MARTIAL RTS
Kyokushinkai Karate
ON SATURDAY September 23, 16-year-old Darryl McLaughlin walked on to the mat at the British Open Knockdown Karate Championships. This is a bare-knuckle, full contact event which takes a lot of courage even to attempt, and the majority of karateka never take this step.
Darryl had two very tough fights against strong opponents from Wales and Ireland respectively and eventually finished in third place.
As a testament to his character, Darryl said immediately after his fights: ‘I loved that, I can’t wait to do it again.’
Darryl topped off his weekend with a training session on the Sunday morning at one of the local IKKU dojos in England. Darryl is now working towards his black belt grading test at the end of the year.
Places are limited at the club and the next intake of students will be in January 2018. This gives the current members a chance to work hard towards their next grading exams.
Anyone requiring more information on this traditional style of karate should contact Iain Rodger on 07584 166542 or iain@ikku. co.uk.
Kickboxing
The new Kick Fit session on a Monday is proving a hit. This is a cardio session based on circuits and kickboxing pad work, so participants will get all the fun, fitness and stress relief of kickboxing training without fighting.
Friday has a new straight from school junior session, starting at 4.30pm for 90 minutes and seniors from 6pm for 90 to 120 minutes.
This is all in addition to the regular Wednesday session which, from October 11 will have a change of times – juniors will be at 4.30pm and seniors at 6pm.
The junior session on a Sunday remains unchanged at 11am until 1pm, with the last Sunday of each month being a three-hour fun day, where the juniors play games that develop core strength, teamwork, balance, co-ordination and self-belief.
Beginners are always welcome, juniors aged five to 13 and seniors 14 to 114.
For more information, contact Wullie Rodger on: 07588 513618 or shihanwill@gmail.com.
BJJ
Oban BJJ is settling into its own premises with classes now five times a week. The new fully-matted hall means students can concentrate on their Jiu Jitsu and MMA in a hall that rivals any in Scotland.
This would not have been possible without the kind donations from Grzegorz Morawski Joiner and Builder, Clan Boss owner Steven MacAuley and Anthony and Renato from Nories Fish and Chips.
Classes are:
Shukokai Karate
Training continues as normal with the clubs working towards the Lochgilphead tournament in early November.
Beginners are always welcome and anyone thinking of taking up this martial art should contact Kenny Gray on: kenni.gray@ btinternet.com.