The Southland Arm Wrestling group came away with four medals and placings from the event, which was held in Christchurch on November 9.
These included a gold medal for Shane Huffadine in the right arm 110kg category and a bronze for the left-arm section. Clayton Rangi received a silver medal for right arm in the 110kg category, and Joseph Quin won a bronze in the 100kg left-arm category.
Southland Arm Wrestling founder Bradie Burns, who started the club in 2015, said the event’s location helped competitors get there.
‘‘With the event being held in Christchurch, we were able to send seven guys up, and we brought home four medals,’’ he said.
Burns said the sport complemented other gym pastimes.
‘‘I suppose it goes hand in hand with strength and bodybuilding. It’s about picking up heavy weights and the transfer is easy to the table,
‘‘It’s an alternative sport that some people really like,’’ he said.
Burns said training for the sport was a little out of the ordinary compared with a normal gym workout.
‘‘It’s arm-wrestling specific — a lot of weird training. Partial curls, wrist work, forearm work, pronation and supination — that sort of carry on,’’ he said.
For those who wanted to give it a go, Burns said to just reach out.
‘‘We have a Facebook page, Southland Arm Wrestling, so just contact us there,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re slowly building. It’s a grassroots sort of sport, it’s in the early stages in New Zealand but we’re recognised as a proper sport,’’ he said.
Professional arm wrestler and Southland Arm Wrestling coach Max McDonald said he was over the moon with how the tournament went.
‘‘I’m so proud of my guys. Immeasurably proud — they’ve done absolutely amazing,’’ he said.
McDonald said there was one key component to becoming a good arm wrestler.
‘‘I think the key is resilience. The first few months will be painful; you’re going to be peeled out by people,
‘‘It’s a specific strength to be good on the table,’’ he said.
McDonald said he gave credit where credit was due when it came to the success of himself and the club in arm wrestling.
‘‘This club would not be a thing without Bradie Burns. He’s a testament to keeping the club consistent and accountable.
‘‘He has been the foundation of this club for years and I would not be as good of an arm wrestler as I am now if I hadn’t had his support,’’ he said.
