Karate ace hopes to give rivals the chop
A BARRHEAD gym instructor aims to cut his rivals down to size as he competes at a prestigious karate tournament in Croatia this week.
Dylan Rush took up the sport at the age of six and began competing four years later.
He has since been crowned Scottish karate champion an impressive 10 times and has now set his sights on glory at the European Karate Championships, which get underway in Zadar, on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, tomorrow.
Dylan, who works at the Barrhead Foundry, said: “I started karate at a very young age and am now working towards my goal of breaking through to the top 100.
“I love the problem-solving aspect of karate. You get to learn more about yourself, how best to combat and rise above a situation and how you can control your emotions when you’re under pressure.
“It still gives me the same buzz I got when I started out in karate and it’s something to focus on.”
Dylan, 25, is part of the Shitokai Scotland Karate team, based in Renfrew, under the guidance of chief instructor Terry Connell
Alongside his own training, he is supporting others in reaching their fitness goals through his work as a gym instructor for East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure (ERCL).
Dylan has been using The Grid – ERCL’s new functional gym at the Foundry – as part of his training routine to prepare for the European Championships.
He added: “I found my passion early in life and am continuing to fulfill it, while helping others with their fitness goals too.
“It’s a perfect job for me and allows me to also pursue my goals.
“I need to do a lot of strength and conditioning as part of my training, so it involves a lot of gym work.
“I’ve been using The Grid since it opened last month as part of my training routine for the European Championships. It’s definitely supporting my karate training and development.
“It’s perfect for me, as there’s the open space with free weights and freestyle equipment and I’ve developed my own routine, starting with activation exercises and plyometric training, then resistance and strength training.
“It can help with your training if you’re into combat sports, running or football but you definitely don’t need to be a marathon runner or athlete, this space is for everyone.
“The best thing you can do is speak to an instructor and they’ll happily help you to make the most out of your time here. There’s a great atmosphere and you’ll always receive a very warm welcome.
“Helping people improve aspects of their lives through fitness is part of the role that I enjoy the most.”
The Grid is extra special to Dylan, as he was also given the honour of naming the gym.
He explained: “The plans for the space reminded me of a gym I’d seen American footballers train in. Their football field is called The Grid Iron and their gym space was similar to our new functional fitness gym at the Barrhead Foundry.
“I put forward the idea and it was selected. It’s great to know I contributed to a space that is serving the community and supporting their fitness goals.”
For more about The Grid and ERCL’s other fitness facilities, visit www.ercultureandleisure. org/fitness-swimming.