The closure of a sports hall in Mykolaiv has put the training sessions of around 80 children at risk

The ‘Bulldog’ sports club needs help finding a venue for children’s training sessions in Mykolaiv. Photo: Ihor Konvisher

Over 100 people train at the «Bulldog» sports club in Mykolaiv, most of whom are children. Many of them are competition medallists and Ukrainian champions, particularly in MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. But the training season is under threat, as the premises where they train are being closed down permanently.

Ihor Konvisher, head of the «Bulldog» club and the Mykolaiv Regional Federation of Free Fight and Contact Martial Arts, spoke about this on Instagram and in a comment to NikVesti.

The problem with the premises arose because the «Fight House» fitness club, where training sessions are held, is closing from 3 October. Ihor Konvisher explained that the ‘Bulldog’ club holds the most training sessions at the gym. Specifically, these include MMA, Krav Maga and grappling sessions. Of the club’s more than 100 athletes, around 80 are children aged five and above.

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The club’s athletes are medallists and champions of Ukraine, Europe, the world and various tournaments in MMA, free-fight, grappling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and pankration. Due to the closure of the sports hall, the training season has been put at risk.

«I’ve been coaching for almost 30 years. During this time, I’ve trained world champions, European champions, Ukrainian champions, international-class masters of sport, experienced athletes and decent people… In our club, the children felt as though they were part of a family. They developed communication skills and socialised,» the club’s manager said in a video.

Ihor Konvisher emphasised that it is important for the children to continue training. That is why a venue must be found.

«The club must carry on. We must train and nurture the children. The future of our children depends on us. They become not only good athletes, but also decent people,» emphasised Ihor Konvisher.

In a comment to NikVesti, he clarified that the situation has not yet changed. The proposed options for a training base are too expensive for the sports club.

Ihor Konvisher is therefore asking for help with finding premises so that the ‘Bulldog’ club can continue to train children.

It was previously reported that the Ukrainian MMA Championships took place in Cherkasy on 21–22 May. Athletes from the «Bulldog» club in Mykolaiv secured podium places.

In June, NikVesti reported that the Mykolaiv region’s mixed martial arts (MMA) team, which had recently returned from two Ukrainian championships, held an open training session. During the event, the athletes and coaches reviewed their performances and shared their plans for upcoming competitions.