December Newsletter

Another year over and what have you done? As John Lennon once said !
Well for our new members you have started a journey that I hope you will find enjoyable and rewarding - one that you will continue to travel, and learn and experience much along its path. For our more experienced members this year has been as packed as always and many thanks to all that took part in the many events we were held.
For a small few this has been one they will never forget - Last weekend three of our top students Ben Vowles, John Skeldon and John Loach took their BLACK BELT Grading.. - Before the exam commenced the candidates had to write an essay about the human body its systems and how it relates to moves within Chongshin Do. Then on Saturday it was a gruelling 6 hour exam starting at 10am with a written paper containing questions on techniques and the Chongshin Do syllabus followed by a two hour Jujitsu exam taking in all aspects of this art, following this a three hour physical test / exam on all aspects of the TKD & Kickboxing syllabus including Forms, combinations from Forms, Sparring (1 on 1, 2 on 1, free sparring, 1 & 2 step) plus kickboxing drills and finally, exhausted they had to show their true fighting spirit with a demonstration of their power and technique - breaking many pieces of wood / boards and a breeze block in a demonstration of power, spirit and skill of their training. (For Pictures of the Black Belt grading and results - click here)

Their results will be announced after the Sponsored Spar 2003 - Thursday 18th Dec - Arthur Terry Sports Centre
Also grading on that day was Richard Green who was promoted to Black Tag 1st Kup.

Future Black Belts - start your preparation now! Richard Green, Jamil Alslam, and Red Belt members.

Sponsored Spar 2003
Thanks to everyone who will take part - we shall be announcing the charities ASAP - please feel free to suggest any that you know about or are involved in - Thank you for your continued support and generosity at this festive time of year.
(For pics of the Sponsored Spar Click here)

What have we done? - Looking back at another terrific year -
Jan - With a fantastic £1000 raised at the sponsored spar 2002 - we were able to donate £500 towards the childrens unit at the Walsall Manor Hospital (which saved the lives of Sensei Richard Barretts twins) and £500 towards the Air Ambulance - which saved the life of Sensei Steve Pride.
Feb - Two senior members join us from another association. Sensei Gary Taylor and 1st Kup member John Loach.
March - KO'd III - Fight Night Sutton Town Hall. This was a huge event and most fights had one of our members representing our kickboxing art. A great day with semi-contact fights followed by Full-Contact Kickboxing in the evening. Many of our fighters victorious! Big Ben, John Skeldon, Arron Dovey and John Farrelly all took part in Full-Contact bouts in the evening.
April - SENI - Martial Art exhibition NEC - Europe's biggest! Once again we were there in force along with 10th Dan Soke Dossett - we showed how Chongshin Do is a style that has evolved and moving with the times. Another great response from the audience - more of this again next year. Thanks to all involved.
June - Sensei Steve Pride and others went to SCI -HQ for more coaching diplomas and teaching awards.
Sensei Richard Barrett and a few Bloxwich members "ran for home" (Heart FM) and raised £360 for charity.
July - Sense's Martin Blakeway & Steve Pride visit Soke on a Jujitsu masters weekend adding more knowledge , & on a personal level - had my third knee op & Sensei Steve Pride gets wed!
Aug - Soke Dossett Seminar in Walsall - another amazing seminar with this 10th Dan Grandmaster - accompanied by Kanch Cox and Master Roy Alison. Then later that evening - the Chongshin Do Summer BBQ! - with Sensei Chris Whiting on guitar (Steve Pride to accompany him next year!)
Sept- New club opens in Great Barr - with Sensei Gary Taylor.
Oct- - BKBU Title attempt with Ben Vowles (misses out by a point) & first time in the full-contact ring for Dave Roe who wins his first. Many others took part in semi-contact during the day. Personal note - our second daughter Daisy Rainbow is born!
Nov - Meditation Seminar - many attended and enjoyed this very peaceful day.
Dec - Sponsored Spar + end of year gradings + award ceremony - Three more Black Belts ?

That just leaves me to wish every one a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year - Martin Blakeway

Self-Control, Perseverance, Integrity, Respect, Indomitable Spirit, Truth.
Way of the Spirit