The Fit2fight Martial Arts Centre in Raymond Terrace has recently achieved a significant milestone, with six of its students qualifying for the upcoming World Cup tournament in Portugal. The talented martial arts exponents, namely Konrad Thomas, Kallyah Butler, Bella James, Kiriana Thomas, and Charli Butler, along with their esteemed instructor, Steve Wheatland, will represent Port Stephens as they compete for Australia against the world’s best.
These students, who were crowned national champions last December, have diligently worked to earn this opportunity to display their skills on the international stage. Their dedication and passion for martial arts have been the driving force behind their success, and their commitment to personal growth, respect, honour, and discipline has set them apart in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.
The news of their selection for the World Cup follows an impressive showing at the National titles at Sydney Olympic Park, where fifteen out of the seventeen Fit2fight Martial Arts students in attendance qualified for the Mixed Martial Arts Australian squad. However, it was the aforementioned six members who ultimately decided to seize the golden opportunity to represent Australia at the prestigious World Cup event.
According to the experienced Head Coach and long-time Australian representative, Steve Wheatland, this achievement is a testament to the strong work ethic and passion for martial arts that the students at Fit2fight Martial Arts embody. He expressed his elation at their selection and emphasized the remarkable commitment shown by the students and their families, stating that they truly deserve this recognition.
The success of the Fit2fight squad at the national titles was nothing short of extraordinary. 44-year-old Steve Wheatland was crowned Full Contact national champion, while 27-year-old Konrad Thomas secured the Free Sparring national title. The emerging prospects, thirteen-year-old Kiriana Thomas and Bella James, brought home the national Free Sparring and Points Sparring titles, respectively, and ten-year-old Kaliyah Butler claimed both the Point and Free Sparring trophies. However, it was nine-year-old Charli Butler who stole the show, clinching three national titles in the Points Sparring, Free Sparring, and Demonstration categories.
The Fit2fight Raymond Terrace club, established in 2019, has emerged as a hub for nurturing talent in the field of Mixed Martial Arts at both junior and senior levels. With a strong team already pushing for spots in the top Australian squad and eyeing the next year’s international tournament in Japan, the future looks promising for the club. The dedication, hard work, and determination of the students and their coach have set a high standard for excellence, and their upcoming participation in the World Cup will serve as a testament to the thriving martial arts community in Port Stephens.
The journey of these six students from Raymond Terrace to the World Cup in Portugal is a remarkable feat that reflects their unwavering dedication to their craft. Their achievements stand as a testament to the incredible talent and passion that exists within the Fit2fight Martial Arts Centre, and they are sure to make their mark on the global stage as they compete against the best in the world.
Authored by Chris KARAS