Local gym instructor and karate champion to compete in Croatia
Local gym instructor Dylan Rush is flying out to compete at the European Karate Championship in Croatia this week.
Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 6 May 2024 13:09
The 25-year-old started karate sessions at the age of six, began competing when he was ten and has been crowned Scottish national karate champion ten times.
He's now pursuing his passion around the world as part of the Shitokai Scotland Karate team, working with chief instructor Terry Connell, and will compete at the European World Championships on Thursday 9 May, as well as a major tournament in Austria later this year.
Dylan explained: “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.
Dylan, from Johnstone, explained: “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.”
As well as training in the space in his spare time, Dylan hosts GridRox and GridBox classes for customers. The Grid is extra special to Dylan, as he also named the space.
“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.”
Find out more about East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's fitness membership: www.ercultureandleisure.org
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Singer Peter Cox set for intimate show at Eastwood Theatre
Eastwood Theatre has announced an intimate show with singer-songwriter Peter Cox.
READ MORE
Spooky season returns to town with the announcement of Paisley Halloween Festival 2025
Paisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORE
Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORE
Delve into the past with brand new heritage store and classes
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a brand new heritage store to support residents who want to research the area's past.
READ MORE
Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.
READ MORE
Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie
Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour
Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Barrhead Beach Party for fitness fans
Fitness members made a splash at Barrhead Foundry's summer pool party!
READ MORE
M&Ds teams up with Zombie Infection for a heart pounding, live action horror attraction
M&D's is set to transform into Scotland's Scream Park with the launch of Zombie Checkpoint, a live action immersive horror experience creating a heart racing adventure not for the faint hearted.
READ MORE
Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland
Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.
READ MORE
20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.
READ MORE
A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival
Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.
READ MORE
Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party
It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!
READ MORE
Transformative Aurs Road project remains on track
A project to transform the route between Barrhead and Newton Mearns by creating a safer road, an active travel route, and waterside promenade is on track to be delivered by Spring 2026.
READ MORE
Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month
Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.
READ MORE
Pop up play town brings big imaginations to little ones
A new role-play experience is popping up in community venues across Greater Glasgow this month bringing pint-sized professions and plenty of pretend fun to preschoolers and their families.
READ MORE
Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland
Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MORE
From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Scottish karate champion set for competitive season
Scottish karate champion Dylan Rush is looking forward to competing in series of international competitions over the coming weeks.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
GlasGLOW announces all new show for 2025, inspired by the legendary 80s campaign that made Glasgow smile
itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Cooking up a treat as potential multi million pound boost for East Renfrewshire economy revealed
Businesses in East Renfrewshire are backing a fresh drive that could inject £5m-a-year more into the region's economy.
READ MORE
Eastwood Park venues celebrate Doors Open Festival
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure will offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access and guided tours as part of Scotland’s Doors Open Day festival!
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Eastwood Park Theatre announces Autumn 2025 programme
Featuring Barbara Dickson, Gordon Strachan, Mhairi Black, Tam Cowan, Kerry Ellis and more...
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links