Martial arts stars aim for more success

Published 28 Jan 2010 10:55 0 Comments

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Michaelle Haining with her impressive haul of trophies and medals

THREE martial art stars have been making a big impact in the Tae Kwon Do world.

Michelle Haining, Christopher Watson and Christopher Doolan, whose training base is in Helensburgh, have all burst onto the international scene and they look likely to capture further success in their careers.

All three have prospered at the Stephen Rooney Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing Club.

Michelle has won the women's second dan black belt as well as the women's middleweight black belt.

And she is now used to competing on the big stage, having entertained former Russian President Vladamir Putin, who himself is a keen martial artist, at the World Championships in St Petersburg six years ago.

In the last two years she has had the chance to pass on her experience to youngsters by teaching kids as an instructor.

She said: "I have been involved in the sport since I was eight-years-old and ever since I started I have wanted to keep progressing.

"I have also been teaching for two years which I really enjoy. The most memorable competition for me was the overall European junior tournament with the Scottish team, which were held in Croatia in 2008.

"Another was when I won silver at the European Championships in Greece for individual sparring in 2006."

Watson is another competitor who will be hoping for success this year.

He has qualified to go to Italy in the men's squad for the European Tae Kwon Do championships in Italy.

With three gold medals already to his name, as well as a first degree black belt in the British pattern event, he hopes to continue his impressive form.

The 19-year-old said: "I was selected in the adults' squad for the European Championships and we will be travelling to Italy in two months time.

"This is only my second time competing outside of Scotland. The last foreign tournament I was involved in was at the Euros in Slovenia last year.

"I will obviously be going for gold but it is a tough competition with a lot of good fighters, so I will be happy with anything I get to be honest."

Doolan has shown signs he can perform at the highest level and hopes to secure his black belt this year.

He said: "The British championship was the toughest competition I have been involved in.

"The next step up for me is to go into black belt level and once I get to that stage I will have to go into squad trials for competitions.

"I want to go as far as my ability takes me.

"When you reach the black belt level, it opens up many opportunities. Many competitors just stop there but you have many options after you have reached that level.

"You can go into the Scottish team, there are eight different degrees at that level and you can also judge or referee at international events.

"I am 26-years-old but Tae Kwon Do is one of these sports that as long as you look after yourself then you can continue for as long as possible."

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