Martial Arts: Rumble in the Jungle

Oct 18 2007 by Our Correspondent, Merthyr Express

PENTREBACH’S Iron Warriors martial arts mixed team will take to the ring in their first semi-pro event, ‘Rumble in the Jungle 2’.

The team, made up of karate, kickboxing and ju-jitsu specialists, take part in the competition at Rhondda’s Ystrad Leisure Centre on October 21 after weeks of preparation.

The seven men have added specialist judo and boxing training to prepare for the challenge, as well as fighting in their own octagon ring.

As well as competing, team leader Jamie Weaver has coordinated visits from Damien Parker and Carl Williams, ju-jitsu experts, and karate instructor Kevin O'Neill.

Jamie said: “All the work is done now, it’s just a wait to see how it goes. “It’s been hard both coaching and preparing myself, and I don’t know if I would compete again, but as this is the first fight for most of the team I felt I had to lead by example.”

The team is made up of Alyn Weyman (welterweight), Calum O'Neill (lightweight), James Churchill (light heavyweight), Rafael Dlugosz (middleweight), Chris Handley (welterweight), and Andrew Young (heavyweight).

If you want to support the team, tickets are still available from Active Bodies in Pentrebach.