News
ProKick and Girl Guides: What's the Connection
March 24, 2026
At ProKick, we’ve always believed that what happens outside the ring is just as important as what happens inside it. Discipline, respect, confidence — these are values that carry far beyond the gym walls. Recently, we had the privilege of bringing The ProKick Way into the local community through a fantastic visit with the 83rd Girl Brigade (GB) from Mountpottinger Belfast.
Bring the ProKick Way into the local community through a fantastic visit with the 83rd Girl Brigade (GB) at Mountpottinger Presbyterian Hall on Tuesday 24th March 2026
This special connection came through one of our own — ProKick Black Belt Ruth Anderson, whose dedication to the gym mirrors her family’s deep involvement in the Girl Brigade. Ruth’s sister, Deborah, serves as Captain of the group, and together with her husband Conor Kinnear and their two children — Clark (12) and his 10-year-old sister — the ProKick link runs strong.
A Different Kind of Night
Deborah wanted to offer the girls something fresh — a break from their usual games and activities. With several members of her own family already immersed in ProKick, and Ruth’s long-standing journey through the ranks to Black Belt, the idea was simple:
Bring the Girl Brigade into the world of kickboxing
The result? A high-energy, inspiring session that introduced the seniors and brigaders (aged 12–18), a group of around 13–17 regular attendees, to something completely different.
The ProKick Way in Action
From the moment the session began, the focus was clear:
- Discipline in movement and listening
- Respect for one another
- Confidence through learning new skills
- Teamwork in every drill
Under the guidance of the ProKick coaching ethos, the girls were introduced to basic techniques, movement drills, and partner work — all delivered in a safe, structured, and encouraging environment.
For many, it was their first experience of martial arts.
And it showed.
Smiles quickly replaced nerves. Energy filled the room. And as the session progressed, so did belief.
A Powerful Family Connection
What made the evening even more special was the family thread running throughout it.
- Ruth Anderson — a role model within ProKick and beyond
- Deborah — leading her Girl Brigade with vision and care
- Conor and the kids — bridging both worlds
It’s a perfect example of how strong communities are built — through shared values, support, and leading by example.
More Than Just Training
This wasn’t about creating fighters.
It was about:
- Building confidence
- Encouraging self-belief
- Promoting fitness and wellbeing
- Showing young people that they can step outside their comfort zone — and enjoy it
At ProKick, we say it often:
“The fight is won when nobody is watching.”
And on this night, what we saw was a group of young individuals taking their first steps towards that mindset.
Looking Ahead
The success of the session has already sparked interest in doing more. Opportunities like this remind us why community engagement is such a vital part of what we do.
To Deborah and the 83rd GB — thank you for the invitation.
To Ruth — thank you for representing the ProKick Way with pride.
And to the girls — you were outstanding.
#HardWorkPaysOff
The ProKick Way
Billy Murray
