Prokick at Earl's Court

A team of Prokick fighters have just returned from the massive Sony Playstation Experience held in London’s Earl Court last week (August 28-31) where they picked up plaudits and a host of celebrity fans.
Pop Idol judge Dr. Fox, Radio 1’s Edith Bowman and Colin Murray, Fame Academy’s Sinead Quinn, All Saint Mel Blatt and rising r ‘n’ b stars Big Brovaz all crowded round to see the boys from Belfast put on their show.
The gym was chosen by games giant Sony to demonstrate their kickboxing acumen at the international Games Conference.
“Sony had been searching throughout Britain and Europe for a stable of Martial Art teams who could go to London and show the moves that games lovers are about to see in a new Sony game,” Prokick owner and chief coach Billy Murray said. “All roads led to the Prokick Gym for the Kickboxing. We were in negotiations for several months about what they needed and what we could supply but in the end, when they realised the quality of Prokick, the deal came together fairly quickly.”
The event was a curtain raiser to over 100 of Sony’s new range of Games that fans can expect to see in the coming months. Amongst them are new Pop Idol game, games tied to new movies like ‘The Italian Job’ and the next James Bond, Gran Tourismo IV, Colin McRae 4 and, of course, a new kickboxing game.

“The whole thing was a feast for the senses,” said Murray. “In every corner of Earls Court there was a spectacular stand dedicated to particular games. It’s was sensory overload at times. But despite all the things on offer, we still had crowds flocking to see the Kickboxing. It seemed to hold a special appeal. All of the team were signing autographs for hordes of kids at the end of every session. There were a few other martial arts on show as well – like Jujitsu, Kendo, Sumo and Capoeira fight/dance art – but people still thronged around the fight alley where all the martial arts exhibitions where held.”
Murray acted as host for all the martial arts events – but spent most of his time fending off new fans.

“Dr Fox came by and he a man who is never usually scared of saying what’s what,” said Murray. “But when he saw the lads in action, he was stunned into silence. He stood for 20 minutes watching with his mouth wide open. He had no complaints.” “These boys mean business,” said Fox after witnessed ProKick in action. “If they were singers, I’d say they had a very bright future ahead of them. They have captivating star quality. Besides, I’ve seen how hard they hit. I certainly wouldn’t be putting them down.”

On the main stage, Colin Murray and Edith Bowan acted as hosts for the huge number of pop acts who performed - Mel Blatt, Audio Bullys, Big Brovaz and LSK amongst them. But when they came offstage, they too made a beeline for the ProKick stand.
Head of the queue was Fame Academy graduate Sinead Quinn.
“Sinead Quinn was quite taken by Kickboxing,” said Murray. “She told me she was interested in getting involved. She’s also keen to come along to our event in the Ulster Hall on September 19.”

Darren Thomspon Kicking

The future for ProKick and Sony
Tens of 1000’s of game fans filed through the Earl’s Court doors during the event, the first of its kind for Sony. It’s looking like it won’t be the last that will employ the ProKick skills.
Plans are afoot for a further six similar events scheduled across Europe later this year and for the early part of 2004.

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