Catering student Kickboxes her way to international competition

Coleg Sir Gâr student Erin Holdstock is taking part in trials for GBMAT Great Britain Martial Arts Team at the Athlete Selection Day after receiving a podium place in the Welsh Open for Chinese Kickboxing. 

Erin initially won silver in a Chinese kickboxing Welsh Open competition where her kickboxing skills were noticed, despite only taking up the sport a year ago.

When she’s not training or competing, Erin can be seen developing her catering and hospitality skills at Cegin Sir Gâr, the college’s training restaurant at Pibwrlwyd campus.

Erin Holdstock, a former Ysgol Bro Pedr pupil said: “I was so surprised to be asked, I hadn’t even signed up for the competition but since starting kickboxing, it has given me reassurance because if I knew I was ever in danger, I know I would be better prepared. 

“It also keeps me active and is good for my mental health and wellbeing.”

The 17-year-old blue belt trains with Team GB member and coach Dan Cooke at ZDL Kickboxing Cymru in Lampeter, where she lives.

She manages balancing her course with her sport and says she feels part of the college’s culinary community. “I love it,” she said. “We are like a community who work really well together and the tutors are so supportive. I wasn’t sure whether to study psychology at first but I really like to cook but had never considered it as a career and becoming a chef before.”