SIX students from Fit2fight Martial Arts Center in Raymond Terrace have achieved the trip of a lifetime in their chosen sport.
Talented martial arts enthusiasts Conrad Thomas, Kaliyah Butler, Bella James, Killiana Thomas, and Charlie Butler and leading instructor Steve Wheatland will be joining us at this year's World Cup competition in Portugal in October. We plan to raise the Port Stephens flag at
All six were crowned national champions last December and will be able to boost their reputations by representing Australia and competing against some of the best teams in the world.
In an amazing achievement, 15 of the 17 Fit2fight Martial Arts students who took part in the national title fight at Sydney Olympic Park qualified to represent Australia in mixed martial arts.
But just six members of the club chose to take advantage of the golden opportunity to don Australia's green and gold kit at this year's World Cup competition.
“This is an outstanding achievement by this young group who share a strong work ethic and passion for martial arts,” an elated Ms Wheatland told News of the Area.
“The dedication our students and their families show to our club is truly outstanding and they deserve to be recognized,” said the experienced head coach and long-time Australian international. Ta.
“As a club, we already have a strong squad aiming to qualify for the Australian top team and compete in an international tournament in Japan next year,” exclaimed Steve.
“Our club's strong commitment to personal development, respect, honor and discipline will enable them to achieve their goals,” he added.
The Fit2fight team won multiple events with national titles, including 44-year-old Wheatland being crowned full-contact national champion and 27-year-old Conrad Thomas winning the free sparring national title.
Thirteen-year-old rising star Kyliana Thomas Vera James brought home the national free sparring and points sparring titles, while 10-year-old Kariya Butler won both the points and free sparring trophies.
They were all further surpassed by nine-year-old phenom Charlie Butler, who won three national titles in the points sparring, free sparring and demonstration categories.
Founded in 2019, Fit2fight Raymond Terrace Club has discovered a variety of talent in the field of mixed martial arts at junior and senior levels.
Written by Chris Karas
