GLOBAL glory has come to a West Fife martial arts club for the first time after one of its members packed a punch to win world championship gold.
Owen Davies reached the top of the podium in Scotland colours to create history for Fu Dog Martial Arts at the WKA (World Karate and Kickboxing Association) World Championships.
He was one of three members of the club, based in Lynburn Industrial Estate, Dunfermline, to compete at the competition, over the weekend of June 21-23, alongside Brandon Reynolds and Alfie Penman.
Held at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, Motherwell, Owen, 17, competed in the 'Boxing Light' discipline, in the male 15-17 years age group and 55.1-60kg weight category.
Alfie and Brandon, both 15, took part in the 'Dutch-style' Low Kick Light 15-17 years discipline, in the 60.1-65kg and 75.1-80kg weight categories respectively, with the latter winning bronze, and the former placing fourth.
Iain Feenan, head coach with Fu Dog Martial Arts, commented: "The guys did really well.
"From my perspective, they listened to me at the side of the mat, and put in good performances.
"Owen won gold, which makes him world champion, and it's fantastic at 17 years-of-age, and for the club to have a world champion.
"He showed composure throughout the day, being scheduled for a certain time, then it being pushed back three or four times. There were a few hurdles in his way but, once he stepped on the mat, he was good to go.
"They were all competing against people who are more experienced than them. They performed how I expected them to perform.
"The results for Owen and Brandon were good. Alfie I feel was let down by organisation.
"Alfie was told he was competing on the Sunday, but then found at nine o'clock he was competing on the Saturday. That threw a spanner in the works. He fought against opponents from England and France, and done himself justice.
"They should be proud of themselves. They've done the club proud, and it's a testament to themselves how hard they've worked."
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