An 11-year-old Filipino-British boy has been raising the Philippine flag in the world of kickboxing this year. Alister Morrell won gold in the Ken-do (point-fighting hands only) 9-11 years group in the World Kickboxing Organisation (WKO) European championships held in May. He also won bronze in the point fighting category.
In August, he advanced to the World Championships where he won silver medal in the Ken-do (point fighting hands only) for his age group.
Born and raised in Leeds, Alister has been kickboxing since the age of four, training at Roche Martial Arts in Rothwell. This year, his journey took a deeply personal turn as he chose to compete under the Philippine flag to honour his heritage and dedicate his efforts to his family in the Philippines.
“I wanted to do it for my Lola (grandmother in Filipino), Lolo (grandfather in Filipino), and all my Filipino family,” Alister said with pride, reflecting on his decision to represent the Philippines in the WKO circuit.
Currently ranked third in the world, Alister recently achieved the prestigious milestone of earning a black belt in kickboxing.
Alister’s mother, Janice, was originally from Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, in the southern Philippines. She works as a carer and admits it is hard to watch her son compete because she’s worried about him. But she shares the pride of her family in the Philippines. “They’re all so proud to see him do well,” she said.
His father, Craig, a quarrying manager from Leeds, expresses his admiration for his son’s hard work and perseverance. “We’re so proud of Alister’s achievements; he always gives his best,” he said.
Alister’s favourite Filipino dish is chicken adobo and when not in the gym training or competing, he enjoys acting in school plays and drawing.
