Ishin Ryu Ju-Jitsu members from Borehamwood travelled to Norfolk recently for a national grading, joining 110 adult members of the martial arts movement.

The students, including 48 from Borehamwood, were hoping to attain new belts ranging from white belt (beginner) up to Shodan-Ho (probationary black belt).

Day one started at 8am with a two-mile Ishin Ryu run, which the Samurai warriors of ancient Japan once used in order to arrive at a battlefield together.

Following this the students began going through their various techniques. The gradings concluded at 7pm, and a party was held to celebrate students passing their white to blue belts.

On day two, students attempted brown belt and Shodan-Ho gradings, and started at 7am with a six mile run and a lake crossing, followed by push ups, sit ups, leg raises and burpees.

It was then straight onto the mat for a seven-hour grading, which ended with 18 ground grappling contests, each of one minute duration.

All the students were successful, especially the Shodan-Ho students from Borehamwood, Andy Tierney, Carl Crampton and Mark Thomas, who all now hold the title of Sempai.

Adult beginners are always welcome, for more information call Kevin Pell on 01953 483795 or visit www.ishinryu.com

Soke Kevin Pell Kyoshi MGRY

Founder & Chief Instructor

Sekai Ishin Ryu Ju-Jitsu Renmei

Email: soke@ishinryu.com

HQ Tel: +44 (0) 1953 483795

Fax: +44 (0) 1953 488300

GSM: +44 (0) 7836 589038

October 1, 2002 17:00