Busy martial arts club flat to the mat after sponsor boost

“Director Clifford Martin has taken a great interest in our club and in particular the development of our kids,” explains Jan Ling official Ernie Johnston.

“With the money his company have provided us with we are purchasing safety mats which will provide a much safer training environment.

“His continued support will enable us to provide much more equipment to help develop the club and create many more international fighters.

“Together, with Clifford, we are also organising a charity & fundraising event called ‘ Kicking their way to Canada’, 9 of our students are competing in Montreal in October as part of the Northern Ireland WKC Kickboxing team at the WKC World Championships.

“The distance between Ballymena and Montreal is 2925 miles , so we will be attempting to complete 2925 kicks in the Ballymena Tower Centre on Saturday 25th August to raise funds for our fighters and also help the charity CLIC Sargent - supporting children with cancer.

“Then on Saturday 8th September again with the help of sponsor Martin Engineering Supplies Ltd and also our sports supplement sponsor Core-X Nutrition, we are organising a massive Martial Arts event in the Ballymena North Business & Recreation centre, The Northern Ireland Open Martial Arts Championship.

“The event will be one of the biggest floor tournament seen in this country for some time, consisting of points fighting, light contact kickboxing, forms, Katas and weapons forms, we are also running a division for disabled Martial Artists, unique for this type of event.

“We have already confirmed the attendance of all the major clubs in Northern Ireland and top clubs from Republic of Ireland including many World Champions, we have also received interest from teams in England , Scotland and Wales.

“To help with the running cost of such an event we are currently seeking local companies to sponsor divisions, and we would like to thank those companies who have already done so: Martin Engineering Supplies Ltd, Core-X Nutrition, Bann Valley Electrics, Salon Rouge Randalstown, Auto Alloys, James McCloy Joinery, IT Studio NI, McCartney Tiles, Dunclug High School, GJC Plumbing & Heating, Tyre Town, Dessie Birt Dental Technician, Ballymena Academy, Derek Manson Dental Practise, Little Rays Nursery, Patsy’s Barber Shop & Jauntys Chip Shop.

“The event is being run as a fundraiser for our members travelling to the World Championships in Montreal but more importantly we are also trying to raise funds for local boy Connor McDonagh, 13, who suffers from severe epilepsy & learning disabilities, he has severe seizures which require constant medical attention.

“His parents are trying to raise £30,000 to take Connor to America for treatment from a doctor who can dramatically improve Connors quality of life. We will also be making a collection on the day for Connor,” added Ernie.