January Newsletter 2006

"During 2005 - as an association we have once again grown in strength, knowledge and experience. I hope you have done the same.
As we start a new year - it is a great time to make plans and set goals -
Try and do something at least once this year that scares you !! -
look forward to another year with this Martial Art giving you many chances to experience some great events.
In just a few months we will be at SENI - preparation for this will start very soon. Maybe you would like to be performing on a stage in front of thousands at Europe's biggest Martial Art exhibition. Or maybe you fancy stepping in the ring and battling it out in a Semi or Full contact bout - we will be taking part in the BKBU kickboxing tournament where some have already tested their fighting skills in the boxing ring.
Maybe you want to step up the training you already do, get rid of those mince pies and rich meals we have indulged in and make this year a year of great progression and self improvement.
Whatever your goals within ChongshinDo we can help you achieve them - just ask !
It is important in life to experience as much as we can in order to learn, grow and develop - physically, mentally and spiritually. Reflect on your own growth as a Martial Artist - how do you feel about yourself, do you feel stronger fitter, more confident. Are you feeling the physical and mental benefit from taking part in such a sport. Martial Arts is a vehicle for Physical, Mental, and Spiritual growth.
ChongshinDo is such a vehicle and we have the experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to drive it" - M Blakeway

Sponsored Spar -21st December - Walsall

Thanks to all those who attended this great event - The kids turned up in force and the first hour was a great display of the kids ability and confidence - there are some future champions amongst them !! - they have already raised a staggering amount - well done. The adults sponsored spar was also well attended and all enjoyed the evening - an event held with great humour and spirit. Especially in the closing stages with 'bull dog' style challenges. Well done and thanks to all who attended.
This years money will be given to local charities with the main going to Joshua Jones - a young boy, two years old who has Cerebral Palsy. Joshua (son of Steve who attends the Bloxwich club) needs a special bed - unable to get a grant for this Steve has already been raising money in various events and has raised over half of the £3000 needed. Therefore the money raised this year will be donated towards this great cause. It will make a direct difference to his life. Joshua and his dad Steve thank you all for your efforts in raising the money.
Please see attached memo on Josh and the bed needed - please get your sponsor money in ASAP.

Two New Black Belts

Congratulations to Holly and Neil who were awarded their Black Belts on this event.
Holly who has been training for over NINE years was awarded her Black Belt - ChongshinDo's First Junior Black Belt - Holly did very well in her 5 hour physical exam - showing great determination and spirit even when exhausted. Well done. So you younger members look to her for inspiration-it can be done with lots of effort and dedication-maybe you are the next one!
Neil Alcock a Black Belt already in a similar style was also awarded our Black Belt and although he had been there already once before - this was in his words "the biggest physical and mental test yet"- there was no surprise at the result as his experienced showed in a great overall performance. Well done.

NEW Black Tag members are Sarah Fryer and Phil Carter -these two join Nathan Salmon, John Farrely, Jamil Aslam, Gurjinder Ghuman. Which of these will be next years Black Belts - time will tell. We wish them well on their preparation which starts NOW !! good luck

Students of the Year Awards
A small number of members were awarded for exceptional effort, commitment and dedication - these were Holly Taylor and Ian Maye (Four Oaks),



Stephen Byng and Jak Ryan (Walsall),Thomas Leigh (Sutton) Steven Jones (Bloxwich) - well done to all these members who attend well, train hard, help out with the running of the classes and are recognised for this by their Instructors - You deserve it !. .

This just leaves me room to wish you all a very healthy and happy 2006.