Kickboxers clean up

The strength and depth of Nelson martial arts has been highlighted again by SMA Kickboxing’s latest gold medal haul at the Eagle DS fight series.

Coach Sallie McArdle sent a teenage team of seven to the second round of the series and it returned with 11 gold medals, two more than the first foray in April.

Bhakti Rutledge led the way with five gold at just his third tournament, while Mikey Ching took home three. Rookies Tyler Chadwick and Jacob Jarrett recovered from early losses to both claim gold at their first tournament.

“They slotted into the team amazingly well. They listened, learned and did exactly what they were told,” enthuses Sallie.

Joseph Hill made a successful return after a long break, sticking to boxing to keep himself ticking over as he manages a hip injury.

“The organisers love to see us coming up from Nelson and make sure to give us a mention. There were more than 170 fights, and the series was exceptionally well run,” declares Sallie.

“This year our teenage team is just growing and growing. They trust and support each other. It is fantastic as they are the future. They are really putting pressure on our seniors, so they have to be on their toes.”

The next big goal is Australia with Sallie planning to take up to 15 fighters to Sydney in October for individual and team competitions.