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Grading joy at ages four and five

14/ 8/2008

FOUR-YEAR-OLD Melissa Mercia and five-year-old Anya May are no Barbie girls – they are high kicking high achievers in the world of Thai boxing.

While most girls their age are playing with dolls, the Salford duo have achieved yellow band status at the Armitage Thai Boxing Club.

Geoff Downes, the club’s chief instructor, said: "It is very unusual to achieve yellow arm bands, which represents the first grade in Thai boxing, at such young ages.

"But the two girls just love the sport. They are very enthusiastic and they are doing very well having only taken the sport up six months ago.

"They are being taught by Andy Wilson, who is proving himself to be an excellent junior instructor.

"Four and five-year-olds often have a short attention span and it is no mean feat to get children of that age up to yellow band status."

Melissa and Anya had to show boxing, elbow, knee and kicking skills off set routines to achieve their yellow arm bands, trophies and certificates.

They also had to display various exercises, basic self defence skills and a basic knowledge of Thai boxing in the grading.

Anyone interested in joining the Thai boxing club, which is associated with Peel Thai Boxing Club and offers private lessons, should contact Geoff on: 07518 794791.