Mudder challenge is no obstacle for team
Martial arts club members raise funds for charities
Martial arts enthusiasts raised more than £2000 for various charities by taking part in a gruelling race in Dumfries and Galloway.
And most of the 12-strong FreEvo team – who train with Blairgowrie-based Evolution Combat Sport – have already signed up to do the Tough Mudder again next year.
Evolution Combat Sport head coach Noel McNally raised almost £600 for Perthshire Autism Support, while longterm club member Dave Lundy raised hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Noel explained that martial arts training involves increasing flexibility and pushing people to the limit, which proves invaluable in an endurance situation such as a Tough Mudder –where the objective is to work as a team and overcome a range of obstacles.
He said: “As well as improving flexibility and all round fitness, other techniques such as developing upper body strength and the mental strength required to cope with a Tough Mudder – and trusting your team members – are all part of what we do at Evo every week.”
Dave agreed, commenting: “Martial arts builds your confidence so that you want to finish something and see it through, which again helps in a Tough Mudder-type situation.
“At Evo it has always been about creating a support network and that was apparent during the Tough Mudder – it wasn’t even just about our team mates, it became about helping everyone else finish too.”
He added: “It was an experience! The atmosphere was really amazing and it was a great experience.”
Nearly 20 Evolution Combat Sport classes are now available in various locations in Blairgowrie and Alyth and at various times, catering for all ages and capabilities.
Sarah Flemming from Blairgowrie goes to one of the adult classes and has three children aged seven, four and two-years-old, all of whom train with Evolution as well.
She said: “It’s really good for their self-esteem. My son was really shy before he started and now is more confident and has got braver, he’s really come out of his shell. They also get to burn off a lot of energy, which is great! There’s a real family feel to it and they all love it.”
Noel said: “This is quite an exciting time for us. We have around 150 people training with us every week now and a number of new classes running, including one for parents and toddlers and a bootcamp class on a Friday evening, expanding the age range that we can cater for as well as the venues we operate from.
“Not everyone has to do a Tough Mudder with us next year but if you decide to sign up, that’s even better!”