Est. 1976 · Bethnal Green, London

OUR STORY

From church halls to championship rings. Nearly five decades of building champions and community in East London.

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Where It All Began

FORGED IN
CHURCH HALLS

KO Boxing Academy was established by Bill Judd in 1976, beginning as a group of friends training Muay Thai and Kickboxing in church halls across London. What started as a passion project among mates would grow into one of Britain's first comprehensive Muay Thai and kickboxing training centres.

Over the decades, the academy moved through some of London's most iconic locations before finding its permanent home in the railway arches of Bethnal Green.

Bill Judd

Founder & Head Coach

Our History

THE TIMELINE

1976

The Beginning

Bill Judd and a group of friends begin training Muay Thai and Kickboxing in church halls across London.

Late 1970s

Covent Garden

The group moves into a proper sports hall in Covent Garden, establishing a more structured training environment.

1980s

Expansion

Training expands through multiple locations: Grays Essex gym, the iconic Lonsdale gym on Carnaby Street, and Walthamstow.

1990s

East London Roots

The academy establishes itself in East London, first at Tottenham sports centre, then Pundersons Gardens in Bethnal Green.

Early 2000s

Bancroft Road

KO finds its permanent home in the iconic railway arches at 186 Bancroft Road, Bethnal Green, where it remains to this day.

The Man Behind KO

COACH BILL JUDD

Bill Judd comes from a sporting lineage, trained in judo, Kung Fu, and boxing from childhood. He holds a BASC degree in sports science, bringing an academic rigour to his coaching methodology that sets KO apart.

His encounter with Muay Thai during a formative trip to Thailand in the 1970s deeply influenced his philosophy. There he came to appreciate both the physical and spiritual dimensions of martial arts, a duality that remains central to KO's approach today.

“Purpose is to make a difference, to overcome obstacles.”
- Bill Judd

His personal mission has always been clear: “making my fighters better than me”. With over 35 world champions coached across multiple disciplines, that mission has been realised time and again.

Notable Athletes

Sak NayagamKelly BerryWillie BassagaRuqsana Begum

Bill Judd - Founder & Head Coach of KO Combat Academy

35+

World Champions

48+

Years Coaching

SPIRIT

What We Stand For

OUR PHILOSOPHY

“
Be the best you can be as a martial artist and as a person
”

BODY & SPIRIT

We balance physical training with spiritual development. Martial arts is not just about fighting. It is about becoming a better person.

ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Remaining humble and approachable. Everyone is welcome regardless of gender, background, shape, colour, country and creed.

COMMUNITY FIRST

Not just a gym, a community. We provide free youth lessons in Tower Hamlets, giving back to the neighbourhood that shaped us.

WORLD-CLASS STANDARDS

Our structured syllabi are designed for measurable advancement. We prioritise world-leading training and champion-level coaching.

STAY TOUCHABLE

No egos, no barriers. Our coaches remain accessible and grounded, building genuine relationships with every member who walks through the door.

OVERCOME OBSTACLES

Purpose is to make a difference. We equip our members with discipline, resilience and self-belief that extends far beyond the ring.

By The Numbers

OUR LEGACY

35+

World Champions

Years Training

5000+

Sq Ft Facility

Boxing Rings

One of Britain's first comprehensive Muay Thai/kickboxing training centres

35+ world champions across multiple combat disciplines

Promoted major UK events at York Hall, Ilford Palais & The Hippodrome

Where We Train

OUR FACILITIES

5,000+ Sq Ft

Expansive training space across the Bancroft Road arches

3 Boxing Rings

Full-size rings for sparring, pad work and competition preparation

16 Heavy Bags

Two dedicated bag areas for striking drills and conditioning

Functional Fitness

Cardio, weights, kettlebells and pull-up bars for S&C training

Full Amenities

Changing rooms, showers and wheelchair accessible facilities

Bethnal Green

186 Bancroft Road, E1 4ET, in the heart of East London

JOIN

Be Part Of Our Story

JOIN THE
FAMILY

Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned fighter, there's a place for you at KO. Come train with us and discover what nearly 50 years of martial arts excellence feels like.

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