Thanks to everybody who came along and supported the open day on Saturday. Sensei Jono and myself are very happy with how the day went. The club managed to gain some good exposure, not only on the day, but leading up to it as well. We had a number of enquiries from people who are already intending on joining, so the hard work has paid off. We also recorded some videos on the day, which will hopefully go up on YouTube this week.

A special thanks to Chris Murray, Greg Tuck, Pete Wallace, Steve Lyons and Kylie Newman for their involvement in the demonstrations. They all looked very impressive. I’m sure YouTube will love you.

Thanks again,
Sensei Christopher

After the knife defence we practiced some distancing and reading/reaction drills which were used then in our points tournament.  Congratulations to first place Greg Tuck.  Runners up were Sensei Jono Byrne and Lance Ross.

Cheers,
Sensei Christopher

A number of you have asked about BJJ comps and dates.  Here we have some coming up.  I strongly recommend competing.  I have always competed whenever possible, it will help boost your game considerably.  Even if you don’t feel you’re up to competition standard, still jump in.  My first comp was after, I believe, about 3 lessons.  It’s always great experience.

Gold Coast – 31st May
Qld’s – 20th June
Pan Pac’s – 16th / 17th August, Melbourne
Aus Cup – 23rd August, location TBC

Now is a great time to get in there and start rolling more in preparation for these comps.  And best of luck to everybody entering.

Cheers,
Christopher

Just a quick note to inform you all of our grading dates for the remainder of the year.  Get these dates in your calendar:

13th June
22nd August
14th November – Senjo – 1st degrees and above

This is a great time to keep the focus up as everybody will have the chance to grade. For the higher ranks, don’t forget tag gradings, and for everybody, there’s always Zen Do Kai / Muay Thai to grade in. This should keep everybody busy, and it will be great to see more / darker colour on the mat.

See you on the mat.

Cheers,
Sensei Christopher

A KNIFE-wielding mugger has come off second best after trying to attack a 29-year-old Gold Coast mum with a black belt in martial arts.

Not only did the man fail to steal Beth Gascoine’s car keys – he also may be sporting a broken wrist after the mother-of-two bravely fought back.

Ms Gascoine, a 29-year-old nurse, was attacked about 10am today when she went to her car parked beneath a Sizzler restaurant at Mermaid Beach.

The man demanded her car keys but when she refused, he pulled a knife.

That was when Ms Gascoine called on the skills she learned 10 years ago as a black-belt exponent of Zen Do Kai, a form of karate.

“I was scared but instinct kicked in,” she said.

“He drew the knife on me and tried to attack me but I blocked it and managed to get away.”

The man was knocked to the ground and ran off empty-handed.

Ms Gascoine needed six stitches in an arm wound but police said the mugger was also injured and may need medical treatment.

“I don’t know if I broke anything but I’m pretty sure I hurt him,” she said.

Police were hunting a man aged in his early 20s, about 175cm tall, with brown hair. He was wearing a green T-shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Go to article: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,27574,25370312-3102,00.html