For Enya Clarke and Sharon Mc Dermott,two of Sligo’s top kickboxing talents, aweek-end training in Bantry, Co. Corkpresented them with the opportunity to beassessed by the examination panel ofMugendo Association for their respective1st and 3rd degree black belts.

Enya Clarke from Caltragh in Sligotown, has been a member of the SligoMugendo Kickboxing Club for nine yearsnow and has trained alongside otherfellow students such as Sharon, on aconsistent basis in all areas of theoutlined syllabus. This preparation of thetechnical aspects of the syllabus involvesthe proficient use of the body in a selfdefence way but also in all aspects of thesporting side of competitive kickboxing.She has represented her club and

Ireland on the National Kickboxing teamover the past six years and during thattime has won European and World, Gold,silver and bronze medals, on the WorldAssociation of Kickboxing Organisation(W.A.K.O.) World and European circuit.She has distinguished herself in both thediscipline of semi and light contactkickboxing, at international level, and atnational level has had much success as anexponent of the art form of the sport inKata.

Her preparation for 1st degree BlackBelt involved education and experience inworking with young people. This involvedthe completion of child Protectionprogramme, A first Aid course and aqualification in refereeing competitionwith the National Governing body, Allstyles and kickboxing association ofIreland (A.K.A.I.). The last part of thepreparation for the coveted rank of BlackBelt is a research essay on the history ofthe martial Art of kickboxing andMugendo and its development. On the dayof the grading Enya duly impressed thejudges and was complimented on herstyle, natural ability, and consistency overthe past nine years, and was awarded herfirst degree belt.

Sharon Mc Dermott, who has a recordof training in the sport for fifteen years,was awarded her first degree black belt in2003 and was successful in achieving her2nd degree in 2005, before attempting her3rd Degree in Bantry. To attempt 3rdDegree in Mugendo Association ofIreland, one must have completed 3yearsof continuous training since achieving2nd Degree, be running a club; havecompleted a level 1 Sports qualificationwith the sports council; have completedthe child protection, first aid and refereesqualification. In addition to the above, theindividual has to give a presentation onan outlined topic of sport developmentwhich can be applied to the martial arts.

The outlined topic for Sharon was"Communication in Sport", and howimproving this can assist the studentblack belt or black belt in the club. Thiscombined with an in depth knowledge ofthe Mugendo syllabus along with aknowledge of the traditional Katas ofWado Ryu. Sharon’s achievements atinternational competition was acontributing factor, as she has been on theinternational circuit for the IrishW.A.K.O. team for the past six yearswinning a silver medal in the -55kg semicontact European Championships inBulgaria in 2009. In 2004 she also won abronze medal in the World JuniorChampionships.

Sharon was adjudged to have surpassedall the requirements for 3rd degree blackbelt and complimented on achieving thissenior grade. Sharon will continue to coordinatethe Junior classes at the St.Joseph’s church hall, Ballytivnan on aSaturday morning with the assistance ofEnya. For enquiries about new beginnerclasses for boys and girls over 5 years,contact 087-4188007.