KIHONKAI KARATEKAS PASS DAN GRADES

THREE members of the Kihonkai Karate Club have passed their Dan grades.

The trio were put through their paces by International Shotokan Karate Union (ISKU) Chief Examiner Sensei Mike McClusker.

Kevin Kird, 42, Iain McMillan, 42, and William Todd, 37, were graded at Bellahouston, Glasgow, in a four hour session where threy were tested on the basics, combinations, katas and knowledge of Shotokan Karate.

Sensei Stevie Mason, the chief instructor of the club in Lesmahagow, said: "I couldn't be happier for the three guys.

"For their age, the amount of effort they put in is terrific. A lot of people that age are no longer in the sport.

"They're all busy family men, yet they make time to come and train at Lesmahagow three or four times a week. Iain, William and Kevin are all doing well to still be doing karate, never mind getting a black belt."

The three new black belts will now help teach at the club - where every members is now a Dan grade.

"This has come about due to a combination of my instruction and my pupils' natural talent shining through," he said.

The club trains every Sunday from 6pm and Friday from 7pm at Lesmahagow High School, Strathaven Road, Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire.

To find out more information

Phone Stevie on: 07950 195616

Or visit:

www.lanarkshirekarate.com

ROB MILLS HEADLINES TOTAL COMBAT 35

By Phil Doherty


NORTH MMA legend Rob Mills will face UFC veteran Mark Weir for Total Combat 35's European Welterweight title.

The event is being held at Rainton Meadow Arena,  Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, on Saturday, July 10th.

Michael McQueen, Total Combat, said: "Rob Mills is a local hero and one of the top fighters. He has very good stand up and he has been working very hard on his groundwork for this fight.

"Mark Weir comes orignally from a kickboxing background is is also a stand up fighter who likes to rock his opponents and has a good KO record. He has fought in the UFC, Pride and Cage Rage and is one of the best fighters in the world.

"So this is going to be one fight that shouldn't be missed as it will be all out war. Rob is a north legend and will get loads of support. He has a great chance here to take a scalp and he's hungry for the title."

As well as as the title fight thetre is always an England versus France, five man team event. Weights range from 66kg up to 84kg.

Michael said: "Both teams are very well matched so we can expect to see some great fight displays from the teams.

"Lewis Garside, England Captain, comes from a kickboxing background and will Team France's own captain Said El Hidraoui who is a very strong fighter will good all round skills.

"Both teams are raring to go and with them being so evenly matched its going to be a fantastic tournament."

Team England: Kyle Fitzgerald; Alex Johnson; Jamie Jones; Wayne Coxon; and Captain Lewis Gardside.

Team France: Kevin Dell; Fred Parant; Johnathan Faivre; Mikael Saintot and Captain Said El Hidraoui.

Other fights:

Mick "The brick" Lens Vs Lee Keegan MW
Chris Petrie Vs Darren Hudson HW
Craig Parker Vs Anth Mace
Rick boyle Vs Lloyd Sweeney SEMI PRO LW TITLE
Liam Henderson Vs Sam Lawton
Luke Ord Vs Terry Young
James Donnelly Vs Perry Goodwin
Dean Black Vs Tim Grieves
Chris Thirkell Vs Darren McMarn
Gary Sivills Vs Danny Thompson
Luke Dixon Vs Darre Fitzgibbon
Robert Kelly Vs Simon Neale
Gary Conlon Vs John Wilkinson

Tickets cost: Ringside and Balcony VIP: £400; Lounge Balcony VIP £560; Single Standard £25.

Ticket Hotline: 0191 512052

or online at www.mmatotalcombat.com