Cairns, Queensland, is quickly becoming a hub for combat sports enthusiasts of all ages. With its sunny climate, vibrant community, and a growing number of top-tier training facilities, Cairns offers a perfect environment for both kids and adults to engage in various combat sports disciplines. Whether you're looking to build strength, learn self-defense, or simply stay fit, Cairns has something for everyone.
Pretty Top Team: Leading the Way
At the forefront of this movement is Pretty Top Team, a premier combat sports gym owned by Paul Hosking. This facility has garnered a reputation for excellence, thanks to its commitment to providing high-quality training across multiple disciplines, including Muay Thai, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and boxing. With its new introduction of the Combat Sports Assosiation, a not for profit organisation helping bring fighting talent to Cairns for seminars and sponsoring up and coming fighters from low income families. Pretty Top Team is helping Cairns to become the hub for combat sports in far North Queensland.
A Variety of Disciplines
One of the standout features of Pretty Top Team is the diversity of disciplines available:
- Muay Thai: Known as the "Art of Eight Limbs," Muay Thai is a striking discipline that uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins. It's excellent for building cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility.
- Wrestling: This grappling sport focuses on leverage, technique, and strength. Wrestling is fantastic for improving body awareness, balance, and muscular endurance.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: BJJ is a ground-based martial art that emphasizes submission holds and positional control. It’s highly effective for self-defense and is a great workout for the whole body, particularly the core.
- Boxing: Boxing combines footwork, punching techniques, and defensive strategies. It's an incredible way to enhance hand-eye coordination, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness.
Catering to All Ages
One of the most compelling reasons Cairns stands out as a combat sports destination is its inclusive nature. Pretty Top Team understands the importance of making combat sports accessible to everyone, regardless of age or skill level. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of both children and adults, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for learning and growth.
For kids, these programs focus on building confidence, discipline, and physical fitness. Children learn valuable skills such as self-defense, respect, and perseverance, which extend beyond the gym into their everyday lives. The structured training also helps in developing social skills as they interact with peers and instructors in a positive setting.
Adults, on the other hand, find that combat sports offer an excellent way to relieve stress, stay in shape, and acquire new skills. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to compete at a higher level, the trainers at Pretty Top Team are equipped to help you achieve your goals. The camaraderie and community spirit found in these gyms often lead to lasting friendships and a supportive network.
Professional and Experienced Trainers
Pretty Top Team boasts a wealth of experienced trainers who bring professional expertise and passion to their teaching. Owners Paul Hosking (former Queensland champ in Muay Thai ) and Frankie Hosking have ensured that the gym employs some of the best coaches in the region, including several title winners. Notable among are a recent boxing champion at the North Queensland Games, and a whole staff of coaches who have a trophy case of belts between them in Muay Thai. This wealth of knowledge ensures that participants receive high-quality instruction and guidance tailored to their individual progress and needs.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Training centers like Pretty Top Team are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide the best possible environment for learning and practicing combat sports. From spacious mats for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling to fully-equipped boxing rings and Muay Thai areas, these gyms are designed to cater to the needs of all practitioners. Safety is a top priority, with proper gear and protocols in place to minimize the risk of injury. All of this right in the centre of Cairns CBD.
Community and Culture
Beyond the physical benefits, the combat sports community at Pretty Top Team is known for its welcoming and inclusive culture. The gym often organises events, competitions, and social gatherings, fostering a strong sense of community among members. This supportive environment encourages everyone to push their limits and achieve personal growth both inside and outside the gym. One notable event that runs a few times a year is their Build A Fighter scheme which trains you from complete novice to your first fight. The fights are open to the public and perfect for showing off your new talents and getting involved with the local community. The Combat Sports Association will also be running fun sparing events, sausage sizzles and seminars with notable people in the industry to raise money for their cause!
Cairns, Queensland, is primed to positioned itself as an ultimate destination for family-friendly combat sports, with Pretty Top Team leading the charge. With a variety of disciplines available, programs tailored for all ages, professional trainers, top-notch facilities, and a strong community spirit, there’s no better place to embark on your combat sports journey. Whether you’re a parent looking to enroll your child in a confidence-building activity or an adult seeking a new and exciting way to stay fit, Pretty Top Team in Cairns has the perfect program for you. Embrace the challenge, and discover the many benefits that combat sports at Pretty Top Team have to offer.
