In spite of the cold snap, matters started heating up in the Prokick Gym in Belfast on Wednesday when 23 budding students signed up for their first venture in competitive kickboxing.

Students from all over Northern Ireland and all walks of life will go between the ropes in March and will achieve a never-to-be-forgotten experience. But the hard work starts now.

On Monday morning, when most folk will be turning into their second sleep, the Next Generation fighters will hit the dark roads of East Belfast at 6am for the beginning of Boot Camp - week one.

They will go through a daily 45minute intense session under the guidance of head coach Billy Murray and former fighter Robert Masterson.

Training details for the Next Generation platoon will be posted on http://www.prokick.com - along with new-look profiles and up-to-date blogs on each fighter.