KICKING IT IN THE FAMILY
Sibling success in taekwondo
A brother and sister from Burnside are aiming high in the world of taekwondo.
Rian and Keira McInulty have already reached the level of blackbelt in the martial art.
At just eight- years- old, Rian is thought to be the youngest ‘Kukkiwon’ in Scotland with Keira reaching that level at 11.
The pair passed their black belt examinations together earlier this month, with Britain’s highest ranker Kukkiwon, Satwinder Singh Vohra overseeing the demonstration, which lasted for around nine hours.
Proud mum Janina McInulty said: “I’m so chuffed for both of them.
“It’s a big thing, especially for Rian.
For someone so young to be able to keep their concentration for that length of time is amazing.
“He went first and a few weeks later Keira started. She was originally at dance class but wanted to do this
“They both train for about 10 hours a week and have competed across the country. It is a big part of their lives.
“This is something I could only dream they could achieve. I’m delighted they achieved it together.”
To make the grade, both Rian and Keira had to show off a range of skills, including flexibility, fitness and their understanding of martial arts.
They also had to break a half inch block of wood and show their ability at poomsae, a series of movements which demonstrate their technique.
Both siblings, who are pupils at Burnside Primary, attend the Elite Martial Arts club in East Kilbride, and coach Jonathan McDade was delighted for them both.
He said: “To get to this level requires years of hard work, sacrifice, consistency and training.
“They have shown great loyalty and commitment to get to this stage.
“Rian is certainly the youngest black belt I have had at the club and potentially the youngest in Scotland. “It’s an amazing achievement. “There are not many kids who can handle the pressure of a demonstration.
“Keira is fantastic as well. She is unbelievable.
“I think it’s important to emphasise this is not a Scottish standard or something like that - this is a world standard, set by the World Taekwondo Headquarters in South Korea.”