Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing celebrates belt grading

Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing celebrated a successful belt grading at its club last weekend, with students demonstrating their skills, dedication and commitment under the watchful eye of world-renowned Grandmaster Massan Ghorbani.

Students from Yellow Tip through to Full Brown Belt successfully progressed to the next level after putting their kickboxing knowledge and abilities to the test.

Grandmaster Ghorbani put everyone through their paces, assessing their technical ability, knowledge and understanding of the sport. All students rose to the challenge, showcasing the hard work and dedication they have put into their training.

A special congratulations goes to Alex Halligan, who successfully graduated to Instructor Level, marking a fantastic milestone in his kickboxing journey.

The club was also delighted to welcome Cllr Deirdre Lawless, who visited ahead of the grading to wish the students the very best of luck and congratulate them on their achievements.

The club extended its sincere thanks to Grandmaster Ghorbani for sharing his vast experience and knowledge with the students, demonstrating each technique with precision and expertise. His guidance and dedication were greatly appreciated by everyone in attendance.

Coaches Phelim Halligan and Konstantin Kuzmin expressed their pride in every student who successfully achieved their next grade, praising their commitment, determination and continued progress.

Meanwhile, the club is wishing one of its own, Gary McDonnell, the very best of luck as he competes in the WAKO European Championships in Skopje, North Macedonia, this week.

The championships also serve as a qualifying competition for next year's European Games, which will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from June 16-27, 2027.

Gary faces a tough challenge in his division, which features 16 countries and competitors aged between 19 and 30. At 34, Gary will be the oldest competitor in the division, but the club will be hoping his experience will stand to him as he bids to secure a place among the top eight and progress towards qualification for the European Games.

Everyone at Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing will be cheering Gary on and wishing him every success on the international stage.

From successful gradings at home to international competition abroad, it is an exciting time for Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing.