Susanna Freymark
Sixty-three families are heading to the UK for the international mixed martial arts competition.
That is 180 people with 90 competitors heading to Bath in October.
Every week, Katie Halloran, Zane Martin, Pypia Owen, Eli Essery and Blake Martin attend classes in Casino run by instructor Nathan Fletcher at Matt Fiddes Martial Arts Northern Rivers.
Mixed martial arts is how it sounds – a mixture of disciplines and techniques including taekwondo, kick boxing, jujitsu, karate, and other martial arts.
Katie, 46, got into mixed martial arts after her son joined. She does it for her mental health.
“I learn self-control, breathing and it gives me more discipline,” she said.
Katie trains in Evans Head.
Eli, 15, said it was fun and helped him protect his friends.
Pypia, 14, said it was good to know how to protect yourself.
Nathan said the practice is an opportunity for people to push themselves out of their comfort zone.
The competitors and their families will be in Bath on October 22–28. Before then, they plan to raise money for the trip.
On July 12 there is a barbecue and bake sale outside DIY Hardware in Casino. On August 30, a disco is planned and trivia night with the date to be confirmed. More details to come on the fundraisers.
The trip to UK goes from October 22 to October 28, with the competition being held on October 25. During their time over there they will get the opportunity to train with the UK classes.
This story was first published in Richmond Valley Inky. Download the 8-page newspaper here.