Novices develop skills for in, out of ring

MARTIAL arts trainer Lucas Allen believes a major goal of Bendigo Fight Centre’s novice program is as much about building self-confidence and discipline as landing a jab, uppercut, or kick.

A lot of the work by Allen and BFC’s training team will be on show at the inter-club tournament for novices on 3 December at the Allingham Street gym in Golden Square.

One of BFC’s most enthusiastic members is Lang Kirk who started training a few months ago.

“Lang is an exceptional talent,” Allen said of the nak muay competitor.

“He can land a heavy punch for his size, and is incredibly quick on his feet. That’s a huge asset to have, not only in being able to throw kicks, but also get out of trouble.”

Another plus is Kirk’s willingness to do the extras, whether it be sit-ups, push-ups without having to be told to by a trainer.

Novice sessions are run five nights a week and draw a wide range of ages.

“There’s the youngsters like Lang, quite a lot of teenagers, and even some in their twenties,” said Allen.

“All have various reasons for having a go at boxing, kickboxing, or muay Thai.

“For some it’s about developing skills to compete, others it’s self-defence, and others to improve their fitness.

“Whatever the reason the team at BFC is here to help them achieve their goals.”

“There’s so much to like about training, but to watch the progress these athletes make from when they first arrive to the gym to a few weeks or months later is always exciting,” said Allen.

The BFC training team of Lucas Allen, Dariean Menchini, Kaleb Heffernan, Martin John, Angus Tsam, Luke McKenzie and Hamish Catto has put in plenty of work helping the novices prepare for the 3 December event.

The input of strength and conditioning and crossfit trainer Matt Richardson is also vital.

“It’s the first big show we have run since taking ownership of the gym, which was Hit Factory and had been run brilliantly by Danniel Burton, aka Boon, for such a long time,” said Allen.

Lang Kirk will be one of the keen spectators watching on at the December 3 tournament, but he may soon be kicking on inside the ropes.

When he’s “fight-ready” is a call Allen will make.

 

Fighters step up for show

After many weeks of training, Bendigo Fight Centre has at least 14 competitors on the card for Saturday night’s tournament.

What was originally planned as inter-club has become intra-club as COVID forced several matches to be cancelled.

“We have had quite a few scratchings from other clubs, including two fights called off last Saturday because of COVID,” said Allen.

“At one stage I thought of re-scheduling the night, but our squad at BFC is really keen to compete.

“The guys have trained so hard for this moment for the past eight to 16 weeks and they were promised a fight, and they are getting a fight.

“We are fortunate to have a team willing to gain experience and provide entertainment, even if it means fighting each other.

“It was just too short of notice to try to get another gym involved.”

The fight night format will be three rounds of 90 seconds duration and at 70 per cent contact.

“All competitors will be fully padded,” Allen said.

The card includes three bouts featuring those who have more experience in training or have fought.

Jayden Beqir will take on Jye Healey in boxing.

A muay Thai contest pits Taylor Belbart against Joel Lourey.

A premiership-winner on the footy field with North Bendigo, Benny Knight will take on Brandon Eriksson in a kickboxing contest.

Knight has a one-nil record in the middleweight division.

Eriksson is a brown belt, two stripe in karate, and one stripe away from earning a black belt.

Another big match will be Jason Hardy against Lachlan Phillips in muay Thai.

“Although Lachlan has previous competition experience and is heavier, that does not faze Jason going into this bout,” said Allen.

Six boxers will contest their first match with Mitch Simpson taking on Lachlan Catto, Arshdeep Singh facing Damian Kitchingman and Matthew Richardson up against Sam Hocking.

Tickets for the tournament are $25 seating, $10 standing, and available via Bendigo Fight Centre social page.

Doors for Saturday’s tournament open at 5pm. First bout will be at 6pm.