Seven young members of Kaizen School of Kickboxing chosen to represent Scotland at World Championships in Waterford, Ireland
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KAIZEN School of Kickboxing in Moray will be well-represented at this year's World Championships.
For seven of their young fighters have earned their place to battle for Scotland in the big event in Ireland in November.
The Kaizen kids who will head out to Waterford are:
- Logan Morris, 17, (Moray College)
- Ethan Hendry, 15, (Lossiemouth High School)
- Natalie Sayle, 15, (Elgin Academy)
- Ross Sharp, 14, (Elgin Academy)
- Amirah Cherif, 14, (Lossiemouth High School)
- Erin Morris, 13, (Elgin High School)
- Noah Sayle, 10 (East End Primary, Elgin).
All seven medalled at either (or both) the WKA Scottish Championships last November and this year's WKA Championships at Ravenscraig Sports Centre to qualify for the worlds.
The World Championships are organised by WKA (World Kickboxing Association) with teams travelling to Ireland from an estimated 30 countries.
Kaizen's international competitors are making efforts to raise funds to finance their trip to Ireland, as well as team training in the Central Belt, and are seeking sponsorship from local businesses or individuals.
A club spokesperson said: "The costs will probably be in the region of £1000 per competitor, as they travel and share a hotel with the rest of Team Scotland, so no economies can be made.
"They will also have to pay for their Scotland kit with track suit, fighting suit, shorts.
"Additionally, there will be Scottish squad training to attend on the last Sunday of the month, near Glasgow.
"The fighters from Kaizen both enjoyed and learnt a lot from the training. It may be an eight-hour round trip but working with other advanced fighters and a range of senseis (coaches) makes it worthwhile."
Fundraising events will see the younger members train in their pyjamas for a week, while a fundraising tournament will be held in Elgin.
"Some of the seven are also undertaking individual challenges.
"Logan, Ethan, Natalie, Erin and Noah will be running the equivalent distance as Elgin to Waterford (over 400 miles).
"Some will be running to and from school, but each challenge is individual.
"Ethan plans to run from Hopeman to Burghead before school, along the old railway path. The distance there is just over four miles, so he will reach his target in 100 runs between May 1 and the end of August - he hopes!"
"The seven young fighters are also looking for sponsorship from businesses in Moray, whether it’s a cash sum, or a raffle prize, any donation will be gratefully received.
"Businesses who support the Kaizen Fight Team will have their name or logo added to the Scotland flag which they will be photographed with and will travel to Waterford with them."
Anyone interested in offering support can call Vivien on 07902 293 166 or email kaizen.kickboxing@gmail.com.
