Marfest 2012 – a great success!

Aiki with Geoff Aisbitt

Despite a dip in public attendance this year the festival was still a fantastic event.  Martial Artists from all over the North East descended on the CitySpace centre with their families and friends to watch or participate in the demonstrations and taster sessions on the ‘come and try it’ mats.

DFM with Phil Doherty

Marfest is as much about the camaraderie between martial artists as it is about the displays of martial art. Over the 12 years the festival has been running a community of martial artists from all disciplines has gradually gelled together to not only demonstrate their art to each other and the general public but to also exchange knowledge and information, support and encourage each other, and to form strong and lasting networks and friendships.  

Judo with John Simpson

The strength of this support network was demonstrated very clearly in the afternoon when there was a gap in the order of events. To fill the gap, Peter Seth (Marfest organiser and 4^th dan Aikido), Geoff  Aisbitt  (4^th dan Aikido, 3^rd dan Aikijutsu) and student’s of Christine Poole’s Jujitsu club (British Jujitsu Academy NE) did an impromptu display of Aikido and knife defences. This was impressive because these people do not normally train together (though Geoff does sometimes do some aikido training with Peter), practice different though related arts and had not rehearsed this display at all! This required a lot of trust and cooperation which was possible because the Marfest has brought these people together on several occasions now and so they know each other. Here is some video footage of this impromptu display…..

The video shows Geoff Aisbitt doing some knife defences with a jujitsu student.

Peter Seth demonstrating an Aikido principle

Geoff again showing some aiki principles

The other demonstrations though were definitely planned, well rehearsed and displayed professionally. Here’s some video footage of some of this year’s participating arts…

Phil Doherty (DFM)  showing a knife defence technique



Two of Christine Pool's jujitsu students.



Bill Patterson's ninjutsu students

There were some last minute programme changes.  Sensei Paul Simpson (Kempo Jujitsu) was unable to make it. However, John Barrass (founder and senior instructor of ESDCS – Evasive Self Defence Combat System) stepped in to cover the vacant ‘come and try it mat’ for the afternoon, teaching his style of close-in reality based street defence. John is a very experienced martial artist who has attained black belts in four arts, including 4^th dan in jujitsu.

Ninjutsu weapons

Peter Gruffity (Capoeira instructor at Group Senzala North East) has supported Marfest over many years but was unable to put on a demonstration this year. However he did attend the festival and did a couple of taster sessions on our ‘come and try it mats’. For those of you unfamiliar with capoeira, it is a Brazilian art form developed by African Slaves in Brazil over 400 years ago. “It combines the potency of violence and fight, the fluidity and expressiveness of dance, the soul-calling power of music, the wit and playfulness of clever games, and the showmanship of acrobatics into one beautiful art form.” (source: http://www.groupsenzala.co.uk)

Karate

Joe Harte (Taiji, Northern School of Taiji in Co. Durham) was also present and led a short taiji session over lunchtime. He was also available throughout most of the day to talk to people about the principles and practice of his art form – an opportunity taken up by several people.

more judo

Of course many of our regular participants were in attendance giving their time freely and generously for this charity fund-raising event – Geoff Aisbitt (Aiki arts), Christine Poole (jujitsu), Phil Doherty (DFM), Mike Campos (taekwondo) and Paul Tennet (Kung Fu).  Newcomers this year included John Bruce (karate), John Simpson (Judo), Mick Farrow (Cane-do) and Bill Patterson (Ninjutsu)

And I’ll leave you with the ever popular lion dance (performed by members of the Moi Fa Wing Chun Academy)….

Remember: Marfest 2012 is THIS Sunday, 24th June...

Reminder - Marfest is THIS coming Sunday between 10.00am and 4.00pm at Sunderland University CitySpace Centre.


The good news is that PARKING will be FREE!


Please park on the gravelled car park or in the bays opposite the bus shelter at the rear of the venue. There should also be plenty of roadside parking.

CitySpace Centre

Hall where Marfest will take place.

Somewhere to relax!
Remember the cafeteria will be open too.

If you are coming by public transport:

Via Public Transport: The site is easily accessed by Metro. The University Metro Station is close to the site. Exit the station and then follow the signs to the University campus.

There is a bus stop on Chester Road directly outside the building.
Please visit Journey Planner (http://jplanner.travelinenortheast.info/) and enter “Chester Road, Sunderland” as your destination.

From Sunderland City Centre: City Space is within walking distance of Sunderland City Centre.

See also our 'How to find Marfest' page.

Hope to see you there!

The Lion Dance...

Marfest always kicks off with a performance of the lion dance. This is performed by members of the Moifa Martial Arts Academy. As you will see it has not always been the innocent entertainment spectacle we know it as today....

What is the lion dance?

The lion dance is over a thousand years old, originating in China during the Han Dynasty, it spread to other Far Eastern countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, Japan and Indonesia. The Chinese have long admired the qualities and character of the lion, which is featured in Buddhist lore, despite it not being a native animal of China. In fact lions were introduced to China by Westerners who were trading with China via the Silk Road from India. Knowing how much the Chinese loved lions they brought them as gifts - along with some lion tamers to look after them!

Initially the lion dance was used to entertain visiting dignitaries, at festivals, religious ceremonies and at other official functions. However, during the Ch’ing Dynasty it was somewhat misused and became a bit of a military or political prop. It was used to smuggle agents in or out of palaces, exchange secret information, recruit fighters from the enemy camp - all sorts of espionage designed to topple governments. The 'lions' were used as a sort of mini Chinese Trojan horse!

Even in the 20th century the lion dance fell into disrepute. It has a long association with Kung Fu and is often performed by Kung Fu clubs. In earlier times these martial arts academies were rivals and attempted to control territories. The more 'territories' a martial arts academy controlled the more prestigious it was regarded. Particularly ambitious schools would invade others to take control of them. They would often do this under the guise of a lion dance competition which they would use as an excuse to have a fight.

By the 1950's the rivalry between martial arts groups (via their lion dance troupes) had turned into gang warfare. Groups of gangsters were controlling the troupes and people were pulling their kids out of lion dance troupes in droves because of the violence that was occurring whenever rival troupes met at festivals. All sorts of nasty tricks were used such as hiding daggers in the lion costume and using them to slash the opponents legs during a 'lion fight'. In the end the lion dance was banned in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Indonesia for social or political reasons. The ban lasted for decades and was only lifted in Indonesia in 1999. Even now, in Hong Kong lion dance troupes must obtain a permit from the government to perform a lion dance.

In recent years the lion dance has regained its honour and is again performed for entertainment purposes at festivals and at Chinese New Year. It is now thought of as a recreational sport and competitions are held all over the Far East - in a properly refereed and judged arena. In fact lion dance competitions are extremely skilful and acrobatic, often performed high up on stilts! It is generally only the most experienced martial artists from a club that are invited to join the troupe because those martial art skills are needed to perform the lion dance to a high standard.

Come along and see our lion dance at the marfest....

Taiji and Joe Harte...

What is Taiji?

Taiji or t'ai chi ch'uan literally means "Supreme Ultimate Fist". It is a type of internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defence training and its health benefits. 

The physical techniques of taiji are described in the tai chi classics, a set of writings by traditional masters, as being characterized by the use of leverage through the joints based on coordination and relaxation, rather than muscular tension, in order to neutralize, yield, or initiate attacks. The slow, repetitive work involved in the process of learning how that leverage is generated gently and measurably increases, opens the internal circulation.

The study of taiji involves three aspects:

 Health: Taiji's health training concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind. Taiji is thought to improve or avoid many chronic health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes and osteoarthritis. Its practice has also helped to reduce the incidence of falls in the elderly and aid recovery from strokes.

·         Meditation: The focus and calmness cultivated by the meditative aspect of taiji is seen as necessary in maintaining optimum health (in the sense of relieving stress and maintaining homeostasis) and in application of the form as a soft style martial art.

·         Martial art: The ability to use taiji as a form of self-defence in combat is the test of a student's understanding of the art. Taiji is the study of appropriate change in response to outside forces, the study of yielding and "sticking" to an incoming attack rather than attempting to meet it with opposing force. The use of taiji as a martial art is quite challenging and requires a great deal of training.

Joe Harte

Who is Joe Harte?

Joe Harte began training martial arts in 1975, then in the early 90's found himself inexorably drawn to Taiji. He is a long time student of Patrick Kelly in the tradition of Master Huang Sheng Shyan. 

With 20 years of intensive Taiji training he now runs the Northern School of Taiji in Co. Durham, Northeast England - Concentrated Taiji classes for those who wish to learn deeply. 

Joe recently gave an in depth interview to The Tales of Brave Ulysses Magazine:

"Lifelong martial artist Joe Harte tells us why the martial arts are so much more than learning to fight; and how anybody can find and benefit from the right training.

To read full interview with Joe Harte, Senior Instructor and long-time student of Patrick Kelly follow the link:

http://talesofbraveulysses.com/?p=126"

At the marfest....

Though Joe will not be doing a demonstration this year we are hoping he will be doing some taster sessions on our come and try it mats, so come along and meet Joe....

Find out more about Joe Harte here: http://www.communigate.co.uk/ne/taijiquan/page2.phtml

Update - program change for Judo....

Sensei John Pickering is unfortunately no longer able to lead the Judo demonstration.  However Sensei John Simpson  has kindly stepped in to lead a judo demonstration along with Dale Fenwick.

Sensei Simpson is the senior coach at the Lambton Judokwai in Sunderland. He has over 40 years experience in Judo and is currently a 4th dan (BJA). He is a qualified level 2 club coach and senior examiner and kata examinar. He is also a national 'C' referee.

Dale Fenwick, 2nd dan, has taken 7 British National titles plus a Bronze and two Golds at the World Kata championships between 2002 and 2004. 

At the marfest....

At the festival they will give a kata demonstration together and John will run some 'taster' sessions on our 'come and try it' mats....

Traditional Ninjutsu weapons with Bill Patterson…

A ninja was a covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan who specialized in unorthodox warfare. The functions of the ninja included espionage, sabotage, infiltration, assassination and open combat in certain situations. The ninja used a range of weaponry.

A selection of Ninja weapons:

Bo Staff:

This was an important weapon in the ninja’s arsenal. The ninja’s bo differed from others in that it was hollow. This allowed the ninja to launch a poison tipped dart or small knife out of the open end of the staff by flicking it at great speed, often taking the opponent off guard.

Tanto:

The tanto was not made of the high quality steel that the samurai's sword was but the ninja made up for this by using the tanto as a multi-purpose tool. It could be used to pry open doors, dig holes or small ditches, or it could be thrown like a shuriken. It was also used to cut and stab an opponent.

Shuriken:

The Shuriken was simply a flat piece of metal with sharpened points that were thrown at the enemy. It was not originally designed as a killing weapon and was mostly used to distract or deter so the ninja could escape. Although the Shuriken was not intended to kill, it was easily made lethal by dipping the edges in poison.

Shuriken were also designed to hit the opponent then bounce away out of sight. This way a ninja could fool an unsuspecting guard or sentry into believing he had been cut by an invisible swordsman. (One of many mental tricks).

Kusari-fundo:

This is a hand held weapon consisting of a length of chain (kusari) with a weight (fundo) connected to each end of the chain. Various sizes and shapes of chain and weight were used as there was no set rule on the construction of these weapons.

Kama:

Kama is a paired weapon reminiscent of a pair of sickles. They are usually swung in various arcs, crescents etc. All sorts of slashing motions combined with the forward momentum of the ninja caused some devastating damage. The blade of the Kama is roughly around 11-12 inches. The handle is slightly longer. Original sickles had a longer blade and shorter handle.

Kusari-gama:

This is a combination of a sickle (short scythe) and a long chain with a weight attached to the end of it. The sickle was used in a slashing or stabbing motion, as well as used to block and hook opponent’s weapons. By holding the chain portion of the weapon, the sickle could be swung around to get a greater reach with it.

The chain portion of the weapon was most often used for trapping an enemy or his weapon. Once tangled up with the chain, the ninja could finish him off with the sickle. This was a weapon the ninja invented out of farming tools they used.

Koppo stick or shobo:

This is a short, palm held stick used for attacking pressure points. It was attached to the hand via a ring which fitted on the middle finger. There are many variants of this weapon, collectively known as palm sticks and there usage is similar to that of the yawara stick: the principle areas of attack including bony, fleshy and nerve targets such as knuckles, forearms, bridge of nose, shins, stomach, solar plexus, spine, temple, ribs, groin, neck and eyes.

Who is Bill Patterson?

Bill Patterson is a 4^th dan in Ninjutsu traditional weapons. He also holds 3^rd dan in Battojutsu Ryu. He has trained in martial arts for over 30 years and studies and teaches in Katori Shinto Ryu, Iaido and Battojutsu – all martial arts that use swords and related weapons. He is currently teaching in ninja weapons (including the ones above) plus the katana.

Sensei Patterson has studied under several grand masters: Dr Masaaki Hatsumi, Harunaka Hoshino (Koga Ryu), Takayuki Kubota and Risuke Otake. 

At the marfest…

Sensei Patterson will demonstrating from a range of traditional ninjutsu weapons and sword….

Jujitsu with Sensei Christine Poole...

What is jujitsu?

Jujitsu is the forerunner of Judo and the inspiration behind Aikido.  Commonly known as the ‘Gentle Art’, Ju-jitsu is a Japanese primarily open-hand system, that utilises throws, chokes, locks and ground fighting as well as strikes and kicks. Dating back to antiquity where it was generally known as ‘Tai Jitsu’ (body art), Jujitsu was taught to Samurai; the system being employed when the warriors lost their weapons on the battlefield or were attacked while being unable to bring their weapons to bear through a surprise attack.

The art has developed into a variety of styles, but all contain the same basic elements and principles, balance, leverage and speed to gain advantage, whereupon strength is applied to complete the technique.  All underpinned by the principle of yielding to the attacking force, then turning it back on the attacker.

As well as empty-hand training, most Ju-jitsu schools also have a degree of weapon training including the sword and staffs, and how to defend against them.

Who is Christine Poole?

Christine holds a 6^th dan in jujitsu and is the founder of the British Jujitsu Academy (NE) and runs clubs based in Sunderland. She has over 24 years experience in jujitsu and has worked for many years as a security guard. She has taught jujitsu to hundreds of children and adults. Christine is also an expert in teaching jujitsu to disabled people.

At the Marfest…

Sensei Poole and her students from the academy will be demonstrating their art at the festival as well as providing taster sessions on the ‘come and try it mats’…

Directional Fighting Method (DFM) with Phil Doherty...

What is DFM?

DFM is a fighting system developed by Phil & Mike Doherty, Darren Currah and Don Robinson which is based on the eight angles of evasion.

Directional Fighting Method is a modern, reality-based self-defence and combat system.

It is designed so students cover all the areas of self-protection and self-defence. It has no sport element to it.

DFM uses modern theories such as flinch and freeze and body language techniques and blends these with old martial theories such as the centreline, three point touch, the power of the circle and high-low theories.

The areas covered by the DFM syllabus include evasive blocking, punching, kicking and striking, break falling, unbalancing and takedowns, sweeps and throws, ground defence and locks, chokes and submissions, yielding and flowing.

Students also learn walking cane (hanbo), five and six foot staff (jo and bo), single stick (rattan cane), sword (ken) and how to defend against weapons such as knives, bottles and baseball bats.

The system draws on a number of sources including boxing, kickboxing, Ju-jutsu (Japanese and Brazilian), Ninjutsu, Judo, Kali, Wado Ryu and Shotokan Karate, and grappling.

Students are also taught Conflict Resolution Techniques. These are the methods taught to professionals such as the police, NHS doctors and nurses, social services, journalists plus many more.

Who is Phil Doherty?

Phil Doherty is a founding member of DFM Martial Arts which teaches street combat Directional Fighting Method, DFM Reivers MMA and DFM Kickboxing. He currently holds 4^th dan in DFM and is the senior instructor.

He has trained in Wado Ryu karate, ninjutsu, taekwondo, kung fu and kali and is Managing Director and senior conflict resolution trainer for DFM Self-protection Ltd.

Phil is also the Editor of Martial News, the online Martial arts newspaper that sponsors Marfest.

At the Marfest…

Phil will be demonstrating various techniques from his DFM system and will available to teach them on the ‘come and try it’ mats…

Aiki arts with Geoff Aisbitt and Peter Seth...

What are the aiki arts?

Both aiki-jutsu and aikido have their roots in jujitsu, specifically Daito-ryu jujitsu, originally known as Daito-ryu-aiki-ju-jutsu. The original Daito-ryu-aiki-jujutsu is ascribed to a famous samurai called Shinra Suburo Yoshimitsu who devised the art from a wrestling style of jujitsu around 1100 A.D. The art was kept secret and only taught to the Minamoto family of Japan of which Yoshimitsu was a general.

In the early 20^th century the art of Daito-ryu jujutsu was revised by Takeda Sokaku. Students of Takeda went on to develop the main styles of aiki-jutsu and his most famous student, Morihei Ueshiba went on to develop aikido.

What is aiki-jutsu?

Aiki-jutsu is sometimes described as ‘subtle jujitsu’. It is distinguished from jujitsu by the application of mental training and the use of a person’s inner energy, called ki. Aiki-jutsu is designed to use the other man’s strength with your own knowledge of how he is employing it. It emphasizes an early neutralization of an attack.  Like other forms of jujutsu, it emphasizes throwing techniques and joint manipulations to effectively control, subdue, or injure an attacker. Of particular importance is the timing of a defensive technique to either blend or neutralize an incoming attack's effectiveness and use the force of the attacker's movement against them.

What is aikido?

Aikido also emphasisis the application of the aiki principle. In Takedo’s words aiki means “….to overpower the opponent mentally at a glance and to win without fighting.” He expands on this to say “Aiki is to pull when you are pushed, and to push when you are pulled. It is the spirit of slowness and speed, of harmonizing your movement with your opponent's ki. Its opposite,kiai, is to push to the limit, while aiki never resists”

Uesheba developed aikido as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.

In aikido emphasis is upon joining with the rhythm and intent of the opponent in order to find the optimal position and timing with which to apply the technique. The techniques of aikido can, when applied judiciously, divert or immobilize rather than damage or kill. As a result, some consider aikido to be a practical symbol of meeting aggression (physical, verbal, etc.) with an effective but merciful response, and finding harmony in conflict.

The Arts founder Morehei Ueshiba declared,

"To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace."

Who is Geoff Aisbitt?

Geoff Aisbitt has been the head of the Kogusoku Aikido Association http://www.kogusoku.org.uk/ since April 2007. Sensei Aisbittt has been involved with Martial arts and Self Defence since the mid 1970's, teaching and training in various locations around the world.

Geoff holds a 4th Dan Aikido and 3rd Dan Aiki-Jitsu. He is also a Conflict Resolution Trainer and an Army Restraint & Arrest Instructor as well as a First Aid Trainer & Assessor and a registered Sports Coach with the British Aikido Board (Sports UK Recognised).

Geoff has taught Restraint and Arrest techniques since 1992, Aikido and Aiki-Jitsu Since 1994 and since 2001 he has taught conflict resolution training.

Who is Peter Seth?

Peter Seth is the founder and senior instructor of the Zanshin Aikido club http://www.zanshinaikido.co.uk/ at Sunderland University.  He hold the rank of 4th Dan in Aikido.

Peter has over 49 years martial arts experience (Over 30 Aikido).  He has experience in a variety of other martial arts, both mainstream and eclectic, including karate, judo, ninjutsu and ju-jitsu . Peter is an Accredited Senior Coach and Examiner - (British Aikido Board — Sports Council Affiliated) and a Conflict management/resolution trainer as well as a Student ‘Streetsafe’ trainer.

Of course Peter is also the founder/organiser of ‘The Great Northern International Festival of Martial Arts’ – Marfest.

At the Marfest….

Geoff Aisbitt will be demonstrating the art of aiki-jutsu whilst Peter Seth will be leading an aikido demonstration. Both will also be on the come and try it mats for you to have a go… 

Moi Fa Wing Chun with Sifu Paul Tennet...

What is Wing chun kung fu?

Most, if not all, Chinese fighting styles are collectively known as kung fu. The words kung fu basically translates to “skill achieved through effort” or “hard work”. There are hundreds of styles of kung fu, Wing Chun simply being one of them.

Wing Chun is named after the woman for whom the style is named in her honour. It is a Southern Chinese style and is known as a ‘soft’ style, but it is in fact a blend of both hard and soft techniques.

Wing Chun is based on three principles:

1.    Simultaneous defence and counter attack by interception

2.    Economy of motion in every technique

3.    Protect the centre line.

Some of the main elements taught are:

Bong sau – “Wing arm”.  This refers to the Crane bird using its wing to protect its breast and teaches some of the underlying principles of Wing Chun and teaches students how to cover against an attack.

Chi sau - "sticking hands". This is a term for the principle, and drills used for the development of automatic reflexes upon contact and the idea of "sticking" to the opponent.

Wooden Dummy - The dummy, as used in Wing Chun Kung Fu, is approached with the intention of developing particular skills for the acquisition of further skill in sticky hands and ultimately self -defence. It is designed to aid in teaching a practitioner the importance of achieving the strongest angle of approach to apply pressure and, because the dummy is generally made of hardwood to add weight, it is used to develop the correct use of strength and power when up close.

Wing Chun contains many types of strikes, kicks and trapping techniques and is practised through a variety of drills, forms and weapons including butterfly knives and the long pole.

What is Moi Fa Wing Chun?

Moi Fa Wing Chun is based on Sifu Tennet's experiences and training predominantly in TJ Wing Chun, WSL Wing Chun and Lun Gai's Foshan Wing Chun. With the Academy's Wing Chun you have a unique and comprehensive blend of authentic and practical wing chun as descended from Ip Man. Sifu Tennet has also devised modern training methods to enhance the skills and enable safe but functional training drills.

Who is Sifu Paul Tennet?

Chief Instructor and founder of the Academy is Paul Tennet. Over the last two decades he has searched for, and studied various styles with some of the best instructors from across the world including; in China, Hong Kong, Europe and North America. Since starting to teach he has taught workshops to students in Canada, Ireland and the UK. Paul has also competed in the UK and Europe, and some of the students have competed in UK tournaments. Along with these activities, academy instructors are also involved in teaching workshops to various community groups and schools. Workshops cover self defence, lion dancing and tai chi, and are very popular with children and adults alike. See Paul's website

At Marfest….

Sifu Tennet and his students always start off proceedings at the festival with the Lion Dance (see separate blog post). He will then be leading a demonstration of Wing Chun and will be providing taster sessions on our come and try it mats….

Taekwondo with Mike Campos...

What is taekwondo?

A WTF sparring match

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "path". Thus, taekwondo may be loosely translated as "the way of the hand and the foot." 

It combines combat techniques, self-defence, sport, exercise, and in some cases meditation and philosophy. In 1989, Taekwondo was the world's most popular martial art in terms of number of practitioners. Gyeorugi, a type of sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000.

Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, which distinguishes it from martial arts such as karate or southern styles of kung fu. The rationale is that the leg is the longest and strongest weapon a martial artist has, and kicks thus have the greatest potential to execute powerful strikes without successful retaliation.

Taekwondo as a martial art is popular with people of both genders and of many ages. Physically, taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. An example of the union of mental and physical discipline is the breaking of wooden boards, bricks or tiles, which requires both physical mastery of the technique and the concentration to focus one's power.

What is Chung Do Kwan? Created by Won Kuk Lee in 1944, it is the first of nine schools or Kwan teaching what came to be known as taekwondo. This style of Tae Kwon Do is known for its overall power and emphasis on kicks to the head.

Who is  Mike Campos?

Mike has been training with Chungdokwan for 12 years under Master David Oliver, 6th Dan. His son Master Matthew Oliver has been trained one to one by Master David Jordinson over the past few years, and is starting to lead the training of higher grade students, as well as developing a continuous training syllabus, and training structure for all grades.     

Chundgokwan Taekwondo is about participation - everyone is encouraged to train to whatever level they can achieve. This does not mean they are not pushed and challenged - they are, but in a careful and considerate manner catering for individual circumstances while maintaining the tradition and general improvement of the group. Mikes father is still training at the age of 91 years, and they have some excellent youngsters from the age of 5 upwards.

Mike teaches at the Chungdokwan club based at Washington leisure centre. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Durham has sessions at the Leisure centre near the Arnison Shopping Centre on Monday, and Thursday evenings. Sessions are also available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, and Sunday mornings – see the website for more details 

Links to Korea….

The organisation has good links to and is recognised by Kukkiwon in Korea. The Kukkiwon in Korea is the global headquarters of Taekwondo.

Chungdokwan has clubs throughout the North East of England, Ireland, India, Australia and Dubai. Our local clubs are Washington Leisure Centre, Durham Arnison Leisure Centre, Ferryhill, Wallsend, Aycliffe, Darlington and Shildon.

Our President is Grand Master David Jordinson 8th Dan, who in his lifetime has done more than any other individual in the UK to promote and extend the reaches of Taekwondo.

His instuctor for many years was Grand Master Kim Yong Ho, who has now domiciled in Korea, and travel the world promoting long term traditional Taekwonmudo - Mudo being the 'way' that allows people of all ages to realise their potential. This is why we teach all ages and abilities. The more athletic and physically capable students remain grounded and humble. They appreciate everyone has different strengths. We have no room for prima donnas who think they are better than anyone else. We teach everyone to be as good as they can be as individuals, while appreciating the input of others. Master David has been ably assisted by many high grade instructors.

The younger instructors are now achieving their higher grade promotions and are Master David's legacy to the world of Taekwondo. They will carry on the teaching of traditional martial arts while still catering for students who want to take part in sport Taekwondo.

At Marfest….

Mike will leading a taekwondo demonstration at the festival and will be available to guide you on the taster mats as well, so start limbering up those legs….