Young martial arts experts do Academy proud with medals haul

More than 30 students from Mcgowan’s Blackbelt Academy took 24 medals at the ITF Scottish Championships last month.

The competition, held at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, Motherwell,attracted more than 450 competitors.

Hamilton’s Mcgowan’s Blackbelt Academy were delighted with their medals haul as they took four gold, 13 silver and seven bronze.

The medal winners were: Gold: Toby Adam, Gordon Hay, Cara Wong and Dara Lightbody.

Silver: Jason King, Rachel Steven, Jay Mccaig, Cian Healy, Gordon Hay, Lucy Henry (2), Isla Hay, Cara Wong (2), Rory Graham, Vince Cunningham, Toby Adam.

Bronze: Jason King, Ella Wong, Rachel Steven, Cian Healy, Ryan Byres, Lewis Hay and Dara Lightbody. Chief instructor Kieran Mcgowan was delighted for his young charges and pleased that all of their hard work had paid off and was reflected in their medals haul.

He said:“we had some fantastic help from our cadets and senior students, who coached throughout the weekend and umpired at the event.

“It was an excellent day for the club and great support from the students and parents in preparation for the event.”

Mcgowan’s Blackbelt Academy is a full-time, family-run martial arts centre in Bertram Street.

It offers martial arts classes for all ages, as well as fitness classes.

For more information about the Academy and classes contact Kieran on 07872 129716.

It was an excellent day for the club after great preparation