A MARTIAL artist has defeated his health problems - his toughest opponent yet.

Charlie Green, 53, who hails from Hoyland, is the proud owner of an empire of martial arts gyms based across the borough.

He practices mixed martial arts taekwondo, Maui Thai and boxing.

Charlie’s passion for martial arts has taken him on an unbelievable journey, which has not been without hardship.

In his 40 years practising martial arts, he has travelled worldwide, fought for GB and authored a best-selling book ‘Don’t Stop Believing’.

It has been eight years since Charlie has opened his series of martial arts gyms, with his personal health interfering along the way.

In his first month of gym ownership, Charlie had a rotator cuff surgery, subsequently broke his collar bone and recently had a new knee.

Undoubtedly, Charlie’s series of surgeries proved difficult for gym management and fighting, impacting his mobility.

However, 2021 was proved to be his most challenging year to date, proving to be the fight of his life.

Devastatingly, Charlie was hit with double pneumonia, sepsis and emphysema, being put in an induced coma.

Charlie’s partner was notified about the possibility of his death multiple times, but eventually the tides turned

Despite his unbelievable odds, in the darkest time of his life the martial arts legend pulled through.

With a lot of hard work, physiotherapy and rehabilitation Charlie was not only mobile, but thriving.

After four months off work, with help from his friends, family and dedicated clients, Charlie returned to work more motivated than ever.

To put a cherry on top of his well-earned recovery, Charlie has scored a coveted award.

Recently, he received the news that he has bagged an award from the UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame, honouring his discipline to the sport.

The sparkling ceremony will be hosted at the Doncaster Dome in May next year and will be attended by some of Charlie’s childhood heroes, such as Loren Avedon and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace alongside other fitness professionals.

Charlie praised his clients and told the Chronicle about his health battle.

He said: “They opened the gym, covered reception, took classes, cleaned and supported each other.

“They fought to keep Retro Fitness alive when I couldn’t even stand.

“I shouldn’t be here.

“It was my biggest hurdle that inspired me to write my book.

“I kept pushing for my kids.”

Charlie revealed that he had previously been nominated for an award five years ago, but refused it.

He added: “I’ve won the award.

“They tried a few years ago but I didn’t feel like I was worth it.

“I didn’t think I was up to the challenge.

“Now, after all that I’ve been through, I feel like I’m up to it.”