This sport is my passion – I can’t get enough of it

Name: Carl Burton. Club: 12 Gauge Martial Arts Macclesfield. Position: I am a head coach of 12 Gauge Martial Arts Macclesfield, and compete from 12 Gauge Martial Arts Stockport, under head Coach Matt Thorpe. 12 Gauge Macclesfield is a satellite Club of 12 Gauge, Stockport. Number of members: We, 12 Gauge Macclesfield are a small club with 20 members at the moment, as we have only been open since January 2014. However, 12 Gauge Martial Arts Stockport has over 200 members and has been established for a number of years. We are a growing club. We may have only been established for a few months, but my students have already been competing and have won medals for the club. What do you enjoy most about your sport? I enjoy the challenge that everyday brings. This sport brings out the best in you and let’s the real you shine through. It is challenging but also the most enjoyable sport to me. When and where do you meet? I meet my students in the evenings on weekdays for training sessions, and in the afternoons at weekends. My gym is located on Gunco Lane in Macclesfield called 12 Gauge Martial Arts Stockport. I meet my Coach of 12 Gauge Stockport, in Stockport in the evenings when I am not teaching, in the daytime when I am not working, and also at weekends. I like to keep focused. I train to learn and also train my students. I also fit in private training sessions with my students and also my coach when I can. This sport is my passion, and I cannot get enough of it. What is the best thing about Macclesfield? The commitment of people from the area when they train, and local businesses such as Chrome Motors of Macclesfield which support many sports in the area. Chrome Motors also sponsor me which is fantastic. I am also currently working with the council to create a Youth Scheme, which will give Youths of Macclesfield the opportunity to learn a new sport, discipline, respect, and new friends. What is the worst thing about Macclesfield? Martial Arts as a sport isn’t advertised very much in the local area – Macclesfield is very football-focused, especially in the media. There is not enough coverage of combat sport in the area – but there is great local talent and other gyms in the area too. I am doing what I can to advertise the sport in Macclesfield and am currently looking to promote the sport on the radio. If others could get as much enjoyment from the sport as I do, it can only be a positive thing to happen. What is the most memorable sports related thing to have happened to you? I was selected to compete in the World Championships in Las Vegas from Tuesday, July 1-6, 2014, at bantamweight. I came third in the world at my weight and have come away with a bronze medal. I am proud of my achievement and cannot wait to compete again. I hope to represent my country and town again next year! What’s your greatest sporting achievement? As mentioned above, I managed to compete and come third in the world at the IMMAF World Championships in Las Vegas. To get the opportunity alone was a great honour, but to return to the UK, to my home town Macclesfield with a Bronze medal is the greatest sporting achievement for me so far in my career. We currently have a 30-day free trial if you sign up on our website. You can contact Head Coach Carl Burton on 07956 177 123 to have a chat. We run group sessions and also private one-to-one sessions. Everybody is welcome – it is a sport for all ages whether you are female or male. We are located in Cannon Mill, Gunco Lane, Macclesfield. To find out more visit: www.12gaugemartialarts macclesfield.co.uk Facebook: ‘12 Gauge Martial Arts Macclesfield’