WKA Worlds 2009

SEVEN members of the Kaizen Fitness Martial Arts Studio in Elgin have returned from representing Scotland at the World Kickboxing Association championships in Huelva, Spain with a haul of five gold, two silver and three bronze medals.

Twelve-year old Elgin High School pupil Craig Fraser followed in the footsteps of his mentor and team-mate David Firth by achieving a gold double.

The youngster said: “I have always looked up to David and I’m delighted that I have been able to do what he did in Florida last year by coming home with two gold medals.

“The competition was very stiff so I am very happy that I managed to beat an American in one final and a Canadian in the other one to win my gold medals. Hopefully I can go back next year.”

Firth, who is studying computer science at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, stepped up from the junior ranks into the adult grades and was more than happy with his bronze medal.

He said: “It was a huge step-up for me to compete as an adult this time after winning double gold as a junior in Florida last year so I am quite happy to have come away with a bronze.

“Young Craig has put a lot of hard work into his training and he thoroughly deserves his success.”

Kayleigh Robinson, the 22-year-old daughter of senior club coach Diane Stuart, was in charge of the Moray group for the Spanish trip and came home with a silver medal of her own.

She said: “Every one of the seven-strong Elgin contingent returned with a medal. Craig won double gold, Alexander Kinlin won gold and silver, Jodi Henderson picked up a gold and a bronze, Ria Davidson gold while I came home with a silver medal.

“David did brilliantly to win a bronze medal in his first adult competition and Bradley McNairn also won bronze.”