Woman Crush Wednesday: Amber Kitchen
Amber “AK 47” Kitchen is one of the most popular rising stars in women’s Muay Thai.
The English striker debuted in ONE Super Series last September, and fans have been eager to see her back in action ever since her grand premiere.
Kitchen’s courage and skill in the ring impressed millions of viewers around the globe at ONE: IMMORTAL TRIUMPH in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and so did her story of triumph over adversity.
Together, they earned “AK 47” legions of news fans, who have continued to support her as she awaits her promotional return in 2020.
Here are three reasons why Kitchen has been such a big hit in The Home Of Martial Arts.
A Family Person
Despite being just 21 years old, Kitchen has clocked up nearly two decades in the gym, as she first started training in Muay Thai when she was three.
It has always been a family affair for the Penzance native. Her mother, Julie Kitchen, is a 14-time World Champion, and her father, Nathan Kitchen, is her coach.
“AK 47” started competing alongside her twin sister, Allaya. She kept up the family tradition of success as a junior World Champion, and then she hit her stride as an adult when she became the WBC England Muay Thai Champion.
Kitchen still trains with her dad at Touchgloves Gym, and you might also find her on the road with her mum, who is now a commentator.
A World-Class Muay Thai Warrior
The British competitor has suffered setbacks, but she has never let them define her. In fact, her response to them has been to dust herself off and come back even better.
Kitchen’s switch to the adult ranks was tough, and she lost her first three contests, but she did not quit. That inspired her to work harder and keep pressing forward until she reaped the rewards.
This was reflected in her ONE Super Series debut, where she took Viktoria Lipianska’s biggest punches – shots that could have stopped other athletes in their tracks – and fired right back.
That display of heart and courage made her an instant hit.
A Mental Health Advocate
Kitchen has also been frank about her struggles with mental health, and she has tried to reach out to others who are experiencing the same adversity.
The Brit has dealt with severe anxiety issues and panic attacks, and it is still something she has to contend with, but you would never have known from watching her compete with complete confidence.
The power of martial arts helped her through some of her toughest times, but she is also keen to share her story to show how anybody can be susceptible to mental health problems, regardless of how the outside world sees them.
A Greatest Hits Collection
Finally, take a look at some of Kitchen’s best action shots in ONE Championship!
Read more: Woman Crush Wednesday: Jihin Radzuan
