apply everything she’d learned made us even prouder.”
As parents, we were incredibly proud—not just of the win, but of how she applied everything she’d learned through previous competitions.
“It’s never easy not knowing who your child will face, but believing in them is everything.”
It’s never easy not knowing who your child will be up against, but the most important thing is believing in them, supporting them through wins and losses, and making sure they always enjoy the journey.
Alayah – Strength, Inclusion, and One Family
From the moment our daughter Alayah was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of two, followed by confirmation of two other rare brain conditions, we knew she was special. Even then, she was already defying the odds.
There were always questions—“would she ever?”—but Alayah answers those every single day.
“You do things your way—and you amaze us every single day.”
With weakness down her left side and tight muscles on her right, she has faced challenges others may never know. Yet less than a year into the sport, she was matched for her first fight on the Sandee Novice Open —a moment we could hardly believe.
There was never any doubt which gym we wanted her to join. Gaz Phoenix Thai and Tom Brown at Phoenix Thai Boxing, Shildon put their all into every child they coach. Alayah has never been treated differently—she’s pushed when she needs pushing, praised when she deserves it, and supported every step of the way.
“She’s never been treated differently—just supported, pushed, and believed in.”
The gym truly lives by the hashtag #OneFamily. The children, parents, and coaches lift each other up, cheer for one another, and create something truly special. Alayah has made beautiful friendships, gained confidence, and found a place where she belongs.
And a final message from parent to parent: "to my husband, Kieran Scott —thank you for all the time, effort (and money 😂) you put into the sport. Without you, she wouldn’t be doing what she loves"
More Than Just Competition
“The Sandee Junior Novice Open is about more than winning—it’s about growth, courage, and unforgettable moments for families.”
The Sandee Junior Novice Open isn’t just about results—it’s about development, courage, sportsmanship, and unforgettable experiences for young fighters and their families.
From All of Us at Sandee
At Sandee, we’re incredibly proud to create platforms where young fighters can grow, challenge themselves, and take their first steps on the competitive stage in a safe, supportive, and professional environment.
The safety and wellbeing of every junior athlete is always our highest priority. From matched experience levels and strict rulesets to qualified officials, medical presence, and clear safeguarding standards, everything we do is designed to ensure young fighters are protected while they develop confidence, discipline, and respect for the sport.
Events like the Junior Novice Open are not just about wins and gloves—they’re about learning, character-building, and the memories that families carry with them long after the final bell rings.
To the parents who trust us with their children, thank you. Your support, belief, and commitment behind the scenes are just as important as the work done in the gym. To the coaches, officials, volunteers, and organisers—your passion and dedication make these events possible.
And to every junior who stepped into the ring: be proud. Whether you won, learned, or simply found the courage to compete, you showed heart—and that’s what truly matters.
We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.
— Sandee 🥊
