Seven kickboxers from Inverness are heading to world championships

SEVEN kickboxers from Inverness will look to find out if they can take on the best in the world.

Athletes from Raijin Martial Arts Academy will be taking part at the WKA World Championships which is taking place at Ravenscraig in Motherwell.

The seven students who will be competing are Liam Bruce, Cammy Lemon, Donald Macarthur, Jonathan Macaulay, Jack Ross, Ellen Steadwood and Elise Stephen.

The competition begins on Thursday, June 20 until Sunday, June 23.

Sensei Donald Macarthur (38) says that the squad of athletes will be heading to the world championships looking to do their best. They are looking forward to the challenge of competing on the global stage.

He said: “We have two kids that are 10-years-old along with five adults who are in the squad who will be competing.

“The fact that the world championships are taking place in Motherwell this year was the main reason we are taking part.

“The athletes were selected to represent Team Scotland as the costs were reduced compared to traveling to the other side of the world to compete at the Championships.

“We were determined to jump on the opportunity of taking part at the world championships this year.”

Raijin Martial Arts have been raising money to compete at the world championships this year and have set a target of reaching £3500.

Macarthur says that they have received a lot of support so far as they prepare for the competition.

He said: “We have been raising money for entry fees as well as sports kit to prepare for competition.

“So far we have raised almost £3000 and we are delighted with the support that we have received so far.

“For the majority of our students, this will be the first time they have taken part at the world championships.

“But our assistant instructor Ellen Steadwood is an eight-time world champion and she will be looking to compete for another title.”

Raijin Martial Arts Academy recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and hosts kickboxing and fitness classes at Highland House at Longman Road.

The WKA World Championship will play host to a variety of martial arts competitions which include combat sports, mat sports, MMA and Muay Thai.

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