Raw athlete James Southwood wins Savate kickboxing title with perfect score

London, 09 January 2007 --- James Southwood – the raw food vegan athlete who is taking on the nation and the world in French Savate kickboxing – last month sealed his title of British Champion with a brace of victories, becoming the only fighter in the whole country to score a perfect 10 in every event, winning the title without dropping a point.

Savate, or Boxe-Francaise, is a 200-year-old martial art that combines French kicking methods with English boxing to produce a graceful, effective kickboxing style. As a ring fighting sport it is fast growing in popularity. Competitively, it requires stamina, strength, flexibility and the skill to box with an opponent accurately using feet and fists.

James has adhered to a vegan diet – one that is free from animal products – for over ten years. For the last three years he has selected to exclusively eat raw foods, taking only fresh, unprocessed vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds.

“This performance provides powerful evidence that a diet abundant in health-giving plant foods provides all the nutrients required to produce a fit, successful athlete”, says James. “In the ring you need every part of your body working, which is why I exercise every day and train four or more times a week. My fitness and flexibility are my main strengths when I fight. I would be less happy trying to compete without the back-up of a clean, vibrant diet.”

James Southwood trains and teaches at the London Savate club, www.londonsavate.co.uk 07950 456307

Pictures and video clips, including James’ World Championship fight, are available at www.londonsavate.co.uk/technique/video.htm

The Great Britain Savate Federation (GBSF) represents and promotes the sport of Savate in this country – www.savate.org

James Southwood    07950 456307
www.jamessouthwood.com   www.londonsavate.co.uk