Riverina regional super middleweight champion Ashley Roach says many teenagers walk through the doors feeling lost, and the gym gives them confidence, discipline and purpose.
Adam McKinna has been forced to close Corowa Combat Sports after more than 10 years of self-defence instruction at Corowa Golf Club.
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The recent closure of the golf club left him with no choice but to vacate the gym where he has guided so many through multiple forms of martial arts.
The impact of the closure reaches everyone from the seven-year-olds that attend the kid’s karate classes, to current Riverina regional super middleweight boxing champion Ashley Roach.
Ashley has been a mainstay at the gym since he first attended more than three years ago, and credits Adam with his success in the boxing ring, and a major turning point in his life.
“When I first walked into the gym, I was a lost person struggling with my mental health,” Ashley said.
“Adam believed in me before I believed in myself; the gym isn’t just a place to train, it’s a family.
“It got me through some of my darkest days and gave me the chance to win a regional title.
“Losing it would be devastating for the community.”
Corowa Combat Sports has held its last class at the Corowa Golf Club gym, where it has operated for more than a decade.
Adam said he doesn’t yet have any information regarding the future of CCS, but was hoping to have a small space assembled for one-on-one clients by mid-April.
Disassembling his training space at the club has been heart-breaking for him, but believes laying blame on the operators of the golf club was unjust.
“Community contributions dictate the success or failure of community ventures at every level.”
“Community contributions dictate the success or failure of community ventures at every level,” Adam said.
“They are solely reliant on the community accessing their service.
“I wish to extend my sympathy and appreciation to the board, management and staff of Corowa Golf Club, who have supported my club and its members throughout our occupancy.”
Adam said he has had setbacks before, and that CCS has always been able to come back, but he’s not sure where this leaves his gym or its members this time.
Corowa Combat Sports held its last class on Thursday, February 12, after the golf club’s fateful announcement.
Adam has thanked everyone who has participated and contributed to CCS in its lifetime, but had a message to the community.
“Get involved in your community, people,” he said.
“Make a contribution and be a part of its growth.”
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