Revolution gym owner condemns ex-member’s alleged use of fake gun on kids

A fiercely anti-bullying owner of a Central Qld MMA gym has revealed his views on a former 19-year-old member’s alleged use of a replica firearm to threaten kids. VIDEO

The owner of a popular Yeppoon MMA gym has publicly condemned the actions of a former member after uproar from the community.

The well-respected owner of a Yeppoon MMA gym has publicly condemned the alleged actions of a former member after a shocking incident in the community.
A 19-year-old man was charged after he allegedly threatened two children with a replica gun on February 19.
Revolution Training Centre head coach and owner David Rangi Thomas removed the young man from the gym once he was made aware of the alleged incident.

“I can’t imagine as a father of three girls what my kids would be dealing with right now,” Mr Thomas said.
David works hard within the Yeppoon community to provide support and training to men, women and children with a passion for combat sports.

“I want to put it out to the public that we don’t represent these actions - this isn’t what the fight game is about,” Mr Thomas said.

“I personally teach bully-proofing and boxing training to help build confidence in schools.

“We are also a registered not-for-profit charity, we run the Contender Project which is designed to focus on connecting with at-risk youth prior to things like this happening and to give them a bit of an outlet.
“In our local community we run fight shows, we run jiu jitsu competitions, we do a lot of charity work, and we work side-by-side with the Livingstone Shire Council.”

In a video he posted to Facebook addressing the alleged incident, David said he had fought for over a decade to break down the stigma around combat sports.

“I’ve spent the last ten years of my life attempting to shatter the stigma around martial arts and fight gyms,” he said.
“My entire focus for the last ten years has been on providing a supportive community to those that need it, but breaking the stigma because I love this game so much.”

David said he was shocked when he initially received news about what allegedly happened.

“I’d just finished work, I was at the pool with my kids relaxing when I saw my phone going crazy - I went to have a look, and there’s messages from people that I’ve never see,” he said.
Mr Thomas said he will continue to work in support of the Yeppoon community in the future.
“The actions of one should not represent the many.”

“It’s a great community full of a lot of positive things.”

Police said they found and seized the replica firearm after conducting a search warrant on February 20.

The 19-year-old man was charged with one count of going armed so as to cause fear.

No plea has been entered.

He is due to appear in the Yeppoon Magistrates Court on March 13.

Originally published as Revolution gym owner condemns ex-member’s alleged use of fake gun on kids