We're home.
On the 20th of June, Zilla Combat Academy's new home at The Heathers officially opened its doors, with Maidstone Mayor Brian Clark cutting the ribbon to mark the occasion.
It was a day a long time in the making. The Heathers sits on the site of the old Heather House, a community building that served Park Wood since 1972. Maidstone Borough Council worked with Chartway Group to replace it with a new, purpose built facility, complete with a flexible sports hall and dedicated parking, built with local clubs like ours in mind. Watching that plan turn into a working gym, full of our students and their families, made it feel real.
The turnout said everything about what this club has become. Members and guests of Weavering Warriors, who share the building with us, came down to celebrate alongside Maidstone Borough Council and the whole Zilla family. Coaches, students, parents, and plenty of people who had never set foot on a mat in their life all packed into Park Wood for the occasion.
"We had great weather, great people, great food, and the best vibes ever."
Dayman Lake, Head Coach and Founder
The Mayor didn't just cut the ribbon and leave, either. Sergio got him gloved up, and before long he was on the pads with our head coach and founder Dayman Lake, throwing a few shots of his own.
The opening also carried some extra weight for the club. That same afternoon marked our first ever grading ceremony at The Heathers, with students and coaches across Zilla stepping up to be recognised for the work they'd put in.
Days like this are what Zilla is built on. Not just a new building, but a community that turned up to fill it. To everyone who came down and made the day what it was, thank you.
This is only the beginning.
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