Children get their kicks at special tournament
Robert McCallum kickboxers are making the grade
The future is bright for Robert McCallum Kickboxing as 37 youngsters starred in Ayrshire.
Kickboxers aged between five and 15, from the Renfrew club, produced some eye-catching performances at a special kids tournament at Loudon Academy in Galsto, earning praise from their mentor.
Robert said: “This was a fantastic event for all the kids involved.
“We took home a tally of 54 medals and each and every fighter had a terrific day and great experience. The students are going from strength to strength and improving all the time.”
Meanwhile, the academy has just completed an eight- week training programme geared towards taking beginners from zero to hero.
McCallum, from Renfrew, 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 novices.
This is to give them the opportunity to compete in the ring at the end of that eight-week period against someone similar in weight, age, height and experience.
The Stand Up Stand Out events to date have managed to raise an incredible £6,108 for Accord Hospice, £8,500 for The Brightest Star, £5,600 for Ardgowan Hospice and Little Sisters Of The Poor and £5,100 for Autism Scotland and Malawi.
Recently, RMKB completed yet another event and raised an incredible £5,120 in aid of Rainbow Valley. This event was sponsored by ProBrook Properties.
Robert said: “Initially we set out thinking this could be good in many different ways.
“We raise 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 98 people enrol on our events which was phenomenal. Each and every one of the novice competitors loved the eight-week journey and the whole experience of being in the 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, dietary, socialising, making new friends, or even finding the enjoyment of kickboxing more than they ever envisaged, was simply brilliant.”
The event was put together to raise awareness and allow the club to offer support to local charities. Plans are currently in place for a seventh event which will begin on January 12.
Anyone looking to enrol can contact Robert.
Robert added: “Each and every person who took part had a huge role 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.
“Kerry McCallum, Jodie Turner, and April Dowling were fantastic over the eight weeks.”
With the ball rolling on yet another Stand Up Speak Out event, enrolment is taking place in December.
Should you be interested and be a complete beginner then feel free to pop into the RMKB Academy in Renfrew to register. The finale of the event itself is scheduled for March 8.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants to improve their lifestyle as well as contributing to a local charity,” Robert added.