Linda and Nigel Baxter presented with Lifetime Achievement in Martial Arts Awards by Kickboxing GB

On Saturday 5^th July, Evolution Martial Arts attended the Kickboxing GB Awards Evening hosted at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre. The evening was fantastic, and it was an honour for our coaches to be recognised with such a high achievement.

We are beyond proud to announce that Linda Baxter and Nigel Baxter, our dedicated coaches and long-standing mentors, were each presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards in Martial Arts. This honour reflects the many years of commitment to Evolution Martial Arts that both Linda and Nigel have given to our club, the wider community and the National Kickboxing GB Team.

Nigel and Linda Baxter with their Lifetime Achievement in Martial Arts Awards

For over 15 years, Linda Baxter has served as Head Coach at Evolution Martial Arts in Boston, Lincolnshire. Since 2008, Linda has selflessly volunteered her time, coaching athletes and mentoring individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Her influence reaches far beyond kickboxing techniques – she has been able to help many people develop confidence, self-belief, and the strength to achieve goals both on and off the mat.

Alongside Linda, Nigel Baxter has been a pillar of Evolution Martial Arts. Nigel is a Coach of Evolution Martial Arts and supports the club in many aspects both on and off the mats.

Linda and Nigel’s dedication to Evolution Martial Arts has helped Boston athletes represent Great Britain at European and World Championships, earning major titles and making the town proud. But perhaps more impactful are the achievements of many members off the mat: helping young people access university, medical school, apprenticeships, and new job opportunities—things they never thought possible without Linda and Nigel’s support.

Both Linda and Nigel have been part of the Kickboxing GB Coaching Team supporting the GB Team for almost 10 years. As part of this role, Linda and Nigel have been part of important national committees, assist in the Kickboxing GB training and have supported the team at World and European Championships. Linda and Nigel have been a key factor in many Kickboxing GB athletes’ journeys particularly before important matches in the warmup area where they are always there for the athletes and coaches alike.  

Together, at Evolution Martial Arts Linda and Nigel have created a club culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and empowering—a place where people of all backgrounds come not just to train, but to belong.

We are beyond proud of our incredible coaches of Linda and Nigel for being presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards in Martial Arts - truly deserved which I’m sure all of our members and parents at Evolution Martial Arts will echo!

Alongside this fantastic achievement of Linda and Nigel, Izabela Kusyk was also presented with 3rd in the overall veterans’ category across the last two years at this presentation evening by the Kickboxing GB Team. Congratulations Izabela!

Izabela Kusyk being presented with 3rd in the overall veterans’ category

Following these amazing achievements, we look forward to the remainder of the year at Evolution Martial Arts especially with four of our athletes having been selected to represent Kickboxing GB at the upcoming European Championships.