Mount Isa born and bred amateur fighter Katarina Genc has returned to the North West and started her own combat sports business.
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She is the 2019 Muay Thai Australia National Championship title holder for C Class (48-51kg) division, and since returning to Mount Isa in July, Ms Genc has turned her hand to training and fitness.
Ms Genc opened her business KickFit Haven which incoorportates six weekly classes in Muay Thai Kickboxing, HIIT Box and outdoor bootcamps.
"I felt like there was a gap in the market here, lack of opportunity outlets and avenues for people who want to train in fitness and martial arts specifically," Ms Genc said.
"I know what it is like to grow up here and not have those options, so I felt like I knew the community well enough to know what it needed and it has worked in my favour.
"I am providing a supportive environment that feels like home, and where you can train with likeminded people. I have a very holistic approach in my coaching and I aim to educate, inspire and support my students throughout their own journey of self transformation."
Ms Genc started training in Muay Thai in 2012 and has developed from student, to assistant coach, to coach, to fighter and now a business owner.
"I was motivated because I had some anxiety, depression and anger issues and I wanted a healthy alternative to combat that," she said.
"I effect something that seems so violent can make one so calm. People look at Muay Thai and think it is so aggressive but there is so much discipline involved and it keeps you centred, grounded and you have to control it and concentrate, because any little mistake and you can get hurt."
Currently in her second week of business, Ms Genc classes are almost at full capacity.
"I have got a mixture of Muay Thai Kickboxing, HIIT Box and bootcamp, so there is a balance between martial arts, learning some traditions and the correct form and also fitness," she said.
"I am only focusing on women at the moment, but I had a lot of enquiries for children and men as well, so that will come. I also want to work with the youth and develop some type of youth empowerment program."
Ms Genc said her classes catered to a variety of people.
"Everyone has their own specific goals and it is tailored to the individual. But people have come to me just to build self confidence, learn self defence, some people want to lose weight and get fit, some people just want somewhere to go where they can be held accountable because they lack motivation and want to make time for themselves," she said.
"I am currently training a lot of mothers and professionals who are just so busy in their lives that they are dedicating an hour to themselves and coming to class, so I am happy to be a part of that process."
Classes are currently being held at Sikaran Martial Arts Club at 14 Transmission Street. Those interested in the classes can contact KickFit Haven on Facebook.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
