January News 2010- Happy New year

Firstly may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year and welcome back. I trust you had a great Christmas and are looking forward to an eventful and fulfilling new year.
In 2010 we have more great events for you to experience, expand your horizons and develop your Martial Art further. I hope you have made your New Year resolutions and goals for this new decade. It is easy to let your dreams stay as dreams as the years gradually roll on – but if there is something you want to achieve – wright it down and make the small steps – one after another in order to achieve them.  Don’t look too much at the whole – but in small achievable steps – this will help make your dreams become a reality.
Just like in the Martial Arts – every lesson is like a small step along that long journey – very few get to the end and are able to reflect on this journey with a new perspective. We have one new Black Belt from 2009 – but I believe that in the next few years there are many that could achieve this great goal. Keep up the lessons and work hard, experience the various competitions and events we hold throughout 2010 – and you could be one of the few that do!
2009 – was another great year of events – many students took advantage - here is around up

Looking back on 2009
            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 Competitions and 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.
The year finished in style with a fantastic Christmas Party organised and hosted by Sensei Steve Pride. This was a great night of live music featuring Chris Whiting and his band – with the release of Chris’s first single. 

Student of the Year & Black Belt results
Once again we had a few hardworking members realise their potential and took part in the end of year 2nd & 1st Kup Grading. Clarissa Byng was successful this year and achieved her Black Belt.
A few more Red Belts were successful too achieving their Black Tags. The Black Belt Grading of 2010 could have a record number of candidates entering – we will see who is still in the frame as the year progresses.
Once again a number of students were awarded the Student of the year award – given for excellent attendance and hard work. Megan Thomas (junior) and  Paul Bruin were awarded for their efforts in the Four Oaks Club during 2009. Well done to you both.

1 new black Belt !
Clarrissa Byng gets her Black Belt ,