Darragh Kelly inspires Crana karate kids in MMA masterclass

Local karate kids were treated to a mixed martial arts masterclass when MMA professional Darragh Kelly was welcomed to Crana Karate Club last weekend. 

‘The Moville Mauler’ joined Sensei Seamus Gillespie and his young guns, coaching them through some of the moves that have helped propel his already impressive career with Bellator MMA. 

As his professional pedigree in the sport continues to blossom, the 26-year-old star took the time to work with both the junior and senior Saturday classes held at Buncrana Youth Club. 

Fresh from his impressive points win over undefeated Ukrainian Dmytrii Hrytsenko in the OVO Wembley Arena in London in September, Kelly was only too happy to help inspire the Inishowen youngsters. 

When asked by one young karateka if he ever feels nervous when facing an opponent, Kelly had some words of wisdom for the kids. 

“You are going to be nervous regardless,” he said. “I still get nervous going into a fight. Being nervous is a good thing. You can look at it in two ways: you can see it as a bad thing or interpret it as being excited to compete. 

“Always try to take a positive out of it, if you feel nervous in any situation make sure to tell yourself you are excited and go out to do your best.” 

Crana Karate Club instructor Seamus Gillespie said the club members were delighted to host the MMA star. 

“Darragh is an impressive professional and a great person. It was incredible to watch him coach our kids at Crana Karate Club. It’s not every week, you get the chance to train with a martial arts star and it really inspired us all. 

“We hope to welcome Darragh back again at some stage in the future and wish him many successes in his professional career.” 

Kelly is looking forward to fighting on familiar home soil once again next February, having defeated Hrytsenko in what was his first professional event outside the country last month. 

His next opponent and venue have yet to be announced, but he will be seeking to extend his winning record of 7-0 as a professional and 16-0 as a mixed martial artist. 

The Moville man has two fights left on his four-fight deal with Bellator MMA and two more wins will see him professionally ranked. And he knows that being ranked will pave the way to a title shot should he accumulate a couple of further wins on the bounce. 

But for now, only the next fight is on his mind.