RIP Jez Hall

It is with great sadness that we report the untimely passing of the man that brought kickboxing to Lincoln Jez Hall.

Jez was one of the driving forces behind Lincoln’s Still Kickboxing Club, one of the worlds most feared fighting gyms of all time.

Jez was instrumental in the development of kickboxing, not only in Lincoln, but Great Britain in the 1980’s, putting the small city of Lincoln on the sporting map and creating kickboxing superstars such as Trevor ‘TNT’ Tacy (2 x World Champion, Intercontinental, European, Commonwealth, UK and British), Lee ‘The Butcher’ Swaby (2 x Undefeated WKA World Champion, Intercontinental, European, UK and British Champion) David ‘Titch’ Marshall (UK and British Champion, undefeated in 49 fights), Rob Fulton (WKA and ISKA British Champion), Gary Mulhall (PKA British Champion), Dave ‘The Stalker’ Walker, Toni Taylor (Ladies undefeated world WKA Champion), Richard ‘Action’ Jackson and Paul ‘Mambo’ Marshall.   Jez Hall’s famous words were “Our fighters·will fight, anywhere and anytime”.

The club moved to Monson Street, Lincoln and was known as Chikara Martial Arts, this where two 12 year olds met Jez and began their illustrious kickboxing careers, winning many titles, fighting all over the world before eventually opening there own academy.

Lincoln Fight Factory owner Shawn Burton spoke about his sad loss, “I really am lost for words.  Jez to me is a true legend.  I owe so much to him, without Jez’s guidance and inspiration the Lincoln Fight Factory would not exist today.”

“He was a kind and charming man who treated everyone like his own family.  He was my first boss when he employed me and Aaron to work in his car wash on a Saturday morning when we were kids.  He got Aaron to teach in schools, Aaron still says this was his best ever job and he even got my Grandad a job promoting shows for him.  My family owe Jez a lot.”

“I remember Jez as a fantastic coach, technically he was the best I ever worked with.  He took a very scientific approach to his teaching, he was so passionate about the sport you could see how much he loved helping others.  You don’t get a coach like Jez everyday.”

“Over the last 12 years I have really got a chance to know Jez and me and Aaron became great friends with him, we owe him so much, he will be missed.”

“Jez will be missed by everyone at Lincoln KBA as a friend, as a coach, as a brother.”

Aaron was quoted as saying, “I hope you watch over Shawn’s and my careers Jez as we will aim to make you proud, we know you still love us and we know your still going to be with us.  See you soon boss!”

Rest in Peace Jez, our thoughts and prayers go out the Ghail and the family.

RIP JEZ HALL – A TRUE KICKBOXING LEGEND