Magherafelt Warriors prove fast learners
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Members from the Magherafelt Kickboxing club of the Freestyle Warriors Youth pictured with Head Coach Jim McLaughlin (back row far right).
MAGHERAFELT Freestyle Warriors Kickboxing Club may not have been around for long, but they are proving to be very fast learners, having come away from their first organised competition with very impressive results.
The club, based in the old scout hall off Church Street, started life just seven weeks ago, and at a competition run by Limavady Titans Kickboxing Club's head coach, Willie Lowry the warriors came away with 2 first place finishes, 2 second place finishes and 4 third place finishes, a fantastic achievement considering none of the combatants had ever fought competitively before.
The club are actively looking for members at the minute to add to the current dozen children involved, who are coached by 1st Dan Black belt James McLaughlin.
Club Secretary Fiona McLaughlin highlighted the benefits of taking up kickboxing to The Northern Constitution: " Kickboxing is one of the fastest growing sports in Northern Ireland," said Fiona, "and this is down to many factors.
“It's a great way to get out of the house and keep fit, it's fun, and it's a lot safer than other sports such as GAA and Rugby due to all the protective gear the kids wear. Another aspect which differs it greatly from the team sports is that while the club fight as a team at tournaments, and learn the importance of camaraderie, all the fights are one on one and success is entirely up to the individual."
Open Competition Winners
1st place finishes: Padraig O'Neill (8-10 years Points fighting), Dylan Moore (Under 8 Points). 2nd place finishes: Nathan Proudlove (Under 8 Points), Daniel Scullion (14-16 years Points). 3rd place finishes: Cody Moore (8-10 girls points), Meagan McLaughlin (11-13 girls points) Pierce McLaughlin (11-13 Points) Ross McBrine (8-10 years light contact fighting)
