From left: coach of the Masterton Undisputed MMA Club, Emile Johnson, club member, Charlie McLeod and CE at WBS, John Healy. Five players from the club will compete in Bali this month.

Charlie has been involved with the Masterton Undisputed MMA Club for the last couple of years. In August last year, Charlie was invited to join the Aotearoa New Zealand team at next month’s WKA (World Kickboxing and Karate Association) Asia Pacific Championships in Bali. Winners at the tournament will then have the opportunity to attend the world WKA championship next year.

‘I am so thankful to have been chosen for this tournament,’ Charlie said.

‘It will be an incredibly insightful and challenging experience from which I will learn a lot about my sport and myself. This trip will also take me one incredibly large step closer to so many of my goals. It’s also the first event of this calibre for me so I will be giving it 110% to secure my place at the next one.’

John Healy from WBS said his business is very proud to be supporting Charlie, who is not only an inspiration for his sporting achievements but also as a member of the Wairarapa community.

‘By supporting Charlie to get to Bali, we’re not only backing his sporting goals but also supporting a young man who is already giving back to his community,’ said John.

‘This very much fits with our goal of helping our community prosper.’

Charlie first got involved in MMA a couple of years when the gym he had previously attended closed. He said the moment he walked into the local MMA club he knew he had found his ‘thing’.

The former Wairarapa College student and graduate from UCOL now trains six mornings and five nights a week. He has also works part-time at Woolworths.

‘Currently on my days off, when required, I volunteer my time and help coach the younger generation coming through. I also help coach a local community support group,’ Charlie said.

‘I hope to one day have the skills and knowledge to be something of a teacher or even a coach to another generation of athletes.

Undisputed MMA Masterton is a fitness gym specialising in mixed martial arts. ‘It’s a safe place where everyone from all walks of life in our community feel welcome,’ Charlie said.