Medal haul for Boxing Squad Antibes at the French Youth MMA Championships

It's a fast-growing discipline, growing at a rapid pace, especially among young people: MMA (mixed martial arts in French). The success of the UFC and the popularity of social media mean that more and more fighters under the age of 10 want to practice the sport of Cyril Gane, Nassourdine Imavov, Benoit Saint-Denis, or Manon Fiorot from Nice.

This is the case at Boxing Squad Antibes where more than a hundred practitioners, from 4 to 17 years old, tread the octagon (the cage), coached by Kelly Molinery Abou (assisted by Charlotte Martin-Riche): "I have been training a team of young people since the start of the school year and we have just returned from the first French junior MMA championship. A historic first on a national scale, in which our small local team proudly participated. Our young fighters, all from Antibes and the surrounding area, have shown remarkable progress this season and have risen to the highest levels."

Two French champions

Like the French champion title for Matisse Serra Niblett Dorington (14 years old) and Kenzo Cocilovo (16 years old). Silver for Naomie Barail (16 years old), bronze for Kaysar Madaoui (14 years old) and a 4th place for Sacha Gerard Benhaim (17 years old).

"We hoped to come back with at least two gold medals, and we did it! I'm satisfied. Now we're waiting for the selections scheduled for July 22 for the European and World Championships. Matisse, who dominated her category all season, could join the French team, along with others."

"A real message of hope for local sport"

At Boxing Squad, competition is important, but that's not all. All levels are welcome, especially among young people, with a majority of girls, contrary to popular belief.

"Beyond the results, it's a real message of hope for local sport, the emerging discipline of MMA among young people, and the educational values carried by this practice ," says Kelly Molinery Abou. "With us, the children adapt to others. The more experienced ones want to pass on their knowledge, to manage their strength against beginners, for example. That's the spirit of the club."

All summer long, the club organizes courses for all levels from 8 years old, a great opportunity to discover the discipline... and to let off steam.

Boxing Squad Antibes (103 boulevard Beau-Rivage). Contact Kelly at 07.66.06.10.97.