From Young Student to World Championship Silver Medallist: Lilia’s Incredible Journey

From an enthusiastic eight year-old beginner to representing TEAM ENGLAND on the world stage, Lilia Matthias is a fantastic example of what can happen when young people are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to fulfil their potential.

We couldn’t be prouder of Lilia, who recently travelled to Spain to compete at the Kickboxing World Championships, representing England against some of the best fighters in the world.

And she didn’t just make up the numbers. Lilia returned home with a Silver medal for England!

But her story is about so much more than a medal.

A journey that started at Storm

Lilia first joined Storm Family Martial Arts when she was just eight years old. Like many of our students, she started as a young beginner, learning the fundamentals of martial arts, developing confidence and discovering what she was capable of.

Fast forward to today and, at just 17, Lilia is a full-time professional instructor at Storm, helping to teach and inspire the next generation of children.

We’ve had the privilege of watching her grow, not just as a martial artist, but as a young woman, a leader and an outstanding role model.

Apprentice of the Year recognition

Lilia’s achievements extend well beyond the martial arts.

Last year, she was shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the Thames Valley Business Awards, finishing as runner-up.

She narrowly missed out on the top award to an apprentice representing a large multinational organisation employing hundreds of apprentices.

For a 17-year-old working in a specialist martial arts academy, this was an incredible achievement and recognition of the commitment, professionalism and work ethic she brings to her role.

Developing a professional instructor, not just a Black Belt

At Storm, we’re not traditionally a competition-focused martial arts academy. Our priority has always been developing confident, capable young people and giving them skills that will benefit them throughout life.

However, when Lilia became a full-time professional instructor, we wanted to create a development pathway that would give her the experience and knowledge to become an exceptional coach.

That meant looking beyond martial arts belts and certificates.

As part of her instructor development, Lilia is:

• Competing at the highest level, gaining experience on the international stage.
• Undertaking a three-year, externally accredited sports coaching qualification.
• Developing her leadership, communication and coaching skills.
• Gaining practical experience teaching and mentoring children and young people.

Our ambition is to give her the knowledge, experience and professional qualifications to become an outstanding instructor, mentor and role model.

A huge thank you to our local community

Getting Lilia to the World Championships required considerable fundraising, and we were overwhelmed by the support we received from local families, businesses and members of the community.

Every donation, share, message of encouragement and show of support helped make this opportunity possible.

Thank you to everyone who played a part. You helped make a young person’s dream a reality.

Developing Champions For Life

Lilia’s journey is exactly why we created our award-winning Developing Champions For Life programme.

At Storm, we believe martial arts should be about much more than learning to kick and punch.

It’s about developing confidence, respect, determination, resilience, teamwork, leadership and the belief that anything is possible with the right attitude and commitment.

Across our academies, we see children growing in confidence, overcoming challenges, taking on leadership responsibilities and discovering abilities they never knew they had.

Some will go on to become Black Belts. Some will become instructors. Others will simply carry the confidence and life skills they’ve developed into school, work and everyday life.

And occasionally, we’ll see someone like Lilia, who reminds us just how far those opportunities can take a young person.

From a beginner to a World Championship Silver medallist, Apprentice of the Year runner-up and professional instructor at just 17.

Lilia, we’re incredibly proud of you. This is just the beginning!

Developing Champions For Life. 

Digger Barnes
Founder & Chief Instructor
Storm Family Martial Arts