Many people find themselves on the fence about MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), but mum of three Leanne Dunne believes joining the sport is one of the best decisions she has made for her and her children.
MMA is a full-contact sport that incorporates a handful of techniques from boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, karate, and Muay Thai in order to defeat your opponent in the ring.
At first, Leanne was completely against the idea of her five-year-old daughter Lily joining a class when it was mentioned to her by her husband. She told EVOKE: 'Because she was so young, she was my little girl. I didn't want her getting hit in the face.'
But after chatting with the trainers at Team Ryano, who explained how moves and tactics are incorporated into games for those at such a young age, she decided to let Lily try it out.
That was eight years ago and now, at 13, Lily has come on leaps and bounds not only in her fitness but in her confidence as a young adult.
Looking back, Leanne remembers how Lily 'was quite shy. She was one of these kids that would stand behind your leg when she'd seen anyone.' This has completely changed, thanks to her involvement with MMA.
For those who believe that MMA's 'rough tactics' may be used in the wrong way in the outside world, Leanne reassures parents that their coaches make sure that each member knows where the line is.
She said: 'With Team Ryano, it's such a safe environment...it's actually great for kids if they do have that little bit of more energy or you see them hitting home. They learn about discipline and when they should and shouldn't hit and self-defense. They learn how to respect people on the mats and off the mats.'
The sport had such a positive impact on her daughter that Leanne decided to throw her own hat in the ring and try it out.
Leanne laughed as she said: 'It is so much more than boxing somebody in the head... There is a science behind trying to manipulate somebody's body... people bring notebooks to write things down.
 'Forget what you think it [MMA] is, it's completely different. It's humbling, but it gives you so much confidence.'
Team Ryano owner Andy Ryan wants to supply not only a sport and an outlet for people but also the tools for people to protect themselves in an event, if it should occur.
While the sport may have a negative reaction from some from time to time, Andy said: 'People only see 5 per cent of the game. When you look at UFC, you are only looking at the guys at the top... The majority of people are doing it for fitness and health.
'You have all walks of life in the club, the school teachers, the gardas, the plumbers, the unemployed, you got people who retired, it is a social outlet. There are no egos, everyone is there to help one another.'
Andy continued: 'Any physical sport you will pick up injuries, no matter what age you are, but with MMA you have your mates with you. Your leader and your coach are there to pick you up when you fall but also help you improve on tactics for the next time you take to the mat.'
He continued to explain that one of the key things to remember is that 'If you are in the right gym, and you have the right coaches, safeguards are in place' to protect you.
For more information about trying an MMA class click here.
