Today, September 12th, marks a significant anniversary for ProKick’s head coach, Billy Murray! 🎉 Thirty-five years ago, at just 31, he clinched his first professional World Kickboxing title by defeating the “unbeatable” Richard Hill for the welterweight 67.7kg crown. Fast forward to today, and Billy is battling a different kind of fight—one for his personal health. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to expanding the incredible work ProKick is known for, especially with the completion of the new ProKick HQ.  🥊✨

His incredible journey from a bullied schoolboy to capturing his first amateur Ulster title in 1982, and then clinching his first professional world title in 1989, mirrors the recent path he’s taken to ensure ProKick's future shines brighter than ever. After suffering a setback against Richard Hill, Murray refused to be defeated. If you know anything about him, you understand that he’s not one to back down easily. Becoming a world champion was his dream, and he was determined to make it a reality. When the chance to face Hill in a packed Ulster Hall presented itself, Murray seized the moment with unwavering resolve. Fuelled by his fierce determination and undeniable talent, his victory launched him into a spectacular kickboxing career, where he would go on to capture world titles across four different weight classes.

What Billy Murray and ProKick have achieved over the years is nothing short of extraordinary! He has masterfully blended winning world titles with promoting numerous LIVE televised events from Belfast, training thousands in the art of kickboxing, and guiding countless individuals toward a healthier lifestyle—both mind and body—all without much official funding.

In the turbulent 70s and 80s, Northern Ireland made headlines for all the wrong reasons, yet Murray's name emerged as a beacon of hope for the island. His kickboxing events drew fight fans even amid the Troubles, reminding the world that good news still existed. The ProKick gym became a sanctuary, offering refuge from the ongoing turmoil, where politics and religion faded away. In this ‘spit and sawdust’ space, kickboxing ‘the ProKick way’ transformed into a powerful uniting force for the community.

That truth holds strong even today! ProKick’s motto, “Never Give Up, Hard Work Pays Off,” reflects Murray’s own lifestyle. At 66 years ‘young,’ he’s still nearly at the same weight he was when he first stepped into the ring against Richard Hill 35 years ago! Murray leads up to 20 classes a week, pushing ProKick’s current champions through intense training sessions daily.

Year after year, ProKick shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the community. Murray is confident that kickboxing offers something essential for everyone in 2024: “Life today comes with so much stress. When people walk through the gym doors, they can leave their worries behind and channel their energy into training. Plus, while there’s worry about young people and too much screen time, we see teens dedicating hours each day to training and becoming part of our vibrant team and community here at ProKick.”

35 years on, Murray is still intent on producing good news stories from Belfast. Sit down with him for a cup of tea or more likely, his favourite bowl of porridge and he will recount copious stories of lives positively impacted through kickboxing. 

Over the last 50 years, the achievements and accomplishments of Billy Murray and ProKick have been vast. No matter what life throws up, the ProKick spirit remains “Never give up - and that Hard work pays off.”