Midwest Martial Arts athletes hold their own against the best that Perth has to offer over the weekend

Midwest Martial Arts athletes were among the medals competing in last weekend’s Submission Grappling Tournament Perth. Athletes from the Midwest Martial Arts gym were put to the test during an intensive six-week training program leading up to the event as each fighter was put through their paces. Coaches Michael Jones and Oliver Murray have adopted a new style to coaching the sport of martial arts with a focus on the athlete and an awareness that each fighter is different in their style. Known as ecological training, it focuses more on the individual when placed in realistic situations and allows the athlete to adapt their technique to what works for them rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. And it works for the coaching duo with one of their athletes, Malachi Fraser, winning gold and Domo Councillor a bronze during their trip to the tournament in Perth. Jones said the event was a great chance for the team to test themselves against some of the best in the State and was immensely proud of his athletes for their efforts in a relativity new environment. “We are a small club so going down to Perth where they have 100 members is a great opportunity,” he said. “We are really proud of all of them, they all did great. “I mean we had one athlete get gold and one get bronze which was awesome out of the nine that we took down.” Jones said to see the athletes competing, doing what they loved and succeeding, was his reward. “I absolutely love coaching and imparting knowledge on people that want to learn,” he said. “I have been doing this for 12 years and with Oli by my side bringing his wealth of experience, it really helps us improve as a club.” Murray said his athletes did him proud and stuck it to the Perth talent. “I couldn’t be prouder,” he said. “We are here in isolation, we are the only gym in town that trains like we do. “So we are a big fish in a little pond, so for our athletes to go down and not look out of place was awesome to see.” Murray said the Midwest Martial Arts gym was for everyone. “Safety is our number one priority and we are all about belonging and trying your best,” Murray said. “We’ve got State champions, and we’ve got middle-aged people who are doing it for a bit of exercise. “If you try your best, you’re respectful and you’re safe, you will fit in here just fine.”