new year - new venue for ki taekwondo

Magazine for Local Martial Arts, Sports and Combat Sports

Taekwondo Karate Boxing Kung Fu Ju-Jitsu Tai Chi JANUARY 2014 YEAR OF THE HORSE

Silat Thai Boxing Judo Kendo Wrestling MMA Aikido Wushu Freestyle Escrima

www.thekiissue.co.uk

TRADITIONAL & MODERN

TM

The 1st World Taekwondo Grand Prix.....British Taekwondo hosts the inaugural Competition at Historical Manchester Central

MASTER SKEN’S ACADEMY

Thai Boxing & Jiu Jitsu

NEW YEAR - NEW VENUE FOR Ki TAEKWONDOMake your Debut in the Martial Arts

JANUARY 2014 YEAR OF THE HORSEwww.thekiissue.co.uk email: [email protected]

The Ki Issueby Steve Blomeley

email: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976KÍ ADVERTISEMENT

JANUARY 2014 YEAR OF THE HORSE www.thekiissue.co.ukemail: [email protected]

The Ki Issueby Steve Blomeleyemail: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976 KÍ FORWARD

‘Bringing you the local information about Martial Arts, Sports and Combat sports’

Jump to it in January, as the year of the Horse gallops ahead for 2014

Forward from the Editor.

Welcome to the January edition of the Stockport Ki Issue. Pronounced like the English word ‘key’ the local magazine aims to keep you informed about the many martial arts, instructors, events and activities in the region. As we move on from 2013 there’s a lot of changes going on in our Town regarding the Martial Arts which promises to be a big year for some. The tone was set for Taekwondo here in the north west as Manchester hosted the 1st ever World Taekwondo Grand Prix at Manchester Central just before Christmas. It was a fantastic event where most of the top fighters in WTF Taekwondo competed for top spot and major qualification points for Rio 2016. BBC TV covered the event via the interactive red button and Ki Taekwondo, the established local WTF group here in Stockport played a big part helping out behind the scenes and also introduced their mascot’s to everybody at the inaugural event. They turned out to be a massive hit with everyone involved and not just the children. Created and designed by the chief instructor and 6th Dan Master of Ki Taekwondo “The Taegers” will surely encourage scores of youngsters to get down to their new venue in the centre of Stockport on Newbridge Lane and take up the dynamic Korean Martial Art and Olympic Sport. Read all about them and their antics at the event and on BBC TV inside.

Stockport is a hive of Martial Art Activities and once again we encourage you to keep The Ki Issue informed about your events, training sessions, competition results etc so that we may keep the local people of Stockport and its surrounding areas informed about the many local opportunities they have to train, keep fit and be healthy during 2014. Ki-ckstart your fitness regime in 2014 by joining a Martial Art club to stay focussed, fit and healthy during the chinese year of the Horse.

The Ki Issue was started in 2013 and we hope that the local Martial Artists will contribute to some of the editorial content during 2014 to give insights and tips to the practitioners to encourage and keep them on the path or way to achieve their goals and aspirations The Editor-in-Chief The Ki issue

STEVE BLOMELEY 6th DanEditor-in-Chief

ContributorsSteve BlomeleyJohn RobinsRob DixonC. L. Blomeley

Testimonial

“Running My Own Business and also a practicing Martial Artist I believe in Quality. The Ki Issue produced a quality advert for us and is aimed at a specific audience who otherwise might not be reached” We are going to use the Artwork created on the side of our vans.

Ki Points

• Local Clubs

• Training Tips

• Instructor Profiles

• Competition Dates

• Results

• Seminar Details

• Seminar Reviews

• Grading Dates

• Grading Results

• Student Profiles

• Kids in Combat

• Health Tips

• Book Reviews

• Product Reviews

• Equipment Suppliers

• Training Dvd’s

• Club Profiles

CONTENTS YANGPage 4 New Year - New Venue Ki Tkd

Page 6 MSA Academy

Page 8 Meet The Taeger’s

Page 10 Advertisement

Page 12 What is Rank ?

Page 14 Instructor profile Rob Dixon

Page 16 40 Something & The Martial Arts

Page 18 Instructor Profile John Robin

Front Cover The Taeger’s at the Grand Prix

CONTENTS YIN Forward

Page 5 The World taekwondo Grand Prix

Page 7 Ki Clubs Directory

Page 9 Supporting your local clubs

Page 11 Chinese New Year

Page 13 Instructor Profile Steve Blomeley

Page 15 Children in the Martial Arts

Page 17 Women in the Martial Arts

Page 19 The benefit of Martial Arts practice



email: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976KÍ ARTICLE Animo et Fide - It’s Your Town - Your Team - Your Martial Arts

Support Your Local Clubs!

2013 has been a long one but for Ki Taekwondo they had been waiting for the go ahead of

the Debut Academy to secure bigger and larger premises close to the centre of Stockport. Having outgrown their home at Chadkirk Industrial Park in Romiley it was decided early in the year they needed to expand. Finally the lease was secured and work began in earnest to prepare for 2014. The set up should prove to be worth the wait for the fully qualified and exceptional teachers based there in both Martial Art, Dance and Drama. It has great potential for existing and potential students of various disciplines especially if they have young families as well.

One family member could be learning Martial Arts and combatives with Ki Taekwondo

whilst another could be taking part in various dance classes or learning drama. There is a Cafe which the general public can drop in for a coffee or a parent could be relaxing there waiting for their children to finish a class. If they are a member of Ki Taekwondo or the Dance school then they have access to where the 4 large studios with various types of flooring are to be taught and study their chosen art or discipline. There is also a stage area where small productions can be put on or practice for the many shows or demonstrations that members put on throughout the year.

Also there is to be a fun filled ki-dz soft play entertainment area which we

have no doubt will be utilised to the full. It’s a great opportunity if you have older children learning in a class but a small toddler who needs entertaining whilst

you wait. What more could you ask for? Family members learning, studying, practicing, keepng fit whilst you can relax, chill out, enjoy a drink as the tiny toddler plays safe.

Ki Taekwondo is a full member of British Taekwondo the National Governing Body

in Great Britain for the Korean Martial Art and Olympic Sport. The local 6th Dan Chief Instructor and Master Grade has been teaching and practicing for over 30 years and won many championships during his tournament career. In WTF Taekwondo master grade is from 5th Dan Black Belt and above. He has continued to study and train throughout all that time not negleting The Martial Art or combative side of Taekwondo where many clubs only focus on the sport side. He teaches many seminars throughout the country when asked to and just recently accompanied his close friend and seminar partner another Taekwondo Master to help out in Scotland at a festival training weekend between Xmas and New Year. The knowledge they have is always well received by even senior Taekwondo Instructors themselves.

The Newbridge Lane, Portwood Venue is right near to all local ammenities, public transport

and 2 minutes from direct Motorway access and so is very easy to get to from not just Stockport borough but surrounding areas as well. Quite a few students travel from afar to train with the Chief

Instructor and will welcome the central location. Considered to be the HQ of Ki Taekwondo who also have classes n Manchester and Birmingham including the University it is also the home of “The Taeger’s” the clubs 3 White Tiger mascots who were featured on BBC TV at the inaugural 1st ever World Taekwondo Grand Prix in Manchester last year. They proved to be a massive hit with everyone especially the Ki-dz.

If you are considering training in Taekwondo or learning self defence combatives in Stockport

then look no further and come and join Ki Taekwondo for Martial Art Sport Combat Self Defence Fun & Fitness. Ki-dz come and Ki-ck it with us at the Tiny Taeger’s classes you never know just who you might meet there? Go to www.kitaekwondo.co.uk or www.kicombat.com or e-mail [email protected] for further information and to register for NEW beginners classes NOW.

NEW YEAR - NEW VENUE Ki COMBAT TAEKWONDO

http://www.kitaekwondo.co.uk

www.kitaekwondo.co.uk

http://www.kicombattaekwondo.com


The Ki Issueby Steve Blomeleyemail: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976 KÍ NEWS

THE INAUGURAL WTF WORLD TAEKWONDO GRAND PRIX IN MANCHESTER

A HISTORICAL BUILDING MAKING HISTORY - MANCHESTER CENTRAL HOSTS THE FIRST WORLD TAEKWONDO GRAND PRIX COMPETITION

Olympic Gold Medallist Jade Jones with Ki Taekwondo’s “The Taeger’s”

December 13-15th 2013 saw the first ever World Taekwondo Grand

Prix arrive in Manchester to showcase some of the best Taekwondo fighters from around the world, who would be competing for top spot in their respective weight divisions. Getting to the medal positions was a priority for all the athletes as it gains them valuable points in a ranking system which goes towards qualification for the next Olympic Games of which Taekwondo is once again a part of.

At the inaugural event were in fact seven out of the eight Olympic Gold

medallists from London 2012. Being the hosts GB Taekwondo fielded a strong team to try and capitalize on the home advantage plus their was also Aaron Cook fighting under the Isle of Man banner, which still gives him British representation keeping his hope and dreams of competing for GB at Rio 2016. In fact with GB player Lutalo Muhammed being in the same weight group this time there was an excitement about the venue that the two could actually meet again in the ring. Events during the second day of competition very nearly brought that to fruition as the day wore on.

Stockport’s local Taekwondo Master and head of Ki Taekwondo had been

asked to help out behind the scenes along with many others including his students and first arrived on the Thursday at

Manchester Central to get an overview of where he would be operating. He was introduced to Dr. Chungwon Choue the president of The World Taekwondo Federation by the Chairman of British Taekwondo and they explained to him that Ki Taekwondo’s mascots were going to be introduced at the event to entertain the many local School children and adults who would be attending over the three days.

The Taeger’s as they are known proved to be a huge hit with everybody

concerned who took every opportunity to get a photograph with them including the WTF President himself. Dial Park Primary School from Offerton, Stockport had a great day at the event and got to meet a lot of the Olympic stars from past and present games. Mr Clark the headmaster took plenty of photographs so the children and the school had a memento of their first ever Taekwondo event. Who knows if GB get to host it again, there may be more opportunities in the future.

With the BBC covering the event via the interactive red button,

when it got to the finals later on each day over 98 countries were tuned in to watch the matches. The first day didn’t dissapoint either with GB’s Mohamma Cho reaching the final that Friday evening. With all the spectators in their seats and Ki Taekwondo’s Taeger’s leading the cheering, they got a shock when the compare and BBC camera man introduced them on live television to the rest of the world. Darren Kay, Gareth Davies and Laura Yell from the Stockport Ki Taekwondo club became celebrities in an instant and a special thanks must go to them and the rest of the crew for their hard work over the three days. In the final Mohamma Cho was also having to work really hard and with the match tied at the very end it went to sudden death or golden point. in other words 1 more round and whoever scores first would be crowned champion. He did it with a powerful punch to the armour of his opponent which had The Taeger’s and the rest of the crowd on their feet

cheering his victory.

Day two saw some of the big Taekwondo stars come on to the

mat. Lutalo Muhammed, Steven Lopez, Aaron Cook, Joel Gonzalez, Sebastian Crismanich and they didn’t dissapoint. There was some cracking matches to watch and with Lutalo Muhammed and Aaron Cooke on opposite sides of the -80kg weight division it meant they could only meet in the final if either got there. What a race it was! They matched each other step by step with Cooke meeting his old hero Lopez again in the quarter final. He came out the winner to reach the semi’s as did Lutalo in his match. Could it happen? the two British contenders meeting in a grand final televised to 98 countries? The Taeger’s again really got the crown into it and what semi finals they were. Sadly Aaron narrowly missed out on his dream final by narrowly losing on sudden death point against the Russian fighter. Lutalo had got through just earlier and the final ended up the same

way with both players level at the end of the match but this time it was a Brits turn to nick teh golden point. Well Done Lutalo. Day three saw most British fighters go out in the early rounds but favourite of the crowd Jade Jones managed to get to the final only to lose out at the final hurdle but was happy to medal having just come back from injury. Overall it was a great advert for Martial Arts in Great Britain and especially Taekwondo in the North West and proof that we can put on a good show for the global Taekwondo network. Bring on the next one!

Any Ki-dz in Stockport/Manchester wanting to emulate their Olympic

Hero’s and take up the dynamic Martial Art & Sport should come down to Ki Taekwondo’s classes and the home of the Taeger’s. You never know who you might meet!

STOCKPORT IS A HIVE OF MARTIAL ART ACTIVITY and if Thai Boxing takes your fancy then take a look at Master Sken and his Academy in Stockport

They offer a full time and fully equipped Muay Thai - Thai Boxing facility and offer classes for all ages, sizes and ability. The have internationally recognised MTQ Muay Thai trainers with a fully equipped gymnasium dedicated to the art of Muay Thai and fitness training. Taught by MTQ CRB qualified instructors the classes are engaging and enjoyable whilst retaining a focus on developing fitness, skills and mental discipline. They have classes each night of the week plus there is also a Gracie jiu jitsu class situated there as well run by Rob Dixon from Marple Bujinkai at the XXL fitness centre.

Muay Thai (or Thai Boxing) is an internationally popular pastime and lifestyle that mixes the martial arts with sport. Known as the ‘Art of the Eight Limbs’, Feet and hands, knees and elbows are used together both in attack and defence. There are no formal sets of movements; instead students develop speed, rhythm, spatial awareness and mental agility by continually sparring with one another.

Muay Thai must not be just known as a fighting art it is also a form of science that encompasses discipline, knowledge and respect. Not everyone wishes to compete in the ring but Muay Thai classes are probably one of the best ways to get and maintain fitness. The vast majority of those who practice Muay Thai in the UK do so for the sole purpose of keeping fit and learning

a self defence system at the same time. It keeps your body in good physical shape and improves your wellbeing, mentally as well as physically. With regular training you can improve flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, mental discipline and overall wellbeing as a result.

The Birth of Master Sken Academy (MSA) was in March 2008, Master Sken was jointly awarded the title of ‘Grandmaster’ by the Kru Muay Thai Association and the International Thai Martial Arts Association. Also in March 2009, Grandmaster Sken was awarded – as a singular honour – the Gold Nai Khanomdton trophy for his promotion of Muay Thai abroad over the last 3 decades.The MSA Academy is atWoodbank Works Woodbank Ind Est Turncroft Lane

PAGE 6JANUARY 2014 YEAR OF THE HORSEwww.thekiissue.co.uk email: [email protected]


email: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976KÍ ARTICLE

MSA AcademyMaster Sken’s Thai Boxing Academy

Karate Ki-dzA childs perspective on training in Martial Arts

I am nine years old and a girl that trains in Taekwondo. I enjoy it because I love learning new moves and patterns. I also love earning new belts if I pass the gradings.

Even though i’m a girl, I sometimes think to myself, WOW! How do they do that? But I soon get the hang of it. Sometimes I can do the really hard kicks but sometimes I can’t.

Like the master says” keep your head up and try again.” That helps me a lot. When I train I think of that and I start to get things right.

When it comes to Taekwondo and you get a new belt there’s always a new pattern to learn for the next grading. When the master says” time for a new pattern I think no I will never get this, but when I get the hang of it I find it really easy.

After every lesson I feel like I get better each time because of the master. I know that whenever I am stuck he will be there to help me. Thats why I think Taekwondo is great.

I am inspired by the people that fight for Great Britain in tournaments and really enjoyed watching them

compete at a big competition recently that I went to with my school, Dial Park Primary in Offerton. I would like very much to be like them one day. I enjoyed meeting

Sarah Stevenson and Martin Stamper at the event and got them to sign their autograph in my book which I will keep as a reminder of the day.

young student and author with Sarah Stevenson Great Britains first ever Olympic Taekwondo medal winner, World Champion and GB Coach

Aikido Marple Aikido Marple Methodist Church Tel 0161 449 7474 [email protected]

Boxing Bredbury Boxing ClubAtheneum Building, Andrew Street, Compstall, StockportSK6 5HW

Jui JitsuGracie Jui Jitsu XXL Fitness CentreMarple, Stockport Tel: 0797 3856694

KarateJacksons Lane Shotokan Hazel Grove Sports CentreJacksons LaneHazel Grove

Marple BujinkaiXXL Fitness CentreMarple, StockportTel: 0797 3856694

Kendo Manchester Metropolitan University’s Didsbury Campus, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2RR

Krav Maga Wilmslow High School, Holly Road North, WilmslowTel: 07850 864226

TaekwondoKi Taekwondo AssociationUnit 36, Chadkirk Ind Park,Vale Road, Romiley SK6 3NETel: 0161 456 1976E-mail: [email protected]:www.kitaekwondo.co.uk

Ki Taekwondo Association Debut Academy,

Newbridge Lane, Portwood, Stockport Town Centre Tel: 07598 413664E-mail: [email protected]:www.kitaekwondo.co.uk

Ki Taekwondo Association Reddish Community Centre, Gorton Road, Reddish,Tel: 07810481289

Ki Taekwondo Association Offerton Community Centre, Mallowdale Road, OffertonTel:0161 456 1976E-mail: [email protected]:www.kitaekwondo.co.uk

JM TaekwondoPartington-The FUSE orWilmslow Leisure Centrewww.jmtaekwondo.co.ukTel: 07738 497319

Thai BoxingMaster Skens AcademyWoodbank Works Woodbank Ind Est Turncroft Lane Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 4AR

PAGE 7JANUARY 2014 YEAR OF THE HORSE www.thekiissue.co.ukemail: [email protected]

The Ki Issueby Steve Blomeleyemail: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976 KÍ CLUBS DIRECTORY

The Taeger’s as they are affectionately known consist of three white tiger cartoon characters created as Mascots for Ki Taekwondo by local Martial Artist Steve Blomeley. He created them to inspire and educate children and fun loving adults alike in the benefits of training within a Martial Art and leading a healthy active lifestyle plus developing discipline, respect for self and others.

With the First ever World Taekwondo Grand prix being held in Manchester at the historical old railway terminal, Manchester Central they were suddenly thrust into the world spotlight as the BBC covered the finals of the competition broadcasting to over 98 countries. They were an instant hit with all concerned at the inaugural event and had everybody clamouring for a photograph with them. This included Olympic star fighters, Referee Officials, Coaches, Instructors, students,

parents and of course the Ki-dz. Dr Chungwon Choue the president of the World Taekwondo Federation fresh over from Korea even posed for a snap with them alongside the British Taekwondo Chairman.

There were many highlights with them over the three day event including cheering three British fighters who made the finals and getting the crowd going. At one point the competition compere came into the crowd with a BBC camera man to introduce them to the world which did catch them by surprise! We are sure they will become a regular occurance at events and of course ki-dz should look out for them on their facebook page where there will be cartoon strips showing them getting up to their antics at training or general play. Of course if your a Ki Taekwondo student then the chances are you’ll see them regularly at their home venue in the centre of Stockport.

Tiger Tae is the younger male and mischievous one where as Taeger the Tiger is slightly older and tries to act as the leader setting a good example to his comrades, but still gets up to stuff! Tiger Kwon is the female and gentler one of the trio often lending a helping hand and listening to the younger students woes and worries, e n c o u r a g i n g them to practice regularly to develop a good character, be strong and d e t e r m i n e d but mindful of others.



email: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976KÍ NEWS Animo et Fide - It’s Your Town - Your Team - Your Martial Arts


MEET “ THE TAEGER’S” Tiger Tae, Taeger the Tiger & Tiger Kwon

Ki Tips

PAGE 9JANUARY 2014 YEAR OF THE HORSE www.thekiissue.co.ukemail: [email protected]

The Ki Issueby Steve Blomeleyemail: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976 KÍ POINT

When studying your Kata, Form, Pattern or

Poomsae. First learn how to perform the sequences so that it is ingrained but then delve deeper into its meaning and try to take on board the underlying principles that it is trying to teach you, along wth the combatives that it contains. Otherwise as Funakoshi once said “ You will be merely moving your hands up and down like a puppet or dancing in other words. Attend seminars or seek out good Instructors that have a basic understanding or purchase good books, and dvd’s that are readily available these days.

Show your support for your local team

by purchasing a passed from father to son Iconic T-shirt. You can view them on the website www.passedfromfather2son.com

Consistency is the ki (key) to attaining good skills,

so make sure you train regularly at class.

Animo et Fide - It’s Your Town - Your Team - Your Martial ArtsSupport Your Local Clubs!

I am a Football Fan and a Martial Artist. In these days of quick fixes and armchair fans one thing strikes me as very apparent. Many, many peope are caught up in the fact that they actually believe they are a true fan or support thier club but yet do not actually attend regularly, be it watching a live match or training week in week out consistently. There are also scores of keyboard warriors who talk a good match but are they there where it really counts?

Here in Stockport people are no different and perhaps our Town highlights it more than most. The Town has a football team, it has had a team since 1883 from very humble beginnings but today it is struggling partly due to mis-management and perhaps more so that local people prefer to or make no effort to watch a live match but sit in their armchairs watching the so called bigger teams of Manchester. That’s the point though isn’t it, imagine if half of those people made the conscious decision that they would support their home team, no matter what then that effort and energy would translate through the club and the team. It is no different in the Martial Art clubs.

Traditionally Martial Arts are meant to instill in a person character, spirit, strength, determination and also loyalty. Too many today lose sight of the fact that being a Martial Artist has ups and downs and testing trials be it

for the student but also and perhaps more importantly the instructor.How many times does a student miss training for a couple of weeks and then come back expecting to be able to do or practice to the same level that they were at or want to be. This is where it is a dual process or relationship with your instructor or club. As frustrating as it may be for the student who has not been consistent in support or attendance of the club it’s equally frustrating for the instructor who has got them to a certain level or performance only to then have to start over again.

Many then sometimes jump ship or look at another club or even worse are poached by weak minded instructors trying to boost their figures not realising the journey they should be making, as it is this passage that makes them into what they really want to be. They should be regularly attending their clubs classes, training, learning, partnering their colleagues to help them along their path and most of all helping their club be successful and survive. Every Instructor I know works so hard behind the scenes just to keep the club itself running financially never mind the effort they put in to train the student too.

It’s not rocket science, your financial support helps the club prosper be it football or Martial Arts. It helps you have better equipment, premises,

training times, courses to attend, coach development or as in football the ability to sustain the running of the club, better facilities and players to perhaps get them where they want to be and playing at a higher level to bring the success that everybody desires. Most Martial Arts have the word “Do” at the end or something similar. That word means path or way and it’s loyalty and support that takes you on the right path.

Parents take your children to the local club, train with them, support with them, educate them properly! It’s something you can share

together. There’s nothing wrong with liking other Martial Arts or football teams but it’s knowing where your base is and where you came from that counts. It’s your foundation and I for one wouldn’t have it any other way. I support my home town and the club I joined from day one. I attend matches regularly and very rarely miss training at my Martial Art club for I would not want to let

anyone down. It’s a journey together and one that lasts a lifetime or should be.

If you join a club or support your local team, stick with it, support it, be a part of the journey for without you the student or fan then there is no club. When your feeling a little tired or lethargic pick yourself up get to the club you support or train at as it’s the collective energy that will carry you forward. If you are already high graded and have a good skill set or been attending matches for god knows how long, look back to the beginning and remind yourself who helped you get to where you are now. Look at

the lifelong friends you have made on that journey. It’s your duty or Giri in the Martial Arts to help the next generation take up the gauntlet and walk the true path of being a proper fan or practitioner. You won’t achieve it sat in your armchair! and you’ll regret it if your club dissapears because of a lack of support.

SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL CLUBS .....



email: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976KÍ ADVERTISEMENT

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The Ki Issueby Steve Blomeleyemail: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976 KÍ ADVERTISEMENTCHINESE NEW YEAR 2014 - The Year of the Horse.The Chinese New Year, also known as known as Spring Festival, will fall on Jan. 31, 2014 and as usual Chinatown in Manchester will be the main focus for the celebrations of the chinese community. It’s a great spectacle with the Dragon Dance and the ensuing firework display after. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with one of the largest annual events in Manchester city centre.So why not head down to Chinatown and Albert Square to look around the stalls, see and enjoy the performances and wonder at the spectacular fireworks display starting at 18:00.The Chinese New Year event

sees the city transformed, and the parade of color will begin at the Manchester Town Hall and proceed to China Town, starting at 12:30pm. Chinese street performers will be entertaining the crowds at both locations throughout the day.

Street Markets, food stalls, art and craft workshops will also be located at both locations, starting at 11:00. Traditional Chinese arts will be on display, and the whole family will be able to get involved learning skills such as calligraphy, origami and tangrams. There will also be a fairground and in previous years, over 65,000 people came to the celebrations making it the biggest Chinese festival in the North - 2014 looks set to be even bigger and better with Manchester’s lion dance

performance promising to be the most spectacular in the UK so far.

So what Animal sign are you?RAT - 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960OX - 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949TIGER - 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950RABBIT - 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951DRAGON - 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952SNAKE - 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953HORSE - 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954SHEEP - 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955MONKEY - 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956ROOSTER - 2017, 205, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957DOG - 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958PIG - 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983,

Aikido Powerful Inspiring Dynamic

Try it for yourself with a free taster session at Marple Aikido

www.marpleaikido.org.uk [email protected] 0161 449 7474

Mon & Fri 7.30 – 9.30Methodist Church, Church Lane, Marple, SK6 7AY

WHAT IS RANK OR STATUS?

When one joins a Martial Art Club, especially a traditional one the student is expected to practice the techniques of their paricular chosen art and the forms or Kata/Poomsae of it, then take a test or grading. If successful the student is then promoted by the Examiner/Master to the next grade which shows he/she has attained a certain level of achievement and proficiency in that particular style.

In the majority of Martial Arts a beginning student usually wears a white belt which represents the complete innocence of the person and their new undertaking. Further belts change colour depending on the system employed in that style. When one is promoted, a students newly coloured belt or stripe/sash signifies to the other members of the club/association or style of Martial Art what level you are at and the knowledge base that you have regarding the practice in that particular system.

A lot of the arts coloured belts or ranks also have some form of philosophical meaning and students should consider that aspect of training. One art Aikido, the students remain with a white belt until they are promoted to Dan Grade (Black Belt). Generally it also means that on being promoted to the next rank the Instructor/Master will start focusing you on the next level of training to bring you on. One thing it does not mean is that one should forget or fail to practice what you had practiced or had been taught before.

The majority of the Martial Arts expect that if one is a certain rank then a student of that Martial Art should be able to perform everything in their syllabus up

to that point of training. Good Instructors will always endeavour to make sure the students maintain their standards and can do their syllabus, whereas poor ones or poor schools will promote and then rarely cover their previous training again. This leads to the student of the poor school forgetting what they have been taught or cannot adequately

perform it. Their knowledge base is lost and therefore in reality so is their rank. The Black Belts (high rank) in good schools still perform and practice everything that had come before thus being able to uphold their rank.

In the old ways rank was awarded not just for proficiency in technique but also maturity in the person was also taken into consideration hence the higher Dan grade

system, once one has achieved their 1st degree Black Belt. This maturity could be considered in performance(technique), the way one conducts oneself, the years training and at the high level the years teaching as well. In essence it is a cultivation of the mind, body and spirit as one should be making great efforts to develop ones mind

with a physically fit body being the foundation for the intellect to be built upon. A Martial Artists goal is more than just accruing god self defence skills or fighting techniques but the development of good habits and sound judgements. Regular training fosters self discipline which promotes good habits and quick decision making.

As a student develops in their chosen art and moves up the

ranks, eventually they may end up teaching when they get to the higher Dan grades. This should be a natural progression and as the years pass by so should the maturity of the practitioner. As they attain a designated high rank in their art they become examiners as well. This gives them through their rank the ability and maturity to promote the lower ranked students to their next level. In a lot of the traditional arts the students of Dan Grade status wishing to be promoted to a higher rank Black Belt tend to go in front of a panel made up of chosen Master Grades of the recognised Governing Body of that Country.

In the west there is a big misconception that someone who holds the rank of 1st degree Black Belt are experts. This is far from the recognised truth within the Martial Arts, as really it generally means that the practitioner is proficient in the basic techniques and still has a long way to go to master it. Rank is really a recognition by ones peers and colleagues in that particular style and has many benefits in the training regime, as it helps students and Instructors alike set targets and

achievable goals.




What is Rank in the Martial Arts?

understanding the levels of proficiency



INSTRUCTOR PROFILE STEVE BLOMELEY Steve aged 18 began

training at the Marple Ridge Taekwondo Club

on its opening day, which was a Sunday he recalls. That was well over 30 years ago and he’s still enjoying kicking now at the young age of 51 although retired from the competitive arena of what is now known as Olympic Taekwondo. “I didn’t start training because I wanted to win a medal, more so for Self Defence and being able to look after myself” he says but did have a fairly successful competition career whenever he fought.

He was more or less always on the medal podium retiring from competition aged 35 years reaching the semi final at Manchesters Veledrome or National Cycling Centre, where British Taekwondo host their annual National competition. A keen Northern Souler his Instructor Steven Loh at the time thought he’d done Martial

Arts before because he could kick quite high but he explained it was purely down to his youth club days and nights at the famed Wigan Casino “ The Mecca for Northern Soul fans”.

Steve took Gold in his first ever competition in the lower kup grade division at the then Scottish Nationals plus repeated the same feat a year later when he was in the Black Belt division although still only a red belt in the art of WTF Taekwondo. Taekwondo in those days didn’t have the recognition of being an Olympic

Sport and so players (fighters) had to fund themselves for training and competition even if your were considered a top player at the time. These days thankfully there is funding available to help our world class athletes achieve their potential. Steve considers his best ever medal was in the 1st Inter Cities European competition which

was the forerunner to todays European Championships. He has also fought in various Team championships representing England and coached players to National and International standard. Not only has he medalled in the sparring side of the Korean Martial Art but also the poomsae or Kata/pattern side of the art as well proving he is a very good allrounder, with a deep knowledge and understanding of his Martial Art. The group he formed called The Ki Taekwondo Association performs consistently well in all major competitions recently

gaining a Silver at last years National Championships.

Being the Chief instructor to Ki Taekwondo places many demands on him and his family but he relishes the challenges and likes to see people achieve their true potential, whilst still maintaining his own training and the high standards he sets for himself and the students. He is also the Chief Examiner for the group which includes Birmingham University Club, which he started with the aid of his then senior student who attended there. He travels regularly to teach and coach them.

The past decade has seen Master Blomeley develop the combative side of his Taekwondo even more so as he has been fortunate enough over the years to train with some very, very senior and knowledgable Martial Artists throughout the world. As he says “ you can’t sit still regarding training. It’s a lifetime study and a fascinating one at that.

Thre’s always somebody who is more adept or has greater knowledge to impart and you should continue to learn”

Steve includes in his study and practice with his group the applications or hidden meanings of the Poomsae or patterns/kata from Taekwondo which the majority of other instructors do not or have little knowledge of the existence of the points which can be utilised from them. On the seminars he has taught for various WTF Taekwondo groups he tries to get the message across that they are there and should be included in their study when learning a new form. They are not the be all and end all of fighting but certainly give the practitioner a greater depth to the study of his/her art when performing them. Knowledge is power as they say!

Now a 6th Dan and eligible to take his 7th Master Blomeley wants Ki Taekwondo to continue to grow and they are at the point where the group has gained two 4th degree Black Belts, which has been another major achievement as they can become examiners in their own right. This will add further depth and knowledge to Ki and its students. Experience can not be bought and part of his journey in the Martial Arts has been travelling and teaching which makes you look in the mirror at yourself and how you can improve. Steve even had a couple of spells in Germany teaching on the British Army bases there which he says was a great experience and opened up my eyes a lot! I went there thinking it’s going to be hard controlling a load of squaddies who will be in peak condition but I needn’t have worried as I found out how fit we really were and it was them that asked for a break lol.!

Over the years Steve has trained and watched 50+ members of Ki taekwondo get to Black Belt standard and beyond and is hoping many more achieve that goal. For the past few years Steve has taught from his dojang(training hall) at Chadkirk Mil, Vale Road, Romiley which he considers to be the main club in Stockport but is now moving to the Centre of Stockport at the Debut Academy, Newbridge Lane, Portwood. Having been made redundant after sixteen years of working for the local press a year ago, Steve was also asked to help his local community in Offerton where he has lived most of his life in getting another club going at the newly refurbished community centre. He was given a little bit of

funding to help get it going and has succesfuly achieved putting on and keeping on a regular class on a Friday night at the Community centre. He and the Comunity leaders think this is a great thing as it gives the youngsters on the estate a focus and something positive to do. He says “ He would love it if he could get some of his own community members to competitions and they achieve a podium position. It would be a great bost for the club and the community.

If you wish to enquire about WTF Olympic Taekwondo and take up training contact Steve or visit the website www.kitaekwondo.co.uk or www.kicombat and/or the groups facebook page.

6th Dan Ki Taekwondo Association



INSTRUCTOR PROFILE ROB DIXON Rob Began training in

Bujinkai Karate in 1982 at the age of 11, originally

under the guidance of Colin Jefferson (2nd Dan), so this year is his 30th year in Martial Arts. Back then the training was very much from the school of hard knocks, and dare I say it, a little unsafe ! Many of the practices back then would certainly not be considered best practice today, but although the training was very tough, it also

taught you a lot of traditional values and qualities such as respect, discipline, fortitude, and perseverance !

Rob took over the Marple Bujinkai Karate Club around 1993, and he has gradually grown it from a handful of students training in a church hall, to multiple classes catering for all ages and all abilities, in a permanent dojo inside XXL Fitness Centre which is in Goyt Mill, where they have a 2400 sq foot facility, fully matted with a range of professional

equipment including heavy bags, makiwaras, and various other equipment. Rob is pleased to say that over the years their training methods have improved vastly too, as he embraces sound and safe teaching methods to ensure that all students make progress in their chosen art.

During the last 30 years of practice, Rob states he has been lucky enough to train with

some of the best practitioners in the world, and was awarded the rank of 5th Dan in Karate by Shihan John Smith, one of the pioneers of Karate in the UK, who originally learned from Tatsuo Suzuki (Wado Ryu) and also various other Japanese Instructors upon their arrival in the UK in the mid 1960’s.

“Around 2006 he began to develop a strong interest in ground fighting and grappling ,which had gained more popularity due to the explosion of Mixed Martial Arts. Although

25 years of Bujinkai Karate had taught me a wide variety of grappling and throwing techniques from a standing position, he suspected that if he ended up on the floor underneath an opponent who was bigger and heavier, he would struggle for survival,- a fact that was demonstrated during a Karate Jiyu Kumite (free fighting) session one evening, with one of his own students. After attending a number of

grappling courses, he put together a very rudimentary ground game, also throwing in some Judo ground techniques which he had learnt, but later, he realised that this was not enough.

As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was widely accepted as the best ground grappling system in the world, he wanted to learn from as close to the source (the Gracie Family) as possible. The Gracie Family are the legendary Brazilian Family who in 1993,

created the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in order to prove to the world that their families style of (Brazilian) Jiu Jitsu was the only art that allowed a smaller guy to survive against, (and defeat) a larger, more athletic opponent !

Rob later began formal instruction in BJJ under Steve Campbell, (a BJJ Black Belt who had learned his craft whilst living in Rio De Janeiro for 8 years, obtaining his black belt under the legendary Carlos Gracie Jr. Between January

2009 and April 2011, Rob trained almost weekly with Steve, taking privates, and continued to train with Steve on a regular basis.

At the same time as learning the basics from Steve Campbell, he was also learning the curriculum of the Gracie Academy, (California), which represented the Helio Gracie lineage of the Grace Family. Using their own instructional material, and a variety of dedicated training partners, Rob spent two years and over 250 hours of mat time perfecting the techniques which make up the Gracie Combatives, a fundamentals programme which focuses on self defence, rather than sport brazilian jiu jitsu.

After relentlessly practicing the techniques and the reflex development drills as prescribed by the Gracie Academy, he tried the techniques and strategies of the Gracie Combatives programme against fully resisting bigger, heavier, stronger, but unskilled opponents during fully resistant sparring, and managed to make almost every technique work successfully. Within two years Rob says his knowledge of ground fighting had gone from limited to reasonably competent, albeit against an unskilled opponent.

During 2011 Rob continued to immerse himself in Gracie / Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, attending weekend seminars, training with Steve Campbell, and working on the Gracie Academy’s “Master Cycle”.After attending seminars with Ryron Gracie in Ireland

and England, In 2011, and being blown away by his teaching methods, he made the decision to complete the Gracie Academy Instructor Certification Programme.

Travelling to the Gracie Academy HQ in California, to complete Combatives Instructor training under Ryron, Rener, and Ralek Gracie, (grandsons of Helio Gracie). Not only to enhance his knowledge of the basic techniques, but more importantly to learn their teaching methodology. This visit had a profound and lasting impact, and the philosophy of the Gracie Academy (everyone can benefit from practicing jiu jitsu, regardless of strength and natural athleticism) fits in perfectly with Rob’s own beliefs that Martial Arts training should empower those that need it most.

Rob states that they are now one of only 5 Gracie Academy Certified Training Centres in Europe, and they teach the EXACT same curriculum as the Gracie Academy Headquarters in California. “Our classes are aimed at anybody and everybody, from the average, non athletic man or woman who want to learn a VERY EFFECTIVE form of self defence, to the aspiring cage fighter, or the stand up martial artist who wants to add some groundwork skills to their repertoire”. For a class timetable please visit the website at www.marplemartialarts.co.uk or call Rob Dixon on 0797 3856694.

ARPLEARTIAL ARTSM Gracie Jiu Jitsu

& Bujinkai Karate

Rob Dixon (centre) with Gracie Jiu Jitsu Coaches




How can Martial Arts benefit your children?

In Stockport there are a whole range of Martial Art

disciplines to choose from, but generally speaking they all encourage those things we as parents often struggle to bring about in our children: physical fitness, health, agility, discipline and concentration. Sometimes children aren’t so suited to team sports and so the Martial Arts provide a fantastic opportunity for them to get some exercise. They get to meet other Children and take on board valuable life skills which will stay with them forever, plus in many cases make friends for life as well.

Martial Art training is not just about training the body but more so the mind and spirit as well. One big misconception is that it will teach them about fighting! but parents shouldn’t worry too much as carefully structured and supervised classes promote positive behaviour and self restraint helping the child with conflict resolutions. They teach them to use the mind to overcome opponents rather than force or violence. Martial Art training for children also fosters good social interaction and a healthy respect of one anothers needs and cultural differences.

The majority of the Martial

Arts have a ranking system at their very core which is good for setting standards and goals to reach towards. It helps your child to focus on the next attainment level and get a sense of achievement and satisfaction building their self esteem and confidence.

Of course a lot of parents are concerned for their children when it comes to being bullied or even being one themselves and this is where Self Defence is perhaps one of the major reasons they consider en-rolling them in a Martial Art School. Good schools teach the children self defence movements depending on their style but also help to develop conflict resolu-tion and be responsible for their own actions. They also educate the children in awareness of their environ-ment and potentially risky situations and how to avoid them. How often do we see today, youngsters with a mobile phone to their ear and totally oblivious to what is going on around them. A good school will help them with risk management and how to avoid becoming a potential victim making good sound decisions, which should put them in good stead for later life.

Some Children do have behavioural problems and attending Martial Art classes can be a major step forward in teaching them to respect others and their own physical power towards

others especially if they are a bit bigger than the normal child of their age group. If some Children are acting up a little in school or other areas of their life Martial Art classes can help a great deal with improv-ing respect for others, self control, self esteem and of course their attention span. Most Instructors are very aware that the founda-tion and the rules within the Martial Art system they teach benefit the children greatly and they can get a lot out of attending classes. This is especially true if the Instructor is firm, friendly very consistent in his teach-ing and enforcing of the standard practices that are common throughout most disciplines who’s goal is to develop and foster good discipline and self control from the students promot-ing a healthy attitude to the skills that they can acquire through training.

One thing is important and that is the lessons that are taught within the Martial Arts class are also rein-forced via the parents. In a lot of Oriental cultures the Martial Art Instructor or teacher is considered like a third parent helping the child develop into a sound individual, who is of great benefit to the family and community. The Martial Arts class isn’t a cure for all behavioural problems in Children but with good parenting it certainly backs it up and in some cases the child will take on board

and listen to the Instructor, whereas they may have ignored the parents advice, but they are there to reinforce it!

Children In The Martial ArtsDevelop Their Confidence, Discipline, Manners, Life Skills,

Spacial Awareness, Social Interaction & Self Defence Ability




By Peter Jones

Being Forty Something and a father I had started taking two of my daugh-ters to a local Martial Art club. After watching training sessions and getting bored with continually driving to and from our house and the club I decided to join in the training. I thought why not I am sat here anyway watching them, waiting for them. On speaking with the Instructor and getting assur-ances that I would be able to take it easy because of my age, I turned up nervously at the tender age of 44 years and 9 months to begin my indoctrina-tion with 10 other young hopefuls. After about half an hour three things we’re apparent to me:-

1 Regardless of the assurances training is not as easy as it looks

2 Martial Art training is physically demanding

3 “I was knackered” and wished I had kept up some form of physical exercise in my thirties!

At the end of the hours training I had forgotten the three things above and spent all my concentration staying upright. I remember nothing about the latter part of the training session. The next day I was a little achy, but I thought I had recovered well. I got into the my car and drove to work. My problems started in the car park. On opening the car door I was surprised to find that I couldn’t move my legs to get out. After a few contortions I managed to get upright and spent the next few days with aching legs. The next week I ventured out again with similar results but after about a month I noticed that my legs were no longer permanently aching and my stamina had improved so that I felt OK within an hour of the end of training. My Instructor had quipped many a time during sessions that the benefit doesn’t come during the lesson, it’s after! I realised I was beginning to become fit! Also to my surprise my co-ordination was improv-ing and I was beginning to get the idea

behind the very basic blocking, punch-ing and kicking of my style. It looks so simple when you watch from the sidelines but seems almost impossible when you try to copy them.

Flushed with success I took my first grading and to my astonishment gained an A grade pass along with 11 other students (average age 17) who also took the same test. The next few lessons were a major shock!. Passing a test or grading was not something to be taken lightly as it simply led to even more demands on my inadequate physique and stamina. By this time was beginning to realise I had three major obstacles to overcome.

1 I wasn’t fit enough

2 I wasn’t quick enough

3 I wasn’t flexible enough

Still I persevered (one of the tenets of the Mar-tial Arts) and continued through 3 other gradings to green belt level. This was the level that most of the senior club members were when I joined and I considered this to be a major milestone as it had originally been my ultimate goal. At this level I was pretty fit and had attained a reasonable level of proficiency at basic blocking, punching and some of the basic kicks, although I was weak at side kick and turning kick. By this time the original 11 who started with me had reduced as some of them had fallen by the wayside. Also another 20 or so students had turned up for a few lessons but soon realised that perseverance and consistency is the key, to keep up the training routine to attain the goals(grades or belts) set

by the Martial Art Instructors. By now one of my daughters had moved up into the adults class from the Childrens class. Two gradings later I was awarded my Blue Belt having made it in advance of my original group that started. My youngest daughter had also joined the rest of the family in the adults class.

This was the time when I had a couple of setbacks which dented my confi-dence a little bit, but with encourage-ment from my Instructor who had now

also attained a much higher Dan grade status I managed

to work through them. He explained nearly everyone

has a few of them on the journey or Martial Path. With his help and my

fellow students help I moved forward and took the next two

grades elevating me to Red belt status. At that

stage I had a realisation

that I had come so far and within

a year I could achieve

something I never thought

possible when I started out and that was Black Belt!

I found each succeeding level more demanding in skill, physical effort, concentration and mentally more daunting. I still had weaknesses in my stances and reaction hand, problems with my turning and reverse turning kicks which I didn’t seem to be able to resolve there and then. However I found that considering three and a half years before I couldn’t run round the room much less raise my leg above my head, I had made tremendous progress. I knew I would never be a brilliant Martial Artist in the physical sense compared to the young ones as I didn’t have their balance and flexibil-ity but I found the training enjoyable, a

release from everyday mental tension and pleasantly fatiguing. I also tried my hand at judging and refereeing at com-petitions, so as to be actively involved when the club travelled for its up and coming young stars. This side of the Martial Arts means that even though I had pushed past forty I could still contribute and help the others within the club and Association. That next year passed considerably quickly as my Instructor put more and more focus on me to attain that coveted 1st Dan (Black Belt status), of which I am very pleased to say I attained as did my two Daughters. It’s something I never regret doing and have made some wonderful friends through the Club and Associa-tion, as have my Family. There’s is a tremendous bond developed between fellow students and practitioners which lasts a lifetime.

So, If you are over 40 and have a maso-chistic streak (ha ha ha) or want to join great friendly clubs to learn some physical skills for self defence and im-prove your fitness then the Martial Arts are for you. It is one of the only things that you can partake in alongside your children at the same time learning together, developing together. Check with your Doctor and tell him what you are thinking of undertaking, get his approval and then check a club out. If it is a well run club with a good Instruc-tor then by all means give it a try and remember when you get past the first few grades, you will be able to have a little smile at the antics of the begin-ners you once were. There may be a few setbacks along the way but if you stick it out the personal rewards are worth your efforts. I managed it and it and that Dan Grade certificate I have on my wall at home I am so proud of, as is my Club and Instructor. Martial Arts are a two way thing, between student and Instructor or student to student, a Yin and Yang, We achieved it together. Don’t try and compare yourself with the younger ones as the Instructors certainly won’t and they will tell you - The only opponent in the Martial Arts is yourself. Happy Training!...

40 Something and the Martial Arts!

Animo et Fide - It’s Your Town - Your Team - Your Martial ArtsSupport Your Local Clubs!



email: [email protected]: 0161 456 1976KÍ ARTICLE Animo et Fide - It’s Your Town - Your Team - Your Martial Arts


Martial

Martial Arts can play an important role in Womens Self Defence and are a great way to help build confidence, strength and skills to combat any potential attacker. There are many different types of classes for women in Martial Arts and when they are practicing will find that their strength improves significantly after only a few months of training.

Generally someone looking for a female victim will test a woman before they actually assault them. Innapropriate behaviour, unsavoury comments are all ways perpetrators try to find out how assertive and strong a woman is. If she responds in an assertive way, most will consider choosing another victim. Martial Art training can help a woman achieve a good level of assertiveness and have the confidence to deal with a lot of situations.

In a largely male orientated field, forget it if you think the women already involved aren’t motivated enough or have completely unrealistic expectations about training in the Martial Arts. They were just like you once and took the first step through the door of

a local club. In my experience and from what I have seen over the last decade or so, more often than not women lead the way. Just look at the last Olympic Games! which by the way, I am sure you haven’t forgot was in London. The ladies really pressed home how far they have come with Jade Jones taking Olympic Gold in the Taekwondo and Gemma Gibbons a Silver in the Judo, not to mention for the first time ever womens Boxing and boy!(girl!) didn’t they do well. Nicola Adams took Gold along with Katie Taylor doing the same in her weight division for Ireland. If you think that women don’t like to get their hands dirty or lack motivation think again as they are very capable of taking responsibility for their personal safety. Those that join Martial Art or Combat Sport clubs really want to be there and really do belong there. There are many, many strong and talented women in the Martial Arts and the majority who stay in them work as hard and more often than not harder than their male colleagues.

As more and more women are now learning Martial Arts and participating in lots of different self defence training sessions it does help a lot of clubs address various stereotyped issues such as “ they are the weaker half of the sexes”.

With the increasing accomodation of women to the field of Martial Arts or Combat Sports and the acceptance of them in their chosen discipline, it helps support their choice in strengthening their authority and capabilities. I remember teaching and training one young lady student at my club whilst although I could hit that bit harder (not that much!) I always looked forward to sparring with her and thoroughly enjoyed it as her skill level brought out my own, perhaps much more than any other male counterpart. I also had another teenage female student who famously beat all the teenage boys in one sparring tournament to take the Gold. This wouldn’t happen in today’s politically correct world but it showed that many young ladies have the right spirit and determination to equal the opposite sex.

Another important note regarding women and the increasing participation and rising prominence of them in Martial Arts is that within the disciplines is the fair practice and exercise of rights between men and women. Through scientific training and modern nutrition there is now the contention that women can achieve similar strength. There are now more options than ever when it comes to practicing Martial Arts for women. Societies go through constant change and so do gender roles. Women rising in the Martial

Arts is directly proportional to society’s shifting view of what women

can do and should do. People are more open than ever to the idea that women can provide the same level of achievement as

their male counterparts and the Ki Issue would love to see more and more in the Dojo’s, Dojangs and Gyms here in Stockport. In the Martial Arts there really is no gender bias in terms of what a person can do. In the majority of the traditional arts there are

many women who have achieved high rank or Dan grade status and they have become Instructors, Teachers and Coaches in their own right. The female Instructors in many cases tend to bring that little more technical aspect to their teaching, as they seem to approach their own training from that aspect a lot quicker than their male counterparts. Perhaps this is because of their physical and mental make up which the men could learn a lot from, as more often than not we tend to have to battle through the brute strength approach before “the penny finally drops” as they say.

So! Ladies, Mums, Girls why not get yourself down to your local Martial Arts Club or Gym and follow in the footsteps of our recent female Olympic medallists. You will find that they offer so much to you in fitness, strength, weight loss, toning, confidence, self esteem and your self defence capabilities. Happy Training!

MEN IN theWOArts



Sensei John Robins of the Jacksons Lane

Shotokan Karate club based in Hazel Grove has been teaching the class there since 1994.

John’s introduction to karate in the early 1970s was at Harry Benfield’s Liverpool Uechi Ryu dojo. Unfortunately he had to discontinue training until 1984, when, at the age of 36, he came to Stockport as an unemployed single parent of a 4 year old son. There he discovered David Grice’s KUGB Shotokan club.

At this difficult, formative time Karate gave a vital focus to his life: he found work and he built a successful life for both himself and his son. He developed his great love for karate then and he strove to improve his skills and knowledge at every opportunity. He took all his Kyu gradings with Sensei William “Billy” Higgins, a legendary figure in the karate world.

In 1990 John heard the world famous Sensei Masao Kawasoe call his name and say the wonderful words “pass shodan”: he had been elevated to the world of the black belt karateka.

He soon discovered that attaining the black belt grade was not the end but the beginning of a voyage of discovery that continues to this day. Since those early days, he has studied and constantly researched karate. He advanced further in grade and he took every opportunity to train with some truly wonderful martial artists of world stature, including Shotokan experts amongst whom were numbered those legendary Senseis Enoeda, Kawasoe and Ohta .

John has also trained under JKD experts like Mark McFann plus Okinawan Goju expert and walking martial arts encyclopaedia- Patrick McCarthy. John extended his studies by training in Jiu Jitsu under sensei Jim Pape, taking a number of grades: he took several lessons in Aikido. He also trained with vital point practitioners such as George Dillman, Rick Clarke and last but most definitely not least Sensei Vince Morris, an expert of world stature.

The opening of his own club in March 1994 at Hazel Grove Recreation

Centre, Jacksons Lane, Stockport was a turning point in John Robins’ martial arts development. It gave him a platform to teach and practise those techniques he already knew, as well as a base from which to explore the concepts which he was learning, discovering and developing as his studies and research continued. New concepts and techniques were culled from numerous sources, other ideas came almost unbidden into his mind. Everything was “possibilities” and “connections” as John developed.

John suffered several medical setbacks, which he has overcome, and as always he continues to the very best of his ability to study, to practise and to learn. John attributes his successful recovery -indeed, his survival- to a measure of good luck coupled with the undoubted benefits study of karate confers.

Extraordinarily, John Robins, Sensei, 4th Dan, regards himself as a student of karate with much yet to learn. Truly, karate is a discipline which offers a a lifetime of study, reward and fulfilment. Throughout the years John says he has made many close friends throughout his training and from different styles too. There has been many times when he has

travelled and trained with fellow Martial Artists embracing the depth of knowledge that people have to offer and also just very recently his close friend and fellow Instructor Steve Palmer came away with a

Gold Medal for the 40+ at the

World karate championships in Mexico. John attributes Steve as the person

who helped him keep his “Gi” on to this present

day...

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE JOHN ROBINS Jacksons Lane Karate Club




The Martial Arts are more than just about fighting or defending oneself.

Within their repertoire are fitness, diet, stress release, good posture, breathing, self confidence, self esteem, self control, philosophy, education, culture, to name but a few. They are such a wonderful constructive activity for all and have the ability to transform the mind and body.

They help develop a good cardiovascular system, tone body muscle, enhance flexibility, produce good body co-ordination and help maintain a good immune system. With proper instruction in a martial art you can help control the stress and tension in your life, lose weight and enjoy yourself whilst taking a positive step towards learning effective self defence methods.

Martial arts practice can help transform your mind and body. On the physical level Martial Art training builds and maintains the body, toning the muscles along the way. Training in one of the systems or styles helps to keep your body perfectly conditioned along with keeping the mind sound with enhanced mental alertness.

Martial art training is not just about the acquisition of awesome self defence skills but perhaps more importantly focuses on character development as well, especially if training is undertaken with a good instructor who has a deep understanding of the arts. It fosters courtesy, integrity, modesty, respect, loyalty and contributes to a well rounded personality which can only be good for our society in general. Local people who undertake proper

instruction in one of the many excellent clubs in and around their area will develop good self discipline and begin to recognise almost immediately their improved physical capabilities. The improvement of their self discipline and self esteem will no doubt be noted from those around them. This all contributes to a much more positive self image.

Picture:-Marple Aikido Course

Martial art training is ideal for people of either sex and all ages. Ladies can learn effective self defence methods that can be used against stronger, larger opponents than themselves and become more assertive, have more awareness and be more confident in themselves especially in conflict situations. Women can pick up and be taught various self defence tactics, threat and risk management or how to avoid certain scenarios and situations, so that they do not become a victim against unwanted attention or aggression.

For the Guys training in Martial arts is one excellent way that brings together many of the often suppressed masculine

energies of the male. Martial arts if taught or coached correctly are a superb vehicle for the positive expression of the male spirit. The Martial arts create an opportunity for a group to develop positively, who can safely display their masculine energies in a controlled environment. Courage, tenacity, perseverance, self control and determination all come to mind for the male practitioner. Through the way of the warrior or martial process men are able to redirect their sometimes destructive tendencies allowing them to work through conflict positively and creatively, managing it and themselves.

The Martial Arts has a process and a way of identifying, reflecting on and changing a mans conditioning, allowing him to express and sometimes rediscover his masculine energy. The rough and tumble play in martial art training helps men maintain and develop social awareness, co-operation, team work and fairness. Martial arts are a way of recapturing that essential male growth time and are a natural part of discovery and learning about oneself.

Children in the Martial arts have an emphasis on playfulness, challenge, connection and togetherness which is not too dissimilar to the rough and tumble play of a father and son. Men have always instinctively known that the rough and tumble play amongst boys has always been vital for growth of the male spirit. Play fighting teaches the

boy about gain and loss and how to control and harness his natural physical self. Girls are no exception to the rule either and get stuck into the play and training just as much as the boys.

For the boys the lessons learnt in the play stand them in good stead later in life as they become boyfriends, husbands and fathers. The lessons of instruction and play have taught them to take criticism, experience strong emotions and to not misuse their physical prowess to hurt or dominate others.

Children training in a Martial Art gain good co-ordination skills as well as spacial awareness. The lessons that they learn during class time can have a direct effect on the rest of their lives as it promotes confidence, great self esteem and a positive attitude whilst understanding others and their needs around them.As a matter of fact martial arts training is one activity the whole family can participate in together. This is a great

environment to be in and the children generally do love to see their parents practicing and learning alongside themselves.

Martial art training does have the ability to strengthen not just the mind and body but great relationships as well, on many levels for one another within families, groups and communities.

Take the time to seriously consider what the Martial Arts have to offer you and your family as it can be a very important step toward the family unit achieving goals and aspirations you never thought possible. Training in the martial arts is much, much more than just working out, it’s a change of lifestyle for the mutual benefit of all.....It’s a way of life!

“The goal of the martial arts is not for the destruction of an opponent, but rather for self-growth and self-perfection. The practice of a martial art should be a practice of love - for the preservation of life, for the preservation of body, and for the preservation of family and friends.”

- Sifu Dan Inosanto

The Benefit of Martial Art Practice

There’s more to it than you think!

Please do not disregard and throw away, please pass on to a family member, friend or neighbour who may benefit from training Produced by the Ki Artwork Company Tel: 0161 456 1976 e-mail [email protected]

new year - new venue for ki taekwondo

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