Local martial arts club Shaolin Tigers martial Arts (STMA) HQ had an impressive outing this past weekend at a local interclub event.
Following the recent opening of its new facility, STMA HQ had juniors and adults showcase their skills both in a cage and a ring across multiple disciplines from Muay Thai to Boxing.
The coaches were really impressed and are excited with what the youth of Wokingham can achieve in the future.
Local Wokingham youths Eytan Pearson, Edward Sin, Alex Desai, Aaron Duesbury, Alex Pickuop, Jake McDonald, Jack Green, Emma Lennon, Daniel Negroni, Ashley Price, Finley Smith and Jason Gordon excelled, some in their first outings.
STMA HQ Wokingham has been running in the area for more than 30 years, and in its heyday has produced many champions; many who now help to coach the new upcoming breed.
For many years STMA has had to operate by hiring various premises by the hour, carting pads and equipment from place to place. This resulted in additional strains on club finances and restricting its development. STMA could never fulfil its true potential.
With dozens of junior members relying on STMA as a source of community, belonging and a place where they can improve both physical/mental strength, the coaches decided a more permanent and stable environment was needed.
In the hope of saving the club from closing its doors, head coaches Frank Bowen-Aquilina, Nadia Aquilina and Keith Forde decided to put their personal incomes on the line to save the community-based club.
To ensure STMA juniors and adults’ members had a home, using their personal incomes the coaches managed to secure a new location at Shaolin Tigers HQ, 7 The Lawrence Centre, Oaklands Park, Wokingham RG41 2FE.
The club has now committed itself to a five-year lease, and the coaches supplementing to club finances each month to ensure the doors stay open.
However, the coaches are committed and want to provide a positive outlet to the youth and old of Wokingham.
The club offers an outlet through its wide range of classes, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, MMA and BJJ and operates seven days a week.
STMA HQ Wokingham welcomes all ages and caters to all levels of experience.
For more information, visit: https://www.shaolintigers.co.uk/
