World Champion Kickboxer Builds Center of Excellence at Former Bingo Venue

_{World champion kickboxer Tennessee Randall demonstrates a striking technique inside her new martial arts center in Llanelli, Wales. (Image: Alan Evans)}

In Llanelli, Wales, a town known for producing snooker legend Terry Griffiths, another world champion is making her mark. Tennessee Randall, a two-time world kickboxing champion and European champion, has competed across the globe and often emerged victorious.

Now, with help from her father, Leigh, and local businessman Neil O’Brien, Randall has taken over a former social club where bingo, poker and karaoke once ruled. She has turned it into a state-of-the-art martial arts training center aimed at producing future champions.

On Sunday, June 29, crowds lined up outside the old car factory social club for its official reopening. Children and adults filled the space within minutes. 

The building once echoed with the hushed hope of bingo players awaiting the snowball prize. Now it thunders with the sound of kickboxers in training. 

_{High kicks over high-stakes bingo. (Image: Alan Evans)}

Pints and cigarettes have given way to healthy drinks and superfoods. The beer-stained tables are gone, replaced by modern equipment designed to bring out the best in those coached by Randall and her team.

Despite her success and new business venture, Randall told Casinos.com that she faces financial obstacles in a sport that remains outside the Olympic spotlight. From Llanelli to Las Vegas, kickboxing continues to grow in popularity as a sport and a fitness option.

Funding Challenges in a Non-Olympic Sport

Randall attributes the lack of financial support to kickboxing’s exclusion from the Olympic Games.

“I think from a government’s perspective, because kickboxing isn’t in the Olympics, that is probably the main barrier to getting funding,” she told Casinos.com.

The International Olympic Committee granted kickboxing full recognition in 2021, but the sport was not included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, despite public support.

Unlike athletes in more prominent sports, Randall does not receive prize money for her competitions.

“We don’t get any prize money,” she said. While some major promotions, such as ONE Championship, offer purses, those opportunities remain limited and out of reach for many fighters.

Balancing Act: Athlete, Academic and Entrepreneur

To support her career, Randall works full time, pursues a Ph.D. in psychology and manages her training schedule. She recently secured a sponsorship from Top Ten, a leading kickboxing equipment brand, which helps with gear but falls short of covering the cost of competing in the world championships in Abu Dhabi later this year.

_{Randall is preparing for the world championships in Abu Dhabi. (Image: Alan Evans)}

Her new training center also serves as a platform to develop local talent.

“We want to get more people in through the door and provide, not just for me, but more opportunities for them as well,” she said.

The facility plans to offer programs to local schools and the wider community.

Advocating for Kickboxing’s Broader Role

Randall sees kickboxing as more than a form of physical exercise.

“Kickboxing doesn’t just benefit you physically but mentally as well,” she said. She believes the sport fosters resilience, discipline and community support qualities vital for personal growth.

She hopes kickboxing will one day become part of public health initiatives.

“Instead of prescribing pills and drugs, you send people, you pay for the cost for this, and you’re going to get a fit, healthy person,” she said.

Family Support and Community Focus

Randall credits her family with helping her reach the top.

“My family have been instrumental. I wouldn’t be here today without them,” she said. Her parents and grandparents have supported her throughout her career, traveling to tournaments and training events.

_{The old hall now echoes with champions in the making. (Image: Alan Evans)}

Through her new facility, Randall wants to give back. She offers training and mentorship for people of all ages and goals.

“Whether you want to be the next world champion or just want to get fit, I will be behind you every step of the way,” she said.

Looking Ahead

Randall remains open to new paths within the sport, including coaching and mentoring. “I just want to take whatever opportunity I can get,” she said.

Her recent win at London’s O2 Arena shows her continued drive to compete at the highest level and grow the sport.

She encourages anyone facing bullying or low self-esteem to consider kickboxing as an outlet. “Just believe in yourself as well. Believe that you can do anything that you want to do,” she said.