Chongshindo Mixed Martial Arts Academy - A Brief History

An Era - As one ends another begins -

Sat, 27 Dec 2014 23:33:58 GMT

A BRIEF HISTORY By Master Martin Blakeway
37 years ago (aged 18) I walked into a Martial arts Class called Sakiado in Sutton Coldfield – together with three friends we attended the ‘trial lesson’ and were immediately hooked. In those early years we would finish our training (4 times a week) and then go back to my house where we had a punch bag and other equipment and continue well into the night. At this young and eager age – the bruises would be of no consequence and the hour’s hard training would have no effect on our young fit bodies and we would be ready to train again the following night.
To say we loved it was an understatement!

At around the Red Belt Stage in my Martial arts Journey - my life took a different direction and I started a sales job in London, fortunately there were a few Sakiado clubs in London. It meant I could continue to train and eventually attaining my Black Belt after 5 years regular training.
Shortly after this I opened 3 clubs in the North London area. These clubs did well and I enjoyed my time teaching – however after just a couple of years coaching I had to quench my growing thirst for adventure, passed my clubs onto another Black Belt and set off on a world trip that took me working and traveling overseas for almost three years.
On my return in early 1994 I was left with a big decision – go back into retail (I was a sales person in London and Sydney for the NEW must have accessory for the wealthy – a mobile phone!) or go back into what I truly had a passion for – Martial Arts.

Master Martin Blakeway - Flying side kick

1989 - North London Team - National Team Event - Winners

The decision was not hard – I set about advertising and promoting the opening of 8 New Martial Arts Schools in the Midlands area.
Brownhills, Lichfield, Pelsall, Cannock, 2 clubs in Wolverhampton and 2 clubs in Walsall.
(check out the old flyer we used back then!)
I had done the leg work (20,000 leaflets to be precise) and was pleased when all clubs opened to good attendance – These clubs continued for many years, during this time we opened another club in the summer of 1996 - Arthur Terry School in Four Oaks – This was one of those venues where immediately the vibe was good, the energy was right and with the help of enthusiastic members such as Steve Pride amongst others - the club soon became a flag ship for the association.
Arthur Terry became the home of the Black Belt Grading and high level training took place on regular nights. A few years later and approaching 1999 (5 years since we opened the first clubs in the Midlands) I had many students at a high Grade level – Including Richard Barrett, Chris Whiting and Steve Pride and one young lad by the name of Paul Taylor preparing for Black Belt.

A rift had been developing with myself and the Chief Instructor of Sakiado over the years and when he failed Paul at his Black Belt (a decision that looks comical now given that Paul went on to fight in the octagon and the UFC) I knew then it was time to go alone.

Members like Steve Pride gave me the encouragement and support to peruse the dream and continue training / coaching – but this time with an open mind and no more politics!
With the help of a similar minded group with a true pioneer of Martial Arts at their core – Soke Brian Dossett and Spirit Combat, we added to the striking style we had with a Jujitsu element this enriched the syllabus and developed into what we now know as Chongshindo – way of the Spirit.

Four Oaks Club - In its hay day! Sutton Coldfield got a second club at Sutton Girls School – which later moved to Plantsbrook and
Chongshindo went from strength to strength growing in numbers – show casing at the European’s Largest Martial Arts Exhibition (SENI) for 4 years / running ‘Fight Night’ shows and developing many great fighters (in kickboxing and Combat Jiu-Jitsu) plus continued development of our syllabus helped promote Chongshindo as a modern Martial Art taught in a traditional way –
A true ‘Mixed Martial art’ moving with the times.

Getting Married in 2000 and having our first child in 2001 (then two more kids within 3 years) – I realised that these additional ‘spinning plates’ demanded more time and attention – It became too much for me to continue running all 8 clubs along with everything else. Especially when at this time I opened martialartshop.co.uk – although a small business at the time – it continued to grow (and still is to this day) – the demands were too great and a few clubs were passed onto other Instructors, Paul Taylor took over Bloxwich, Dave Onions took over Wolverhampton, Gary Taylor joined us from Sakiado (also experiencing problems with the politics of the association) and he took over the Walsall venue and Steve Stepped in to help Plantsbrook.
During these busy times Paul Taylor was becoming a big name in fight circles, Steve Pride was developing as the BKBU top referee and Gary Taylor was taking his BJJ skills to Europe and getting Gold and developing Combat Jiu-Jitsu.
We were putting on great ‘Fight Night’ shows and developing some excellent kickboxing Champions

I am very proud of where we have come from – who we are,  and have become – a club is only defined by the quality of its members – I am truly humbled by the amount of great people I have met coaching at this, and many venues …
So many great Members came through that  door – So many great memories - Thank you all

Many made it to Black Belt – Respect to you all – Especially those still coaching with us today.
Special mentions to the Arthur Terry Black Belts that helped me over the years keeping the club alive and thriving.
Steve Pride, Ian Maye, Neil Alcock, Richard Russell – still coaching till this day
and previously Jim Lloyd, James Eccles and many others helped –
sorry if you’re not mentioned. Not Forgotten!
Annual Charity Events raised £1000's

News Paper Articles over the years

A New Era For Me
This will leave me WITHOUT a club for the first time in aprox 24 years – it will feel strange not going to AT every Tues & Thurs – However this will allow me to visit the various clubs and help out with Instruction where needed.
Gradings and Competitions are planned throughout the year - I look forward to seeing at the clubs
Master Martin Blakeway

ABOUT FOUNDER - MASTER MARTIN BLAKEWAY

Master Martin Blakeway has been involved in the Martial Arts for over 30 years - he started at the age of 18 when he joined a TKD style Martial Art in the Midlands. During his journey to Black Belt he moved to London to experience the lights and fast living of the capital. Having passed his Black Belt 1st Dan he began Instructing and soon found he had a natural "way" of coaching. He ran busy clubs in the London area where he lived for five years before realising a dream to travel the world at the age of 25.
This year long journey took him to many of the great wonders of the world and he experienced many different cultures and countries including America, Australia and the far East. He visited Thailand, Maylasia and Indonesia. Here he witnessed Thai boxing and other Martial art forms.
After this trip he decided to go back to Australia and he lived there for a further year and a half before the pull of his large family was too great and he returned home. It was then he decided to go full time into the great passion of is life - Martial Arts. He opened eight Martial art Schools in the Midlands area teaching mainly in Taekwondo but with the added knowledge and an open mind he began to expand the system and developed it further.

Related Qualifications -
Martin attended college for three years in order to gain more qualifications in sport related subjects including RSA Diploma, Sports & Fitness Diploma, He also holds the assessor awards - D32 and D33.
Qualifications through MAAS include:- First Aid, BKBU Kickboxing diploma, Referee, Cornerman, Judging Diplomas and level 3 SCI Aikijutsu (Black Belt Jujitsu standard)
Martin is also a trained Healer and meditation coach (2 year course).

Chongshin Do was "born" when politics in the TKD style Martin was learning stopped him from developing and progressing any further (as is the trouble with many styles out there) - with the continuing thirst for knowledge and questioning, a Martial art "stuck in the past" was not for him and Martin decided to look else where for an expansion of the TKD back ground he had.
He introduced Jujitsu and aikido techniques to the syllabus and with the meeting of a true legend in Martial Arts - Soke Brian Dossett the Chongshin Do system began to evolve rapidly.
Soke Dossett is a 10th Dan Grandmaster of Jujitsu & Aikido - his fifty (plus) years of Martial Art experience helped form the way Chongshin Do is today - with the inclution of the SCI - Aikijutsu sylabus - Chongshin Do became a style of continued development - a style that is free of politics - run in a traditionally"family" way and is practical and exciting.

Chongshin Do is getting its head above the masses out there - promoting themselves at the UK's largest Martial art exhibition - SENI 2000 ,2001 , 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 2006, at the NEC - Chongshin Do has also organised fighting events that prove Chongshin Do is a style that breeds great fighters as well - beating some of the UK's best Kickboxing associations. They are very proud of one of their top instructors - Sensei Paul Taylor who held the MAAS World Cruiserweight Full Contact Kickboxing Title (plus PKA Title - won in South Africa). Paul is now persuing a careea in the UFC There are many more fighters coming through the ranks and the association is continuing to expand.

Our fighting system is forever evolving and thanks to the great help and influence of Senior Senseis's Steve Pride and Gary Taylor - we are moving further forward with the Combat jiu-Jitsu , more ground work and excellent stand up.

Steve Pride is the BKBU most senior Referee and Gary Taylor is the MAAS most senior Referee and co-ordinator of CJJ - we are in good hands !

Guildford Spectrum MAAS Tournament Review

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:38:14 GMT

John Farrelly and Emily Byng Defend Titles

Watch John Farrelly's Fight here

Coach load go to Guildford Spectrum to fight!
Over 50 Chongshindo members and supporters travelled the long
3 hours to take part in MAAS Kickboxing and Combat Jiu-Jitsu Competitions.
Most of the travelling members took part in at least one / some in both Semi-Contact Kickboxing and the Combat jiu-Jitsu during the day.
Some were first timers in the ring or mat while others were adding more experience with a chance in the future to become challengers for Titles. Everyone put up a fantastic performance and did the club proud with their exceptional sportsmanship and professional etiquette.
We came away with a few titles in Kickboxing and gold awards in CJJ to boot!! - But more importantly EVERYONE came away with priceless additional knowledge, learning and growth as a Martial Artist through the experience.
With the day fights over - the coach load had time to chill and reflect on their performances before the exciting evening Full-Contact show starts!

Emily Byng & John Farrelly- Defend Titles
The evening show had 12 Full and Semi Heavy fights - of which 4 had Chongshindo Fighters taking part.
Emily Byng was first in for us and once again she faced her arched enemy Natasha Smith from White lotus - Although Emily had already beaten her in two previous encounters - it was obvious from the start that Natasha was not about to be beaten again.
Both Girls put in a fantastic hard, grewling battle and after 5 ferocious rounds - one point separated the two.
The large Chongshindo crowd held their breath - then went crazy as Soke announced the expected words ....
"And STILL ....the BKBU ... CHAMPION - Emily Byng"!

Next in for us was John 'Full-On Relentless' Farrelly
the crowd stood as John was lead into the ring... John had been on a great run lately and was full of confidence - however this next opponent was of a different league - Nigel Thomas is a true champion with awesome punching power - we witnessed this guys power first hand as he defeated our very own Sensei John Skeldon just a few months ago.
John Farrelly stuck to the game plan and unleashed hell on Nigel. Living up to his nickname and not letting up for a second as his fists and feet hit him from all angles. But Nigel was no push over - he took Johns barrage and unleashed some huge heavy hands to Johns head. John's chin stayed strong and although a few more of these big shots landed - John just did not stop coming forward and smothered Nigel's artillery giving him little chance to use his bombs. Once again it went the distance - even the crowd were exhausted from the constant cheering and shouting encouragement to our man - 5 relentless rounds and another split decision ....The crowd waited - then erupted as John's hand was raised and defended his Title.

Next in was Darryl Jones in his first MMA fight - a tough opponent caught him in a guillotine and unfortunately he had to submit - this time!

A fighter had not turned up for the next title challenger and at the last minute - Arron Guffick stepped forward - an although Arron had been up well before 6 am - fought several times in the day and was not prepared for it - he did very well - going the distance with a worthy winner -
Arron lost on points but he learned a great lesson ...
The meaning of indomitable spirit!

The atmosphere on the coach home was fantastic and I'm sure although it was a long day - everyone had a great time and took away a great deal from the experience - well done to you all - you did the club, the association, your Instructors and above all - yourselves - very proud! .

Master Martin

Click images below - great shots of the tournament

Sensei Gary takes Gold in Europe

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:36:01 GMT

Sensei Gary Takes Gold in Europe !
Sensei Gary and Pete Dutton took the long flight to Lisbon Portugal at the weekend to fight in the BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) European open tournament.

Pete and Gary were fighting in their relevant weight in their newly promoted PURPLE BELT category – Both did very well – Pete got himself on the podium with a Bronze Medal.

Gary beat Paco Grinstom – Scandinava in the Final of his group to get Gold! – he then competed in the Absolute (all winners from the Purple belt division) – and achieved Bronze – another personal best for Gaz – Fantastic!
Looking forward to the MAAS event when Gary will be taking a team of Jiu-Jitsu fighters to take on all comers in Guildford - March 16th

FULL-CONTACT FIGHT NIGHT

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 13:15:43 GMT

FIGHT CARD

Part ONE

1) Junior (10 years) Semi-Contact
TITLE FIGHT (3 x 1 1/2 mins)
Finley Jones (White Lotus) V
Shekoni Faure-Lewis (Chongshindo Bloxwich)

2) Ladies (Semi-Contact) BKBU
Georgina McDonald (Chongshindo Sutton) V
Sarah fryer (Chongshindo Walsall)

3) Ladies (Semi-Heavy Contact)
Welterweight BKBU Title Fight (5 x 2 mins)
Emily Byng – 62KG (Chongshindo) V
Natasha Smith 60Kg (White Lotus)

4) Youths (Middleweight) Semi-Heavy Contact
Novice Fight (3 x 2mins)
Josh Woods (Haskett Kickboxing) V
Jeevan Sandhu (Chongshindo Sutton)

5) Youth Heavyweight (Semi-Heavy Contact)
BKBU Title Fight (5 x 2 mins)
Aaron Guffick (Chongshindo Sutton) V
Richard Laprang 90kg (Chongshindo Bloxwich)

Part 2

6) Mens WCF FULL-CONTACT Lightweight
Novice Fight (3 x 2 mins)
James Constantine (Bloxwich Walsall) V
Lukas Urbanczyk (Haskett Kickboxing)

7) HELP FOR HERO’S
Charity Bout (3 x 11/2 mins)
10th Dan Grandmaster Brian Dossett V
Jim Cockram

8) COMBAT JIU-JITSU FIGHT (3 x 3mins)
Kevin Richardson (Peterborough Freestyle Jujitsu) V
John Purnell (Peterborough FJJ)

9) FULL-CONTACT
WCF - Novice fight (3 x 2mins)
Bill McNally 73kg (White Lotus)  V
Alex Cox 73kg (Trogan kickboxing)

10) Semi-Heavy - BKBU Bout (4 x 1 mins)
Daniel Speed (Chongshindo Bloxwich) V
John Farrelly (Chongshindo Sutton)

11) FULL-CONTACT Middleweight -
WCF TITLE Fight (5x 2mins)
John Skeldon (Chongshindo Sutton) 79kg V
Nigel Thomas (Team Thompson) 80kg

12) FULL-CONTACT   Lightweight –
BKBU TITLE Fight (5x 2mins)
Darryl Jones (Chongshindo Walsall) 60kg V
Daz Edwards (White Lotus) 63Kg

FIGHT REVIEW

Fight 1 -Junior Semi Contact TITLE Fight (10 Years old)
A great fight from two 10 year olds, our fighter just had too many questions for the White Lotus kickboxer and he won convincingly

WINNER – Shekoni Faure-Lewis Chongshin-Do Kickboxing Boxwich

Fight 2 - Ladies Semi Contact Title Fight

Two of our ladies battled it out to a cheering crowd. Sarah Fryer and Georgina McDonald Put up a great fight showing great skill – WINNER Sarah Fryer Chongshin-Do Walsall

Fight 3 – Youth middleweight Semi Heavy Contact Fight

Two great young fighters - both 17 years old gave the crowd their first taste of some heavy blows and got the crowd shouting for more – really great fight.

No Doubt Jeevan will be in the running for more titles next year.
Unfortunately our Man Jeevan Sandu lost by just a point to Haskett kickboxer Josh Woods

Fight 4 - Youth Heavyweight – Semi-Heavy contact Fight.

What a great fight between these two teenagers. Arron Guffick showed great skill in taking every round and dominated the fight. He is one to watch for full-contact in the future.
WINNER – Arron Guffick – Chongshin-Do Sutton

Fight 5 – Mens WCF – Full-Contact Lightweight Novice Fight.
This was the first Full-Contact fight of the night and these men pulled no punches as they went head on – James Constantine had a great reach advantage – but unfortunately lost on points to Lukas Urbancyk From Hassket kickboxing.

Fight 6 – John Farrelly one of our present Title holders - was scheduled to fight Full-Contact / unfortunately his opponent went down with a throat infection just days before –stand in Daniel Speed (Bloxwich) helped John tread the boards and gave him a good fight despite giving away many kilo’s to John –

John dominated but due to his weight advantage it was called a DRAW

Fight 7 – Charity Fight
10th Dan Brian Dossett entered the ring for the umpteenth time. He did a great job in entertaining the crowd with his humour and great sportsmanship –

Taking on TWO opponents and at times - the ref ! .
The Interval was an opportunity to raise money via a raffle for the ‘Help for Hero’s’ foundation. We raised over £250 for the Charity. Another Chongshin-Do Black Belt,

Chris Whiting stepped into the boxing ring, this time to show case his Help for Hero’s Charity song (released just the year before) to a great response from the crowd.

Fight 8 – CJJ Combat Jiu-Jitsu
A great fight showing the Combat Jiu-Jitsu fighting that has made this sport exciting to watch. Two skilled fighters wowed the crowd with throwing, grappling and submissions.

Fight 9 – Full-Contact Novice Fight
The Only fight to NOT Feature one of our fighters ..
great fight, stopped at the end of round 2
Winner – Alex Cox – Trojan kickboxing

Fight 10 – Ladies Semi-Heavy Contact Welterweight TITLE

What a great fight this was, Emily Byng from Chongshin-Do Walsall showing the large crowd what fighting spirit is all about. 5 Rounds of relentless action from both ladies, left them both exhausted, the crowd rose to their feet as the pair continued to battle right to the final bell.

WINNER - EMILY BYNG Chongshin-Do Walsall

Fight 11 – Mens Middleweight Full Contact WCF TITLE
One of our top fighters, John Skeldon, who hasn’t fought in the boxing ring for many years, decided many months ago to have one final fight. Unfortunately for John he was caught early in the first round that knocked him to the ground. The experienced fighter from Team Thompson kickboxing came forward again and John was hit with many hard punches. He managed to come back well in the second round, but was floored again with another heavy hook to the head. When the medic approached John after the standing count, he was still a little dazed and advised not to continue. Really great fight although a shame John couldn’t get into second gear and give his opponent a fight we all know john can give.
Winner – Nigel Thomas – Team Thompson Kickboxing.

Fight 12 – Main Event – Mens Lightweight BKBU TITLE

Another 5 round battle. This fight was without doubt the fight of the night. Both men trough all they had at each other. Darryl Jones (Chongshin-do Walsall) looked on fire as he dodged kicks and punches from the White Lotus Kickboxer. The pace was furious and did not stop until the final bell left the crowd on their feet - cheering for more.

WINNER – Darryl Jones – Chongshin-Do Walsall

All I can say is a massive thank you to all the fighters who made it a night of fantastic entertainment, skill, bravery and exciting fighting action … if you missed it – you missed out!

Soke Seminar - Dan Grades Awarded
Sunday – Myself and many students attended the SOKE SEMINAR. Another great opportunity to train with one of the worlds highest ranked grand Masters has come and gone.
While many were enjoying the brilliant way Soke Brian teaches, a few of us were being Dan Graded. Sensei’s Sarah Fryer, Clarissa Byng were graded to 2nd Dan. Neil Alcock was awarded 3rd Dan and I earned the title of Master gaining my 5th Dan – I am truly proud of our association and have been doing Martial arts now for almost 30 years. I can honestly say – this weekend was one of the many highlights I will never forget – Thanks you to all the members who make this association what it is – thanks -
Master Martin Blakeway

June 18th, 2012

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:55:25 GMT

2012 Sensei Seminar

Students enjoyed a lesson with some of Chongshin Do's top Sensei's
Lesson Included Grappling and Kickboxing techniques.

Senior members then discused this years events program.

Ever more Grappling techniques added to the already full syllabus, to help prepare students for the up-coming events that include Combat Ju-Jitsu.

Some fantastic drills were practiced on the mat - everyone picked up something from the lesson.

CHONGSHIN DO
Full Contact Fighters -
Show the Ropes

Full-Contact Fighters John Farrely and John Skeldon took the floor showing the group some of their training techniques that have helped them prepare for Full-Contact fights.

Their expertese and skill was plain to see as they demonstrated some fantastic combination drills. Helping the members prepare for the up-coming events including semi-contact kickboxing.

Both John's will be fighting Full-Contact Kickboxing later this year - When John Farrely will be defending his British Kickboxing Title.

June 18th, 2012

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:00:46 GMT

Looking back on 2011
Another great year filled with events and competitions enjoy a quick look back at an eventful year.Jan – Gary Taylor takes gold in BJJ in Portugal at the European open!

1 New Black Belt this year – Richard Russell. Many Congratulations go to Richard who has been training for over 20 years and has been at Black Tag for most of this time. He has shown the perseverance, determination, commitment and dedication needed to achieve this great award and at 67 is a fantastic ambassador for Martial Arts – well done. Indomitable Spirit sums him up well !
With so many Black Tags in the association at the moment it could be several that are warded Black Belt at the end of this year – your training starts NOW!

March – Tolworth Semi-Contact and many students gain great experience in the boxing ring.
Full-Contact – 4 Fighters are on the bill – 3 wins including John Farrelly wins BKBU Title
April - Ben Vowels & Pete Dutton both win Bronze medals in the most prestigious BJJ event in the UK
May-Oct – more Full-Contact fights for the Bloxwich club and clock up more wins!
Nov - Combat Ju-Jitsu Diploma and Semi-Full Contact Kickboxing – MAAS - Weybridge Surrey
Dec - Combat Ju-Jitsu & Kickboxing (Semi & Full contact) – MAAS Surrey- Sensei Gary receives his 4th Dan
Dec – Black Belt Presentation and awards
As you can see there was plenty to get involved in and this year promises to be even more eventful!

December - Black Belt / Black Tag presentation.
The year finished as always with a Black Belt / Black Tag Grading followed by presentations and student of the year awards. The Following were promoted to Black Tag –
Congrats to = Arron Guffick, Georgina McDonald, Steve Walter ,Richard Jones, Govinder Sanhu,

Students of the year
Congratulations are in order for many members who, due to their efforts, attendance and great attitude to training have been awarded Student of the year at the various clubs.
Walsall - Vikram Verma, and Dilan Patel
Sutton – Chris Courbett
Four Oaks –Rhiannon Travers (kids club) along with Paul Bruin and Govinda Sandhu

January 01st, 2011

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:19:49 GMT

Another great year – with many competitions, Grading, seminars and events 2010

The first part of the year saw Gary Taylor Get Bronze in the BJJ European Championships.

Last weekend of January saw Lisbon in Portugal hosting the European 2010 Ju Jitsu championships. Sensei Gar Taylor along with members - Pete Dutton & Steve Walter made the journey. Steve kindly offered to come over as their corner man, which was greatly appreciated.
Pete Dutton fought in the over 105kg super heavyweight seniors, and Gary in the lightweight under 76kg seniors.
Pete battled hard putting up a good show but unfortunately got defeated with a choke by the now European champion. Gary says he was lucky – but as we know you make your own luck in life and Gary’s hard training schedual and amazing ability got him into a semi final position only to be beaten at the last hurdle by the Frenchman. Gary beat a BBJ man that in the past had beaten him when they met some months ago. Gary won Bronze medal.

Also in November a chance to test yourselves in a Combat Ju-Jitsu tournament held at Walsall. Another great day of priceless experience. If you missed these you really lost out!

Of course we had many Gradings throughout the year - Congratulations to all the members who graded – well done you are now another step up the ladder in your journey within this Martial Art.

Special Congratulations to Sarah Fryer who was able to recover from un-successful first attempt at her Black Belt in 2009 and worked on the areas needed throughout 2010 – she did well in the annual Black Belt Grading in December and was awarded her Black Belt at the end of last year.

2009 year review

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:27:49 GMT

2009 Year Review

In the first half of last year we had an in-house competition and a Black Belt seminar with SCI Coach Jim Cockram. Plus we held a very successful Full and Semi-Contact event with some of our fighters gaining BKBU titles. These members were some of the most successful=
Darryl Jones (English C class) semi-contact, 75kg men Darren Clift (English C class), Light weight Ladies semi-heavy Emily Byng ( English C Class) , Light welterweight WCF full contact John Farrally (English B class) Light heavyweight BKBU full contact Phil Carter (English B class).
The second half of the year had Combat Jujitsu Competitionsand a ground work seminar organised by Sensei Gary Taylor, who is taking the ground game in our art to higher levels year on year. Gary will be competing in a European Brazilian Jujitsu competition in Lisbon later this month. We wish him well.
We also had our annual camping trip with live music (Dawnfest) plus another Combat Jujitsu Tournament.

Combat jiu-Jitsu tournament - Peterborough

Another great day for Chongshin Do, once again students stepped out of the comfort zone to compete in a purely grappling tournament. Fighting under the Chongshin Do name 7 of us competed in a wide range of weights.
All the students fought with great pride,
Steve Byng, Steve Walter, Chris Corbett and Sarah Fryer all had multiple fights holding there own against some very tough and skilled adversaries.
Those Byng sisters did it again, in the Ladies division Emily took the Silver Medal and Clarissa took the Bronze. Not content with that Emily then entered the ladies absolute division fighting against very high level ladies, after another two hard fights she came away with the Bronze medal.
It made me very proud to see all these students facing there fears and coming out on top, I hope in the future more of you will join us.
Gary Taylor 3rd Dan

2008 year review

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:23:47 GMT

2008 Year review

10th Dan Soke Seminar – Review A Modern day Grandmaster

Another very enjoyable and informative day. Once again Soke showed why he is one of the greatest Grandmasters of modern times – with his unique delivery mixing the serious side of Martial Arts with his quick one liners that had the crowd in bits. He is a breath of fresh air within the Martial Art world and those that attended may have just had a very special day with a true living legend. Soke in his usual humble manner tried to dismiss his well deserved intro and complements. Such is the way of this great man. He has been threatening full retirement for a while now and seeing him as I have done on many occasions – enjoying himself so much on the Mat - I do believe we will have him over for a few years yet, and I for one, cannot wait for his return.
The day started with the kids. An hour and a half of Soke giving the kids some acting lessons (Soke has been an acting coach in Hollywood to well known stunt man Dave Lee). The kids really enjoyed this, topped with weapons combat including Nunchuku and Viking Combat they all went home full of energy and enthusiasm. The adult session started with a tiring warm up from his son Steven Dossett.

Kids enjoying the Viking Combat - using a shield and stick to fight with - they love it!

Kids enjoyed the 'art of film making' using martial arts moves !

Sensei Gary Taylor Promoted to 3rd Dan

Gary Taylor - one of our leading Most Senior Instructors was being assessed for his 3rd Dan. Gary had to fight Steven Dossett for a gruelling 10 Rounds. Even Steven was taking breaks and sending in John Skeldon to put still more pressure on Gary – testing his fitness, spirit, stamina and resilience. Let’s just say he (as always) did us and himself very proud. His huge bruises are a reminder of his test. Soke was all too pleased to award this as he has done some great work in getting many competitions off the ground I the last few years. It was disappointing many of our more senior Black Belts were either away or unable to attend to witness this and be assessed ready for Dan grading later next year. For this reason myself and the other senior Instructors have suggested we take a group (Red and Back Belts) to MAAS HQ in Surrey and have a weekend of Dan Gradings next year. Anyone interested should make themselves known.

Sensei Gary Taylor receives his 3rd Dan from 10th Dan Soke Dossett and cage fighter Steven Dossett.
Steven is a fighter born and bred with a chance of a Cage Rage belt later this year. His MMA warm up got us the adults ready for the 3 following hours that Included MMA techniques, escapes and takedowns, Thai boxing, self defence and pressure points. The two Soke’s along with Jim Cockram of SCI made the day one to remember

2007 Year Review

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:10:18 GMT

2007 Year Review

2007was a busy year with most students moving up at least 1 grade, some considerably more. Everyone had the opportunity to compete at least 3 times last year including = Kickboxing tournaments (in house and national) Combat Jujitsu and lets not forget –
a Seminar with 10th Dan Soke Dossett where Steve Pride, Gary Taylor , Richard Green and John Skeldon moved up the Dan Grades.

Soke entertains the kids with a seminar on Tai Chi and Martial Art Stunt acting.
All the kids recieved a certificate for attending

Soke Takes on one of Chongshin Do's Youngest members- Aneeka at only 6 years old takes on 65 year old Soke

Soke underestimates her ability and looses the fight on points !! - much to the amazement and applause of all the kids

Senior Instructors of Chongshin Do pictured
with their 2nd & 3rd Dan Diplomas.-
Chongshin Do's most senior Sensei's are put through their paces - watched by 10th Dan Soke

Sensei Steve Pride took his 3rd dan while Sensei's Gary Taylor, John Skeldon andRichard Green all took their 2nd Dan on the Aikijutsu Syllabus including the harmony Aikido flow and advanced self-defence techniques

Student of the year awards

At the end of the year the Instructors presented awards for their ‘Students of the Year’ (Well done all)
Walsall: Adult, Richard Jones, Junior, Chloe Walker
Sutton : Adult Georgina Mcdonald, Junior Luke Chalk.
Four Oaks Students of the year:
Adult, Matt Thomas he has worked very hard throughout the year and has competed in the Combat Jujitsu,
Junior, Ellie leek also has worked very hard, helps out in the running of the Junior club and has even had a superb attempt at a Title fight in 2007. – well done to these two.
Also presented in December :- Dan Grade Trophies to Steve Pride 3rd Dan , Gary Taylor, Richard Green, and John Skeldon – 2nd Dans . Thanks to all instructors including Richard Green and Ian Maye who regulary help in the running of the Four Oaks club but a special THANK YOU to Steve and Gary who put in a lot of their own time in organising and helping with events and running of Chongshindo throughout 2007. Many Thanks

Peterborough Combaj jiu-Jitsu Tournament - May 2007

The long awaited tournament finally took place on Saturday 12th May, 20 fighters from Walsall and Sutton made the trip to Peterborough. An early start saw us all arrive on time, even with a few car problems on the way.
The day started with a different warm up to what we are used to, Sensei Roy had specified to me a good level of break falling is essential in this style of competition.
I think we all picked up a few drills that will be very useful in improving this area of our training. After separating the juniors from the seniors, we proceeded with a 2-hour seminar with Sensei Roy at the helm introducing us to some of his athletic takedowns and chokes. For those that have never trained with or seen Sensei Roy fight, his athletic ability is really quite amazing.
A quick run through the rules and it was time to start the tournament, starting with the lightest juniors all the fights took place on the same square. The Junior divisions are based on kick boxing and position grappling only, no submissions, which was a good thing as some of our juniors had to be muzzled before the event, just joking, they all showed respect to the opposition and made us very proud of them.
The junior division fights usually go the distance, as there is a no submission rule. For the seniors it is quite the opposite not many fights went to the bell. Plus the kickboxing level of contact was semi-heavy, which was a shock for some first timers.
The Tournament finally came to an end just on 5pm with virtually no injuries just a couple of bruises and dented prides. Considering this is our first Combat Ju Jitsu tournament, we won Gold in 2 of the junior categories, and a clean sweep in the male adult categories, winning Gold’s in all 4 weight divisions. I think you will agree it was an absolutely incredible achievement. Hopefully in the near future we will arrange for Sensei Roy to come up to our club and show him and his Association the same kind of hospitality as they showed us.

Medals   Gold                                          Silver                                     Bronze
Ben Vowels                                Robert Cox                                   Richard Jones
Pete Dutton                                 Matt Thomas                                Emily Byng
Jak Ryan                                     Phil Carter                                    Josh Devey
Gary Taylor                                Holly Taylor                                 Chloe Walker
Clarissa Byng                             Steve Byng                                    Kyle Hall
Aneeka Bassi                              Samarun Bassi                              Aman Sehmbi
                                                   Arjun Sehmbi
                                                   Chloe Taylor