Ring return a winner

PITTING one's self against an opponent is just like riding a bike for Reflex Martial Arts Centre's Rosanna Lavalle.

Lavelle, from Fernhill, recently won a unanimous points decision over Jenny Lau in a full contact Thai kickboxing bout at Manly League Club. The bout was Lavelle's first in eight years.

Lavelle, 33, took a break from competitive bouts to raise her two children and complete her third degree black belt in combative martial arts.

She is no stranger to competition " Lavelle is an Australian Black Belt Champion, and two-time NSW Black Belt Open Martial Arts Champion.

She is training for a bout on October 19 at Dapto Leagues Club under the tutelage of her husband, Dominic Lavalle.

"I was introduced to kickboxing at 17, by Dominic," Lavalle said.

"It was initially for fitness but I wanted to learn more of the art so I started studying Dominic's training style called "?Combative Kickboxing'.

"I started to compete in open martial arts tournaments and challenge other female fighters from different forms of martial arts.

"I competed in over 10 tournaments over 2 years and returned home with either first, second or third place each time."

Lavelle became the first female Combative Kickboxing Black Belt in 1998, after five years' training.

She then won the state and Australian titles and travelled overseas and to train with world champion Peter "?Sugar Foot' Cunningham.

Lavelle also achieved her 1st Dan Black Belt and finished 1998 with two martial arts titles.

Pupil became master in 1997 when Lavelle achieved a Brown Belt. She now teaches self-defence in schools, universities and other centres.

"The passion Dominic and I have for teaching comes from our students," Lavelle said.

"Our art has given many people confidence and a healthier lifestyle that has changed their lives for the better."