Two female fighters from Iron Monk Thai boxing gym in Bishop Auckland attended the Combat Sports Initiative (CSI) training held at Bad Company gym in Leeds where they were among seventy young people who enjoyed the session jointly funded by the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, writes James Bovington.
Tarleea Kennedy, 14, has trained in martial arts for six years. She’s known as Titan Tarleea at the club and has won five amateur bouts and various open tournaments winning three title belts. Tarleea is coached by Konnie Sowerby who also went to the Leeds session and was welcomed as the special guest coach for the day. Tarleea herself is a CSI ambassador as part of the initiative’s and has received CSI sponsorship as a Combat Sports Sister.
“I love attending the training sessions arranged by the military,” explained Tarleea. “It’s a privilege to be a role model for other young girls by promoting this scheme. Taking part in combat sports is a good way to learn discipline and confidence and to keep young people off the streets by offering a worthwhile goal. That doesn’t have to mean competing. It’s great to meet new and old friends at these events who have the same love of combat sports.”
“The CSI sessions improve my discipline, core strength, fight skills, confidence and endurance. Everyone also benefitted from knowledge and skills shared by my coach Konnie. Girls and young women shouldn’t hesitate to join a combat sports gym and see how they fit in. I bet they’d absolutely love it.”
Bianca Conway-Kennedy is Tarleea’s mother. “The values CSI promotes hit close to home such as sorting anger and frustration through the sport and avoiding any recourse to weapons and especially knives. All combat sports clubs are committed to helping reduce violence against girls and woman as they empower female fighters and improve both their confidence and ambition. I’ve seen firsthand how CSI has developed over time to have a greater impact on the girls. I’ve seen my daughter Tarleea grow in skill and confidence.”
Petty Officer Aaron Snowdon, 35, has been involved with CSI from the outset. “It’s a privilege to combine my passion for martial arts with the opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact the Royal Navy and combat sports can have on individuals at risk of being drawn into gang culture and knife crime. Martial arts and the Royal Navy share core values, including discipline, respect, resilience, integrity and teamwork. Joining both a local combat sports gym and the armed forces can provide young people with purpose, direction and a supportive community encouraging them to make positive life choices.”
Message IronMonk Gym on Facebook or via Instagram @ironmonk_gym for information about training.
James Bovington
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
