Kickboxing In Lebanon

The art of kick-boxing is helping a nation, almost destroyed by years of civil strife, to regain some national pride.

It is not Northern Ireland mentioned above, but Lebanon - once considered the jewel in the Middle eastern Crown.

A trip to the country during the Pan Arab Games provided a unique insight into a thriving and fast developing sport. The first thing to catch the eye during a walk along bustling Lebanese streets were the brand new, state of the art stadiums. These complexes house a talented group of fighters who readily perform in front of knowledgeable and keen crowds.

Elements of Kick-Boxing appeal to the middle-eastern psyche. A part of the world once known and feared for itís warrior spirit, the people heap adulation on fighters they consider to be giving their all - to be full of heart. Win or lose these are the fighters who gain the crowdís respect. It is trips to the gyms and the training areas, witnessing the sport at grass-roots level, that provides the real eye opener - and hope for the future development of the sport. Throughout Lebanon and Syria there is a network of facilities supported and funded by both governments.

The best example of these is found in Lebanon, right in the economic centre of Beirut. The International Karate and Kickboxing Gym in Ras Beirut nestles snugly between a mixture of old and new, Christian and Muslim. Small family owned businesses sit comfortably beside large franchise buildings. The American University is just around the corner, as is the Hard Rock CafÈ. The gym is run by Talal Takoush, a fifth Dan blackbelt, under the banner of Savate - The Lebanese Federation Of Kickboxing. Training - and it is very tough - begins at 6am for the clubís nine blackbelts. Under the supervision of Talal, they ask no quarter and none is given. Contact, like that throughout Lebanon and Syria, is hard. After two hours intensive training, a halt is called. The heat and humidity make it difficult to continue for longer, and besides in this part of the world emphasis is on competition. Other combat sports, but Kickboxing especially, are extremely popular in Lebanon,î says Talal during a break in training. The former Lebanese champion went on to reinforce how and why the sport was growing. The fighting aspects and spirit appeal to the people. They are attracted by the hearts and soul of warriors with honour. For this reason, attendances at the gyms and at contests, right throughout the year, are high. It is having a knock-on effect. With the high profile of the sport more kids want to get involved which in turn leads to more shows. Happily, it is an ever increasing circle.

Talal shows the healthy state of the sport by allowing me to watch some of the younger members of his gym train. They enjoy vigorous sparring sessions and pad work with Talal. As with the seniors, emphasis is very much on competition - there is much defending against Talal and counter punching.

In conclusion, a happy observation. One of the most pleasing elements to emerge from the trip, was to witness just how Kickboxing is managing to unite Lebanon. Muslims and Christians come readily together to support their national competitors. Until recently it would have been unthinkable to place them in the same room.

The Lebanese spirit, it seems, is rising again - carried along under the standard of Kickboxing. A spirit, to echo Talal's words, of strong , brave warriors with honour.