MARTIAL ARTS
Sponsorship
Craig MacLachlan from Oban’s Senshi Do Kickboxing and Iain Rodger from Oban’s Caledonia Kyokushin Karate have been invited to Japan as part of the GB team to take part in the full contact karate world championships in October this year. The team of four fighters and a coach have been picked to represent their country but as an amateur sport they have to find their own way there.
If any local businesses can help with donations/sponsorship, Craig and Iain would be very grateful. Donations have already come in from Midton Acrylics in Lochgilphead, D A MacDonald Contractors Ltd in Lochgilphead and Wellpark House in Oban. If you can help, please contact Iain on 07584 166542 or iain@ ikku.co.uk.
Kickboxing
Classes continue as normal with Craig MacLachlan training hard towards the full contact karate world championships in Japan in October.
For more info contact Wullie Rodger on: shihanwill@gmail.com.
Ladies only kickboxing
Senshi Do Kickboxing’s women only sessions on Sundays at 2pm, taken by Sharon Dickison, are open to beginners of all ages from high school upwards.
The first session is free so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. For more details, contact Sharon on 07508 726334.
BJJ
Oban BJJ had a team of six competitors travel to Edinburgh for Scottish grappling’s summer leg Gi only competition.
The team finished with two gold and a bronze medal, Jamie ‘Jay Jay’ McKay defeating all his opponents on his path to gold. Pawel ‘Ugluk’ Sczencia also collected gold. This was his first podium finish, though not before time, as he has been very unlucky in past tournaments and gold was a just reward for his effort over the past few years. Lastly, Craig Cameron continued his progression as a competent and dangerous practitioner, getting bronze in his division.
Classes continue to flourish with the beginners’ class on a Friday a great way to introduce yourself to BJJ. There is also a conditioning class now on Tuesday’s at 8pm open to all.
For information contact Coogie on coogiepots@gmail.com.
Kyokushinkai Karate
Classes are gearing up for the grading tests this weekend, June 18 and 19. Students from Oban, Lochgilphead and Stirling clubs will be getting put through their paces with young Jodie Robertson attempting her junior black belt aged 14.
Students who pass a junior black belt must regrade as a senior when they are over 16, when which they will be tested with full contact fights. The test this weekend is expected to last approximately four hours.
Elsewhere, Mark Welsh has unfortunately had to pull out of the world tournament in Japan due to university commitments but hopes to compete later this year in London.
For more info on the Kyokushinkai classes, contact Iain on iain@ikku.co.uk or 07584 166542.
Shukokai Karate
Argyll martial arts classes continue as normal under the watchful eyes of Kenny Gray and Flo McBurnie.
Training nights are in Oban on Thursdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Oban High School and on Fridays from 7pm to 8pm and 8pm to 9pm in Nicol Hall, Inveraray.
For club details, contact Kenny Gray at kenni.gray@btinternet.com.