BILLY MURRAY JUNIOR
Billy Murray Jnr born in June 1958 - Billy Jnr began his martial art training at the age of fourteen, and then it was for one reason and one reason only, to learn self-defence. The story begins as he is on his way home from school he was attacked by some local thugs, a lasting and traumatic experience that took many years to shrug off. It took nearly two months for the frightened boy to return to school or even leave the safety of his home in fear of another encounter from the bullies. Billy had now vowed never to let it happen to him again, and this is how the search for knowledge began! His mother helped by buying him his first martial art book his father also took him to a local boxing gym - But the book unlocked the door to a whole new world and little did Billy know but a lifetime of study in the Martial arts. Beginners guide to Kung Fu, that was the name of the book that griped the Belfast lad's imagination - Progressing quickly through various disciplines - including Karate and Ju Jitsu - he found that the full-contact kickboxing style suited him best. As time passed Billy showed the kind of gritty determination that would see him rise through the ranks to become a world beater. And It wasn’t until many years later he suddenly realising he had finally obtained the self confidence and the ability within himself to defend himself, he realised this when he was able to defend himself with relative ease as he helped protect a young boy who was being attacked by two men, the self defence issue was not one anymore.
Billy Murray - began training fighters at the start of the 1980’s in Newtownards’ Pound Street gym, before he moved to Switzerland after winning and defending professional world titles. On his return, at the end of 1990, the Prokick gym, a fitness, self-defence and fight stable, was set-up in east Belfast. The spit and sawdust centre is now in its second decade, having been established in January 1992. Prokick has taught thousands of students and fighters. Affiliated clubs across the province bring the total to 13.
There is a comprehensive self-defence system and fitness plans for weight loss and weight gain. This improves the self-esteem of participants as well as teaching a valuable skill. Prokick fighters have performed at prestigious venues across the province. They have travelled to Europe, Asia and North America. Taking pride in themselves on helping the development of their sport and campaigning for global recognition.
Prokick is the only Kickboxing organisation in the province to receive recognition from a local authority. Belfast City Council backs all Prokick events in their jurisdiction because they recognise the boost to tourism and community relations which the shows create.
ProKick - is Ireland’s biggest and most successful kickboxing gym group. Established by
four time, four weight world champion Billy Murray in 1991. In that time, it has become
both a base for champions – producing countless area, national, continental and world champs – and a gym that uses the elements of kickboxing to get keen amateurs fit. Prokick have coached over 10,000 people in 17 years.
Now, there are 13 affiliated ProKick gyms across Northern Ireland, all built on Murray’s watchwords of Truth Discipline and Respect. Its reputation for producing champs and promoting events has allowed Northern Ireland to become the centre of kickboxing in Europe. It’s the sport of tomorrow, growing strong in Northern Ireland everyday.
Now Murray spends his time as a teaching, promoting, and publicising through his TV programmes and acting as a sports ambassador for Kickboxing and Northern Ireland
