Meet the Johnstone gym instructor set to represent Scotland in European Karate Championships

A gym instructor from Johnstone will be representing Scotland at the European Karate Championships taking place in Croatia this week.

Dylan Rush is ready to get his adrenaline going when he competes as part of the Shitokai Scotland Karate team, working with chief instructor Terry Connell, on Thursday (May 9). The 25-year-old 'karate champion' will also be taking part in a major tournament in Austria later this year.

He started the sport at just six years old and began competing aged 10. Since then, Dylan has been crowned Scottish national karate champion ten times.

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He is now pursuing his passion around the world.

Dyland said: "I started karate at a very young age and am now working towards my goal of breaking through to the top 100. I love the problem solving aspect of karate - you get to learn more about yourself, how best to combat and rise above a situation and how you can control your emotions when you're under pressure.

"It still gives me the same buzz that I got when I started out in karate and it's something to focus on. I think humans need a drive in something to get out of bed and do something they enjoy."

Dylan is supporting others in reaching their fitness goals alongside his own training, working as a gym instructor for East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, and has been using its brand new functional gym The Grid, at Barrhead Foundry, as part of his training routine to prepare for the European championships.

He added: "I found my passion early in life and am continuing to fulfill it, while helping others with their fitness goals too. It's a perfect job for me and allows me to also pursue my goals.

"I need to do a lot of strength and conditioning as part of my training, so it involves a lot of gym work. I've been using The Grid since it opened last month as part of my training routine for the European championships.

"It's definitely supporting my karate training and development - it's perfect for me as there's the open space with free weights and freestyle equipment and I've developed my own routine, starting with activation exercises and plyometric training, then resistance and strength training. It can help with your training if you're into combat sports, running or football but you definitely don't need to be a marathon runner or athlete, this space is for everyone.

"The best thing you can do is speak to an instructor and they'll happily help you to make the most out of your time here. There's a great atmosphere and you'll always receive a very warm welcome.

"Helping people improve aspects of their lives through fitness is part of the role that I enjoy the most."

Dylan hosts GridRox and GridBox classes for customers. The Grid is extra special to Dylan, as he also named the space.

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He explained: "The plans for the space reminded me of a gym I'd seen American footballers train in. Their football field is called The Grid Iron and their gym space was similar to our new functional fitness gym at Barrhead Foundry.

"I put forward the idea and it was selected - it's great to know that I contributed to the space that is serving the community and supporting their fitness goals."

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