North Lanarkshire

KICKBOXERS from the renowned Rivals Gym in Newmains warmed up for the WKA World Championships later this year by bringing back medals from the British Junior Championships in Birmingham.

Six fighters travelled south from Wishaw for the event – held over the weekend of May 15-16 – where a total of 450 British hopefuls took part.

Multiple world champion Scott Allan competed for the first time in the Thai boxing tournament on the Saturday of the event, destroying all before him and landing the under-55kg title against experienced fighters who had well over 30 bouts under their belts.

On Sunday when the kickboxing took centre stage, nine-year-old Aimee Boyle added the British under-25kg kids section title to the Scottish title won just a fortnight before, dominating her English opponent from start to finish in the final.

Adam MacGregor (under-55kg junior section) was described as ‘dynamite’ by Rivals Gym coach Stewart Allan as the teenager added the British title to his Scottish title.

Calum Reynolds, who became Scotland’s youngest-ever kickboxing champion at the world championships in Spain last year, lost to the eventual winner in Birmingham during a tight semi-final.

Fighting in the under-35kg section, Calum took on a number of fighters before his semi-final tussle that turned out to be his toughest fight to date.

After both fighters finished level on the scorecards, it needed an additional round to separate them with Calum just being edged out by his English opponent.

He gained some consolation by claiming bronze in the third/fourth placed play-off.

In the under-30kg section Callum MacGregor also took his semi-final bout to an extra round, eventually having to settle for the bronze medal.

Dean Ford proved he will be a force to be reckoned with in the future landing a bronze in what was his first competitive outing in the under-60kg category.

Rival Gym instructor Stewart told the Press: “All our fighters did very well and I am confident they can achieve success at the world championships in October.”

Fellow Rivals Gym members Liam Hastie, Chloe Boyle and Kyle Bryce have also qualified for the world championships to be held this year in Edinburgh

By Martial News Reporter

WASHINGTON Judo Club had a busy month but were rewarded with twelve golds and five silvers and seven bronze medals.

The club split into two with a team of mainstream students heading to the Leicester Open Championships while another team went north to the East of Scotland Special Needs Championships.

And it was the special needs team that shone winning an amazing seven golds and one silver.

Alex Sawyer-Copus, Terri McDermott, Nicki McDermott, Callam Gach, Billy Stores, Natalie Tate, and Sophie Farish all struck gold with Liam Lister gaining the silver.

The Leicester-bound team returned with an impressive haul as well.

Kate McDermott won gold in the senior dan grade category, while Nicholas Coutakis, Georgie McEwan, Thomas Fisher and Evan McEwan all claimed silver.

Adam Fisher, who was fighting his first senior tournament, also picked up a bronze medal.

The club was also in action in Newcastle Area British Judo Council Tournament, Parks Sport Centre, North Shields, where they claimed three golds and one bronze medal.

Meanwhile the special needs team were competing in one of Europe's biggest competitions for their rules.

Held in Beverwijk, Holland, they returned with one gold and five bronze. 

Washington Judo Club will be the host for a new annual British Judo Special Needs Championships later this summer.

The Club is operates twice weekly Monday and Friday at Washington Village Community Centre, Spout Lane, Washington, on  Mondays, under 10, from 6.30pm and junior and senior from  7.45pm. The club also trains on Fridays, under 10, 6pm and junior and seniors from 7.30pm.  

To find out more about Washington Judo Club email:

washingtonjudo@hotmail.com

Or visit:

MAY EDITION - ADVERTISE ON SITE

FORMER JUDO CHAMPION DIES AFTER BIRTH OF SON

By the Evening Chronicle

A FORMER Judo national champion has died following the birth of her son.

Julie Welsh, 28, of Blyth, Northumberland, died after delivering her son Isaac by caesarian and while she cradled him in her arms.

She kissed him then suddenly slipped into unconsciousness and despite best efforts by medical staff battling to save her, she passed away in front of her fiance Pete Brown, 30.

Julie and Pete were planning their wedding and were getting married at Langley Castle, County Durham.

Julie was eight times national Judo champion between the ages of 12 and 22. Her family said she was fit and healthy and had worked right up until the birth.

Her heartbroken parents Les and Margaret Welsh, are now awaiting results from the Royal Derby General Hospital, Derbyshire, to explain what their beloved daughter died from.

Mr Welsh, 50, said: "When we look at our grandson we are so proud to have such a beautiful, beautiful little boy, and we can see so much of Julie and Pete in him.

Mr Welsh added: "We have gone through every emotion from total elation to total devastation. People have commented on how Julie would make you feel special by the things she said. 

"Her and Pete were a fairytale and she said she had met the nicest lad she could ever meet. It is devastating for both families at a time when we should be celebrating Isaac’s arrival. I believe this baby is going to be special and do something fantastic in the world.