How Andrew Tate helped launch a Martial Arts Brand

Interview with Daniel Knight Founder of Sidekick Boxing: How Andrew Tate helped launch a Martial Arts Brand

Interview with Daniel Knight Founder of Sidekick Boxing: How Andrew Tate helped launch a Martial Arts Brand

In a recent interview, Ash sat down with Dan, the founder of Sidekick Boxing, a prominent martial arts equipment company. Dan shared insights into his journey, his relationship with notable figures like Andrew Tate, Alex Reid and Molly McCann and his vision for the future of his brand.

Early Beginnings and Passion for Martial Artists

Dan’s journey into the world of martial arts equipment began with a deep-rooted passion for the sport. At the age of 23, he started with a vehicle accident repair centre, which he sold after two years to pursue his true passion—kickboxing. “Kickboxing at the time was a big part of my life. I was training heavily, nearly every day, and I had a black belt,” Dan explained. His love for martial arts, influenced by his mother’s fondness for Van Damme movies and street fight computer games, drove him to start Sidekick Boxing.

The Birth of Sidekick Boxing

Sidekick Boxing launched in 2010 solely as a kickboxing equipment brand. Developed by Dan, who is a black belt in kickboxing, and has a team of manufacturing experts with over 20 years of experience, Sidekick rapidly earned a reputation for high-quality kickboxing equipment with a stylish look. This success naturally expanded the brand into other combat sports, making Sidekick the equipment sponsor for many prestigious kickboxing and MMA promotions.

The Role of Andrew Tate

One of the most notable aspects of Dan’s journey was his long-standing relationship with Andrew Tate, a former two-time world kickboxing champion. “Andrew was brave enough to front a lot of our marketing tactics,” Dan recalled. Their collaboration began over a decade ago when Tate was still a rising name in the kickboxing community. “He was a really nice guy, easy to work with, and we had the same thinking with marketing,” Dan said. Tate’s confidence and polarising personality helped boost the brand’s visibility in its early days and unbelievably, he would do a lot of the promotional videos for as little as $50 each. An incredible figure considering that Tate now has a net worth that is a whopping $710 million dollars.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Dan’s path was not without its challenges. He recounted an incident at a notorious show in Ipswich where the event was cancelled due to the lack of medical staff. “We had to pick up our stuff and go out the back,” Dan said, describing the chaotic scene. This experience taught him the importance of working with reliable partners and the need for professionalism in the industry.

Building the Brand

From the outset, Dan was determined to create high-quality equipment. “I didn’t want to be working with lower-level, poor-quality equipment. If I do something, I want it to be the best,” he stated. This commitment to quality was validated by endorsements from fighters like Andrew Tate, who tested and approved the products. Over the years, Sidekick Boxing has sponsored numerous fighters, including Molly McCann and Jamie Brown, and worked with major promotions like Cage Warriors and Glory.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Dan has ambitious goals for Sidekick Boxing. “If we can get sponsored from ONE Championship or the UFC, that would be the dream,” he said. He also envisions expanding the brand into clothing and streetwear. Despite the competition, Dan remains focused on maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality and building long-term relationships with

Dan’s journey from the owner of a vehicle accident repair centre to founding a successful martial arts equipment brand is a testament to his passion, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. His story highlights the importance of quality, reliability, and strategic partnerships in building a brand. As Sidekick Boxing continues to grow, Dan’s vision and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly drive the brand to new heights.

New Documentary Feature

In addition to his work with Sidekick Boxing, Dan is featured in a new documentary called “Doom Scroll” on Sky TV. This documentary delves into the impact of social media and the digital age on mental health and society. Be sure to check it out for more insights into Dan’s journey and the broader implications of our digital habits. Please make sure to keep an eye out for him there too!