Martial Arts Coaches Scoop Prestigious Titles

A martial arts club based in Ashton has capped off a memorable year with two of its coaches being honoured with distinguished titles.

King Kombat Systems, which is run by Jonathan King, provides local adults and youngsters with the chance to learn the sport in a fun, friendly and welcoming environment.

The gym is fully equipped with mats, wall bags, training pads and gloves, toilets and changing rooms.

Such has been their dedication to the sport, combined with their expertise, coaches Philip Chadwick and Jonathan were awarded their Sixth Dan - an award which symbolises that one has mastered the true essence of Karate and is regarded as a master. 

Following their awards, Jonathan said: “For Phil and myself being awarded our Sixth Dan tonight, it’s thanks to everyone at the club who keeps us pushing forward, a great finish to 2022, thanks to Andy for the presentation, made Christmas even better.”

2022 has been something of a memorable year for Jonathan - especially considering the problems he faced during the height of Covid in 2020.

Jonathan was just two weeks into a new tenancy agreement when the lockdown took effect and his sessions were postponed.

After months of hard work and 12 hour shifts to get the facility ready, and with the welfare and safety of his members in mind, Jonathan was left with no choice but to close the facility - even before the lockdown was announced.

But despite the bitter disappointment, Jonathan, who has been running his sessions since 2012 in different locations, has come back bigger and better over the past two years, and has laid the foundations for a promising future.

He has been in helped in no small part thanks to the efforts of the Tameside Sport and Physical Activity Network - an organisation that helps affiliated clubs with one-to-one support to secure funding and coaching amongst other things.