Two young martial arts enthusiasts from Inverness have fought their way on to Scotland’s kickboxing team after competing alongside each other for the first time.
Aidan Lennan, 10, and his younger brother Ciaran, seven, from Raijin Martial Arts, competed in a number of categories at the WKC Aberdeen Open earlier this month; bringing home three gold and two silver medals between them.
Aidan maintains his covenant title and walks away a three times Scottish Champion, but their mother Diane admits that seeing her youngest beat his opponents to victory was a very “surreal” moment.
Family continue to fundraise to reach son’s kick boxing dreams
She said: “We booked Aberdeen in December and we put Ciaran in for the experience. With the category that Ciaran is in, we didn’t really think that he would get anything because we knew he was going up against tough competition as Aberdeen is a really high standard.
“Ciaran went into the final and his category was against a nine-year-old boy from Raijin Martial Arts who is a worthy champion and is on Aidan’s level. He went in there and beat him. It was surreal. I was videoing at the time and I was in complete shock, as they held his wee hand up. I thought wow; I didn’t know what to say.
“It was a nice surprise and a great boost for his confidence.”
Following their outstanding achievements, the brothers will now go on to represent their country at the WKC World Chamionships in Dublin from October 27 to November 2.
Speaking about their upcoming competition, Aidan said: “It feels quite good to fight for your country. I am looking forward to seeing all the good fighters down there and learning something from them.”
Ciaran added: “I feel amazing. I am looking forward to learning how to beat them and I’m excited.”
The family have since set up an online fundraiser for the pair, to help raise money towards ther goal to compete in the world championships.
Mrs Lennan added: “We are just over the moon for them both. Raijin Martian Arts won five gold medals. We took 16 fighters and won five gold medals and four came back to this house. The other one was won by one of the girls so that was a really nice feeling as well.”
A spokesman from Raijin Martial Arts said: “We are extremely proud of both boys and their achievements thus far and believe wholeheartedly that they can come back from the World Championships with podium finishes.”
