(Photo: The members of Wolfpack Kickboxing Club who have qualified for the Kickboxing World Championship. Pictured from left to right are: Joseph Donoghue, Cian Silke, Jake Rigney Forde, Arina Lisko and Cillian Holohan)
Five fighters from Wolfpack Kickboxing Ballinasloe have qualified for the World Championships, marking a major milestone for the growing local club. Wolfpack K1 Kickboxing, led by 5th Dan Black Belt Leon Parsons, continues to go from strength to strength since relocating to Ballinasloe in 2023.
Leon began his kickboxing journey in 1990 and opened a successful club in Athlone in 2009, which produced multiple Irish, European and World champions. However, that club was forced to close during the second COVID-19 lockdown.
Since moving to Ballinasloe, Wolfpack has developed into a thriving community hub, catering for all ages and abilities. The club runs “Wolfcubs” classes for children aged 6 to 12, while teen and adult sessions cater for members from 13 up to 60 years of age and up.
(Photo: Cian Silke winning in his category at the Irish Open)
While success in competition continues to grow, Leon said the real impact of the club is seen in the personal development of its members. “You see confidence grow week by week,” he said.
One of the young members who qualified for the World Championships, Jake Rigney Ford, echoed these sentiments, saying: “Being part of the Wolfpack Kickboxing Club means more to me than just training; it’s a place where I feel stronger inside and out. Every session pushes me a little further, helping me build confidence, learn discipline, respect and how to believe in myself. My coaches Leon and Cian and my teammates support me which makes me feel like I belong. Kickboxing has shown me that I’m capable of more than I think and that confidence is something I will carry with me, not just in the club but in everyday life.”
Two of the club’s senior fighters who qualified for the World Championships in Madrid this November also spoke about what their achievement. “Representing our club and our town on an international stage means everything to us. We’ve put the hours in, and we’re proud to represent Wolfpack,” said Joseph Donohugh. Cian Silke added: “Wolfpack has changed my life — from starting just to keep fit, to competing at national and now international level at the world championships. The club has given me the opportunity to start coaching. I’m grateful and proud to be part of Wolfpack.”
The other two fighters to qualify were 10-year-old Arina Lisko, and Cillian Holohan. Arina said: “Wolfpack has given me the courage to take on competitions that once felt impossible. I’m truly grateful to Leon and Cian for teaching me skills that will stay with me for life. Wolfpack means so much to me, and I’m very proud to represent my club and Ireland at the World Championships.” Cillian’s mother, Sheena Breathnach, added “As Cillian’s mam, I’m so grateful that we found this club with such supportive and enthusiastic coaches. Qualifying for Madrid is a massive achievement for Cillian.”
Fundraising events and sponsorship drives will take place in the coming weeks and months to support the team as they prepare to compete on the world stage in Madrid. If you would like to donate, there is a GoFundMe page available: https://gofund.me/b01a49a4a. The club is located in the Emerald Ballroom, just across from the library, and trains every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Check out their social media platforms on Facebook (wolfpack.Ballinasloe), Instagram (wolfpack_ kickboxin_ballinasloe) and TikTok (@wolfpack_kickboxing) for more information.
