Up close with World champion kick boxer and all round good guy Kash Gill

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is Kash Gill, better known as Kash The Flash, four times World Kick Boxing Champion and BBC Sporting Hall of Fame 2013. I’ve had more than 100 fights, travelled the world and now run my own gym in Edgbaston coaching men, women and children from age five upwards in self-defence, fitness and kick boxing. We’ve produced six world champions, all from Birmingham.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN?

I normally drive, it’s only about eight miles from where I live in Solihull to the gym on Icknield Port Road.

HOW’S THE COMMUTE?

Usually pretty smooth, taking about 25 minutes by car or just 12 minutes on the train to Snow Hill. The gym is really close to Five Ways island so very easy access from any direction of Birmingham.

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN?

I love Birmingham, it was the only place I wanted my full-time gym. The city has a really good mix of friendly people and it’s well know for the restaurants and bars and the famous Bullring for shopping. And now, thanks to the new Grand Central, New Street Station has finally made it to be Flash too!

COFFEE BREAK?

I’m always on the move so maybe I’ll grab a quick coffee at Costa or Starbucks but more often it’ll be either the Hyatt or Novotel.

LUNCHTIME?

I normally go for lunch on Broad Street. I love my chicken, so I’m a real regular at Nandos or I’ll pop into the Arcadian for a Chinese. Minmin is a really good place. If I’m feeling flush then it’ll be one of the plush bars on the Golden Mile. Birmingham has so much choice, it’s great.

POWERWALKING?

I love coaching and promoting health and fitness and there’s nothing better than walking or running around the Edgbaston Reservoir which backs on to my gym. It’s so beautiful and relaxing.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY?

I’m still a Handsworth boy at heart. I know it’s famous for riots and bad things, but good things have come out of Handsworth too – and I’m one of them! I also love the Bullring and the centre of Birmingham, especially around the new Library and Centenary Square.

AFTERWORK PINT?

I’m not really much of a drinker, although I love to socialise and meet people. Normally I’ll pop into the Broadway Casino or Novotel for a coffee or a cheeky glass of wine.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER?

The biggest complaint I have about Birmingham are the fines I keep getting for entering a bus lane – it’s disgusting! I’m a born and bred Brummie and I still get lost, so god help anyone out of our city. #Rant better signage would be good rather than a Trap to make Kash…