MEMBERS of Dorchester’s new ladies’ kickboxing club demonstrated fantastic skill and effort at a grading held in the county town.

The students of the Mmax Aca-demy, which is situated in Trinity Street above Iceland, enjoyed a 100 per cent pass rate which included six distinctions, four credits and an outstanding grading award trophy.

Pepper Rawlings, who received a distinction and the grading award, said: “I absolutely adore my weekly classes.

“It is really important for me to have some ‘me time’ after looking after my children and the sessions help to keep me fit, toned and full of energy.

“It is also a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends.”

Since the ladies’ only sessions started they have gone from strength to strength with many new members.

Instructor Gemma Allner added: “We have women who work in local shops, at the hospital, school teachers and even geophysicists.

“We all come together for fitness, self-defence, to learn martial arts, to shape up but mostly to have great fun in good company. This is the most friendly and supportive class I have had the pleasure of being a part of.”

The classes cover K1 and Thai kickboxing techniques, combinations and fitness exercises and are completely non-contact.

They are taught in the new private, state-of-the-art MMAX academy on Wednesdays from 6pm-7pm and Fridays from 7.30pm-8.30pm.

The club is currently enrolling new beginners and anyone interested should go along to either classes for a free trial.

There are also other classes for all the family at MMAX Academy in taekwondo, boxing, MMA, tricking, jujitsu and little leaders.

For more information contact Gemma on 07733107432.