Martial arts
Kyokushinkai Karate
The Scottish Open Knockdown Karate tournament was held on March 2 at the Arc Fitness Centre in Glasgow.
The event was organised by IKKU Chief Instructor for Scotland Iain Rodger and attracted entries from seven countries and 14 organisations.
The IKKU team from across the UK took two gold and three silver medals. The men’s heavyweight section was dominated by the team from Sweden who took all three places with some impressive performances. The final was between brothers Simon and Sebastian Eriksson with Simon eventually coming out on top.
For further information on the Oban Kyokushinkai Karate Club, contact Iain Rodger (6th dan) on 07584 166542 or iain@ikku.co.uk. Alternatively send a message to ‘Caledonia Kyokushin’ on Facebook.
Kickboxing
The following juniors were successful at their recent grading: 9th Kyu Yellow Belt - Paul Gillespie; 7th Kyu Green Belt - Ayda Douglas, Erica Bales, Megan Currie, Molly Smith, Eva Reeves and Ava Rowan; 6th Kyu Blue Belt - Aiden Steeman, Ondra Carpenter and James Edmindson; 1st Kyu Brown Belt - Joe Roberts, Callum Morrison and Daniel May.
Head coach Wullie Rodger said: ‘I was really impressed with the standard of the juniors. They are showing a lot of promise.’ Senshi Do Kickboxing will be moving to new premises soon. To stay up to date, follow us on Facebook.
New starters are welcome at any time. Either message the club on Facebook ‘Senshi Do Kickboxing’ or email shihanwill@gmail.com for details.
Shukokai Karate
There are classes in Inveraray, Dalmally and Oban. Beginners are welcome and anyone starting now should have sufficient time to reach the level required for their first grading in the summer.
For more details on these clubs contact Kenny Gray (5th dan) on kenni. gray@btinternet.com or 07884 183905.
BJJ & MMA
Oban MMA travelled to Ravenscraig for the UKBJJA West of Scotland Open. This event has become the premier BJJ competition in Scotland with competitors from throughout the UK and Europe competing in all divisions.
The eight students from Oban taking part included three students in their first competition. The team, once again, exceeded all expectations winning nine medals and four divisions outright.
Highlights included Gregory Black who sailed through gi and nogi dominating his opponents on the road to gold.
Russel MacLennan won gold in gi, putting one of his opponents to sleep and arm barring another on his way to gold. He also won silver in nogi.
Callum Weir came back from a loss in gi to win a hard-fought gold in nogi.
All the competitors did themselves and club proud and again showed that as even one of the smaller clubs in Scotland, the team can hold its own in the cauldron of competitions against far bigger and established teams.
The team train Monday to Fridays at 7.30pm and are always looking for new members. If you would like to try out BJJ or MMA, Oban BJJ can be found on Facebook or email coogiepots@gmail. com
Wado Kai Karate
Classes continue at the usual times, Park Primary School on Mondays at 3.15pm and Dunbeg Primary School 6.30pm.
Use the details below if you would like more information about Wado Karate or if you would like to talk about your interest in the sport.
Park school: Mike Faulkner m.faulkner6@btinternet.com
Dunbeg school: Sensei Chris Bruce (7th Dan) at crb999@btinternet.com
Knights of the Tower - Medieval Combat Oban
From Tuesday March 12, these classes will be held every second Tuesday. The location is still the same, the old Crofters above the Stove Shop. Come along and see what it is all about.