Alive and kicking
Novice fighters help to raise £6,000 for Accord
Craig Ritchie
A big-hearted kickboxing club has raised over £ 6,000 to help Accord Hospice.
Robert McCallum Kickboxing Academy has just completed an eight-week training programme geared to taking beginners from zero to hero.
McCallum, from Renfrew, and his friend Gavin Burrows of Trojan Martial Arts in England, both came up with the idea of the Stand Up Stand Out event, which consists of anyone over the age of 18 enrolling and being given training for complete beginners.
This gave them the opportunity to compete in the ring at the end of that eight-week period against someone their own weight, age, height and experience.
And the Stand Up Stand Out event managed to raise an incredible £6,108 for Accord.
Robert said: “Initially we set out thinking this could be good in so many different ways.
“It raised awareness and funds for charity as well as improving the lifestyles and general health of anyone wanting to be involved in martial arts.
“We had 26 people enroll for our first event which was amazing. Each and every one of the novice competitiors loved the eight-week journey and the whole experience of being in that ring in front of friends and family was simply a fantastic feeling for them, and one they may never experience again.
“Not only did they learn to kickbox, the overall results – whether it be weight loss, dietry, socialising, making new friends, or even experiencing the enjoyment of kickboxing more than they ever envisaged – was simply brilliant.”
The event was put together to raise awareness of the sport and allow the club to offer support to local charities.
And plans are currently in place for a second event, which will this time raise money for The Brightest Star charity.
Robert added: “Each and every person who took part had a huge part to play in this and they should be immensely proud of themselves.
“A special thanks goes to our terrific team of coaches who gave up their time to assist and guide these competitors. Jodie Turner, Neil Duffy, Kerry McCallum, Angela Robertson and April Dowling were fantastic over the eight-week period.”
With the ball rolling on yet another Stand Up Speak Out event, enrolment is taking place this Friday, between 5pm and 7pm, and on Saturday between 10am and 12.30pm.
The finale of the event itself is scheduled for August 12, with training set to start on June 14.
Robert added: “Anyone wishing to enrol please contact us or simply come to the academy in Ferry Road, Renfrew, on Friday and Saturday. Enrolment takes 10 to 15 minutes. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants to improve their lifestyle as well as contributing to a local charity.”
Each and every one of the novice competitors loved the eight-week journey