New trend kicking in

KICKBOXING is gaining in popularity across the country as more and more enthusiasts take to the sport.

The Zen-Do form of kickboxing is now practiced in 20 clubs worldwide, including clubs in Spain, the UK and Bahrain.
Recently four of Bahrain’s top kickboxers won black belts at the country’s first ever black-belt Zen-Do kickboxing trials held at Zen-Do Bahrain, Al Hamala.
Rafael Nieto, the founder of the Zen-Do martial arts system flew in especially from the UK to conduct the tests. 
“I’ve only been here for 10 hours,” said Mr Nieto, “but it’s been a pleasure. Tonight was very special because it was the first black belt grading to be held in Bahrain, and all the candidates performed very well.”
Alaa Al Alawi, Ali Qambar, Vinod Joseph and Faris Algosuihe were each awarded black belts by Mr Nieto.
 Their instructor, Suhail Algosaibi, founding director of Zen-Do Bahrain said: “I’m delighted and very proud. It’s been very hard work; they’ve been training for several years three to four times a week and they’ve worked incredibly hard to get where they are.”
For one-and-a-half gruelling hours the contenders were graded on their combat skills, techniques, and stamina.
“I’m absolutely exhausted,” said Ms Al Alawi, 21, Bahrain’s first female Zen-Do black-belt, “but I feel amazing.”
Ali Qambar, 22, a full-time instructor at Zen-Do Bahrain who also won a black belt said: “My father came to support me and he’s very proud. I feel great and fully confident now.”
A delighted crowd of more than 100 supporters watched the action in the dojo from a gallery upstairs.
Fiona Stulcbauer, a Press officer, who brought her seven-year old twin sons said: “Aaron and Lewis come here for classes and they found it very exciting. They’re hoping to become black-belts themselves.”
Mr Nieto said that with dedication, you can reach black belt within three years. His advice to those in training is to “stay committed, work hard and keep on trucking.”