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Ricky Hatton Academy
Honouring the Legacy of Ricky Hatton
The late Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton was far more than an outstanding boxer; he was one of Britain’s most loved and respected sporting figures. A two-weight world champion, Ricky retired with an exceptional professional record of 45 victories from 48 contests, including 32 wins by knockout. His unforgettable victory over Kostya Tszyu in 2005 established him among the world’s elite, while his courage, relentless fighting style and genuine connection with his supporters earned him the title of “The People’s Champion.”
For everyone at Zen Combat Academy, being recognised as a Ricky Hatton Boxing Academy carries tremendous pride, meaning and responsibility. We are honoured to continue Ricky’s legacy by passing his passion for boxing on to future generations and by teaching the values he represented: courage, determination, hard work, humility and never giving up when life becomes difficult. His influence reached far beyond championship belts, inspiring ordinary people to believe in themselves, face challenges and keep fighting. Through every student we coach, every pad we hold and every person whose confidence we help to build, we will strive to preserve the spirit of “The Hitman” and ensure that Ricky Hatton’s name, achievements and contribution to boxing continue to inspire people for generations to come.


Ricky Hatton Boxing Academy at Zen Combat Academy
Train with purpose. Build confidence. Learn real boxing skills.
Zen Combat Academy is proud to be a Ricky Hatton Boxing Academy, delivering structured boxing training inspired by the methods, experience and coaching principles of four-time world boxing champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton.
Based in Bideford, North Devon, our Academy provides professional, welcoming and progressive boxing instruction for complete beginners, fitness participants and experienced martial artists who want to improve their boxing skills.
Our sessions are about much more than simply throwing punches. We teach correct technique, movement, discipline, fitness and confidence in a safe, controlled and supportive training environment.
What Is the Ricky Hatton Academy?
The Hatton Academy programme was developed to provide coaches with the knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver boxing-based training safely and effectively.
The programme places a strong emphasis on:
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Correct boxing stance and guard
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Safe and effective punching technique
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Accurate pad holding
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Footwork and movement
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Defensive skills
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Boxing combinations
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Fitness and conditioning
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Structured and progressive coaching
Being part of the Ricky Hatton Academy means that our boxing sessions follow a recognised coaching structure rather than simply being general fitness classes with boxing gloves.
Every session has a purpose, with participants learning genuine boxing fundamentals while improving their physical fitness, coordination and confidence.
What We Do at Zen Combat Academy
Our boxing programme combines technical instruction with enjoyable, challenging and progressive training.
Sessions may include:
Boxing Fundamentals
Students learn the foundations of boxing, including stance, balance, guard position, movement and correct body mechanics.
Developing the correct foundations helps students train safely and gives them the confidence to progress to more advanced techniques.
Punching Technique
We teach the correct use of boxing’s main punches, including:
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The jab
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The cross
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Lead and rear hooks
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Uppercuts
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Body punches
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Combination punching
Students are shown how to generate power through correct movement, rotation, balance and timing rather than relying on strength alone.
Padwork
Padwork is an important part of our boxing sessions. It helps students develop speed, accuracy, reactions, timing and coordination.
Our coaches use structured pad combinations that can be adapted to suit each participant’s experience and ability.
Bagwork
Heavy-bag training allows students to practise combinations, improve fitness and develop controlled power.
Bagwork may also be used for timed rounds, technical drills and boxing-specific conditioning.
Footwork and Movement
Good boxing begins with good movement.
Students learn how to move forwards, backwards and sideways while remaining balanced and ready to attack or defend. They also develop an understanding of distance, angles and positioning.
Defensive Skills
Boxing is not only about punching. Students are taught defensive movements such as:
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Blocking
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Parrying
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Slipping
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Rolling
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Ducking
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Moving out of range
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Using angles to avoid attacks
These skills help develop reactions, awareness and a greater understanding of boxing.
Boxing Fitness and Conditioning
Our sessions provide a full-body workout that can help improve:
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Cardiovascular fitness
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Strength and endurance
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Coordination
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Balance
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Speed and agility
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Core stability
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Reaction time
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General wellbeing
Training may include boxing rounds, circuit exercises, bodyweight movements, partner drills and sport-specific conditioning.
Boxing for Beginners
No previous boxing or martial arts experience is needed.
Beginners are introduced to boxing gradually, starting with the correct stance, guard, movement and basic punches. Our coaches explain each technique clearly and allow students to progress at a suitable pace.
You will never be expected to keep up with experienced students immediately. Our aim is to help every participant improve from their own individual starting point.
Training for Fitness
You do not need to become a competitive boxer to benefit from boxing training.
Many people join our classes to:
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Improve their fitness
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Lose weight
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Reduce stress
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Build confidence
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Learn a new skill
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Become stronger
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Improve coordination
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Enjoy a different type of exercise
Boxing provides an engaging alternative to a traditional gym workout. Every session develops both physical and mental fitness while keeping training varied and enjoyable.
Developing Competitive Fighters
Zen Combat Academy also has extensive experience in developing martial artists and competitive fighters.
Students who demonstrate the appropriate commitment, discipline and ability may have opportunities to progress into more advanced boxing, striking or fight-team training.
Competitive development is separate from general boxing-for-fitness training. Any controlled contact or sparring is introduced only when a student is ready and is always supervised by suitably experienced coaches.
Safety, technical control and the wellbeing of the student always come first.
Inclusive Boxing at Zen Combat Academy
Inclusion is at the heart of Zen Combat Academy.
We have many years of experience teaching children, young people and adults with different needs, including people diagnosed with:
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Autism
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ADHD
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Anxiety
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PTSD
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Learning disabilities
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Physical disabilities
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Mental health conditions
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Additional educational or support needs
We understand that not everyone learns or communicates in the same way.
Where appropriate, our coaches can adapt instructions, session structure, communication methods and training intensity to help participants feel comfortable and supported.
We also offer individual training opportunities for people who may initially find a larger class environment difficult.
Our aim is not to lower expectations. It is to remove unnecessary barriers so that every student has a fair opportunity to learn, develop and succeed.
More Than Boxing
Boxing can make a significant difference to a person’s life.
Regular training can help develop:
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Self-confidence
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Personal discipline
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Emotional control
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Resilience
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Respect for others
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Concentration
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Goal-setting skills
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A sense of belonging
At Zen Combat Academy, we want every student to leave a session feeling that they have achieved something.
For some, that achievement may be completing their first full round on the pads. For others, it may be improving a difficult combination, overcoming anxiety or developing the confidence to train alongside other people.
Every step forward matters.
Why Train With Us?
When you join our Ricky Hatton Boxing Academy programme, you will benefit from:
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Structured boxing instruction
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Experienced and supportive coaches
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Safe and progressive training
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Genuine boxing techniques
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Professional padwork and bagwork
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Beginner-friendly sessions
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Inclusive coaching
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Fitness and conditioning
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Opportunities for continued development
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A welcoming Academy community
Zen Combat Academy is proud to provide a training environment where people are encouraged, respected and supported.
There is no place for intimidation or unnecessary ego. We expect students to train with discipline, listen to their coaches and support the people around them.
Start Your Boxing Journey
Whether your goal is to improve your fitness, learn genuine boxing skills, build confidence or take your training to a higher level, our Ricky Hatton Boxing Academy programme can help you get started.
Come and experience structured boxing training in a friendly, professional and inclusive environment.
Zen Combat Academy
Bideford, North Devon
Website: www.zencombatacademy.co.uk
Email: support@zencombatacademy.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07871 289960
Book Your First Session
Take the first step and discover what boxing training can do for your fitness, confidence and personal development.
Contact Zen Combat Academy today to find out about available boxing classes and individual training.
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