A FORMER world kickboxing champion is ‘excited’ to be back up and running but says more should have been done during the ‘difficult times’.

Russ Williams, who runs gyms in Caerwys and Wrexham, said he is looking forward to welcoming back clients and restarting sessions, but said rules should be the same across the borders.

He said: “I was disappointed with the Welsh Government in March as they let hairdressers open and gave them the same funding as us but let them open March 15 and we are closed until now with no extra support.

“They even let tattoo parlours open before us which I couldn't believe as they are right next to the clients and we can keep at a distance.

“It’s been a difficult time and now still won't be able to get as many students in as needed because of their restrictions on a maximum of 15.

“Being fit and keeping your weight down is one of the best methods of fighting covid. Our big gym in Wrexham town centre is well ventilated and before the first lockdown we were getting up to 100 students per night.

“I’m looking forward to the classes but as I say it’s a real pain with the restricted numbers. We should be the same as just across the border where if you can socially distance it’s fine.

“Gyms in England have been allowed to open since April 12 and with us being near the border we lost some potential customers with them going to gyms in England.

“There are also no restrictions with numbers in England as long as everyone is able to keep their distance.”

However, Russ said he was ‘cheered up’ when he received the good news that he was gaining a new sponsorship.

After all the bad news over the past year, the former World Kickboxing champion said he was ‘over the moon’ to have been presented with a new Mercedes GLC AMG Hybrid Coupe by Brandon Olsen the Business Manager and Carwyn Edwards the Sales Executive at Mercedes Benz in Llandudno.

The new car has personalised number plates.

Russ was recognised for the determination he had in becoming World Kickboxing Champion at three different weights and for all the good he does for the community, helping to set up instructors throughout North Wales also for all the money he's raised for charities.

The former kickboxing champion works tirelessly helping victims of abuse and bullying as well as helping students to control their emotions.

Before the pandemic, Russ, who travels to teach seminars, was in Ukraine and Thailand teaching those less fortunate.

Brandon & Carwyn were ‘impressed’ with the charity work Russ has done over the years, helping to raise over £150,000 to local, national and international causes including the MS Society, Hyperbaric Oxygen Centre and Cancer Research UK.

Russ, who was the first person to learn, fight, teach and promote the arts of Thai and Kickboxing in Wales, said he was thrilled with the new sponsorship which was his dream since he started in the sports as a youngster.

He added: “I really appreciate and have much admiration for all the health and essential workers that kept working through the pandemic.

“My problems pale to insignificance to what they and other people have gone through hard work in full PPE and losing friends and family members.

“I have been very lucky and grateful that have not had anyone close suffered badly with the virus.”