A kickboxing coach from Dungiven is celebrating this week after one of his pupils became a double world champion.

Eight year-old Jesse Jane McParland collected two gold in open hand and weapon forms at the World Association of Kickboxing Organisation’s (WAKO) World Championships, which were held in Rimini, Italy on September 6.

Young Jesse Jane, who has earned herself the name ‘Golden Dragon’, is trained by County Derry man and ex-Irish National Coach for All-Ireland, Gary Kelly.

Although she lives in Keady in Armagh,  JJ (pictured above) travels to north Derry once a week to train with Gary.

Gary also travels to JJ’s hometown once a week to teach her.

JJ, who is the youngest female WKC World Champion, has won over 140 titles to date including nine WOMAA European Championships, three WOMAA World Games Grand Championships and two Irish Open Grand Championships.

See Tuesday's County Derry Post for full story.

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