Grantham teenager Charlie Digan’s dedication pays off with double gold-medal return to British kickboxing

Charlie Digan, a rising star in British kickboxing from Grantham, continues to make headlines with double gold success.

With two major championship victories in just a few weeks, the 16-year-old has firmly established himself as a future world champion in the making.

Digan and Team Prestige travelled to Worcester to compete in the WKU English Open Championships, entering the highly competitive under-55kg advanced points fighting category.

In an outstanding display of skill and determination, he defeated the current WKU world champion to secure gold.

This victory not only showcased his elite abilities but also earned him a place on Team England for the WKU World Championships in Germany later this year.

Digan may not be travelling to Germany alone, as another Team Prestige fighter, Charlie Baxter, 12, from Wollaton, has also won the opportunity to be selected for Team England by securing silver and bronze at the WKU English Open.

This achievement highlights the depth of talent at Prestige Martial Arts and further cements the club’s reputation on the national stage.

Digan continued his incredible run of form at the WAKO GB British Kickboxing Championships in Nottingham, where he competed in the under-52kg advanced continuous category.

Once again, he demonstrated his adaptability and resilience, securing another gold medal.

This result puts him in contention for a spot on Team GB for the WAKO European Championships in Portugal later this year.

Digan said: “I’ve made a lot of sacrifices over the past six months to get to this point, and I’m determined to become a WAKO European and world champion in the near future.”

Digan’s rise to success is no accident.

A student at The King’s School in Grantham, he dedicates himself to rigorous training sessions multiple times a week at Prestige Martial Arts in Nottingham - and soon, in Grantham as well.

He is coached by two of the sport’s finest mentors, his father, Trevor Digan, a former WKC world champion, and William Taylor, one of Britain’s most accomplished kickboxers and coaches.

Taylor was part of Team GB for over a decade, where he dominated his divisions and won every major honour at the highest levels of the sport, including WAKO World, European, and British Championships.

After an illustrious competitive career, he has dedicated the past 10 years to coaching, achieving remarkable success with his students.

More than just an exceptional coach, Taylor is a mentor, instilling discipline, confidence, and a champion’s mindset in those he trains. His guidance has played a pivotal role in shaping Digan into the fighter he is today.

Prestige Martial Arts hold weekly classes at the West Bridgford School on Friday evenings.

Additionally, they are launching weekly classes at Target Martial Arts, in Hollis Road, Grantham, open to anyone five and over, starting on Thursday, March 13.

For more information or to book a session, contact head coach Will Taylor at 07900 856121 or visit any of Prestige Martial Arts’ social media platforms.