Just wanted to share some good news, received my 3rd Kyu (Brown belt) in Shorin-Ryu karate. I do have to say it's interesting, I see the similarities and differences, the hardest thing about cross-training are the forms. While some of the differences are very slight, others are very different.

But irrespective, I am enjoying learning - the becoming a beginner and working my way up. It re-opens my eyes about being an instructor in Tang Soo Do, especially with new students - which I have just gained 4 new students - another bit of good news!

I am pleased that someone nominated our club for the East Midlands Martial Arts Club of the Year (https://mylocalawards.co.uk/business/kettering-tang-soo-do-association/).

I know that we won't win, as it's done by votes and we're small compared to other martial art clubs in the area, but it's nice to have been nominated in the first place.

Hi All, just wanted to share a bit of good news from me... I've passed the assessment for my 4th Dan in Shotokan karate last week - I had to wait until this week for the results. But yes, very pleased.

Tang Soo Do/Dang Soo Do will always be my main art, however I do train and learn about other arts as well. I'm currently training in Shorin-Ryu karate (I've got my grading for 3rd Kyu - Brown belt in about 7 weeks time), and currently also studying Iaido (which I'm a 5th Kyu).

Just wanted to share that we recently had a grading, 7 of our students passed. And we're in the local newspaper :)

https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/your-world/kettering-tang-soo-do-association-celebrates-success-as-seven-students-pass-their-latest-grading-8810781

Not Tang Soo Do specific, but it is martial art related...

While Tang Soo Do is my main art, I do train in other arts to expand both my knowledge and my skill sets. With this in mind, I am please to say that over the weekend I passed my 4th Kyu in Shorin-Ryu karate, and this evening I passed my 5th Kyu in Iaido.

Having not trained in Shotokan karate in ~22 years, I decided to train with at one of my mate's dojos (he's a Shotokan instructor/sensei). At the end of the lesson, he asked if I would be willing to do a cross training session at his club. So at some point over summer, I'll be delivering a typical lesson that I would normally do at my own club at his. Wish me luck with this :)

Hope that you all have a great start to the week :)

Amazing to think it’s been seven years since Master Chester Magruder came over from the US to spend time and network with us in the UK, back when both of us were still 3rd Dan.

Got to meet up and train with Master Andrew Butler this morning. It was great to expand my local Tang Soo Do network. Picture taken after class.

It's sad, just heard of the passing of one of my childhood heroes; Chuck Norris. Not only was he a childhood hero, but he was a great exponent of Tang Soo Do in the west. He will be missed...