Young Narrogin kickboxer Thai McGrath brings home gold after Perth comp

Nine-year-old Narrogin fighter Thai McGrath has brought gold and honour home to the Narrogin Martial Arts Centre after competing in the Australian Kickboxing WA 2023 Perth Open. “The kids did really well,” Narrogin Martial Arts Centre owner Daniel McGrath said. “My boy Thai got two gold medals, he had some awesome fights, all the kids had great bouts.” A month prior to his success in Perth Thai shone in a Muay Thai competition. His next fight towards the end of May will be in the style of taekwondo. McGrath said that practising martial arts is great for children as it nurtures mindfulness and discipline. “It lets kids release some energy, it gives them somewhere to run and play, especially in this day and age when kids aren’t out as much climbing trees and building cubby houses,” he said. “They need somewhere that they can release that energy in a good safe and friendly environment.” The gyms’ recent wins are putting Narrogin Martial Arts on the map. “We’re getting a good rep in Perth and we’re being invited by lots of gyms to join in their competitions,” McGrath said. “Any kids interested should come on down, come on down for a free trial and give it a go. “Kids learn very fast from me, I’ve been teaching martial arts for 15 years and I’ve practised for over 30.” McGrath came to Narrogin to open his Martial Arts Centre two years ago after eight years spent teaching in Albany. The proud trainer and father said that Thai’s recent win has energised the young fighter. “Thai is stepping into the zone right now, he’s been around martial arts all his life, he’s been crawling around on my mats since he was a baby,” McGrath said. “We’ll see where it takes him in the years to come. I definitely think we’ve got a champ on our hands.”