2008 year review

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