MOST rookie teachers struggle to keep classroom discipline - but students do what they're told in Kim Stafford's lessons.

The softly-spoken biology teacher has just taken up her post at Xaverian College in Stockport and she arrives with a fearsome reputation as she is also the world's number one kick boxer.

Kim, a 23-year-old black belt, has amassed a string of British, European, and world titles at the same time as training for the classroom.

The young teacher was recently crowned World Kickboxing Association champion in Spain and has held the British title for five years running.

She fights in the 60-65kg category but is also able to mark homework and prepares for lessons despite a grueling daily exercise regime.

Energy

Kim said: “I feel great, it gives me increased energy, I’ve made new friends and it provides the balance I need from teaching and I feel more comfortable knowing that I can defend myself should the need arise.”

When out of school, the battling teacher is practices punches and kicks and likes nothing better than pummeling burly male competitors.

She added: “The sport is very male-dominated so I had to work hard to prove to others that I can compete - most men underestimate me until they see me perform; then they are shocked with how competitive I am.”

A keen athlete at school, Kim grew bored with traditional sports and switched to kickboxing aged 13, quickly finding she was a natural.

The teacher, who lives in Swinton, is now encouraging female students to take up the sport by running free female-only sessions at the Manchester Aquatics Centre.

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