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I first started martial art training in the 1980's. I joined Moo Duk Kwan and learnt Tang Soo Do for about three years. During that time I reached green belt. I had to stop training for various reasons and never really got started again until I saw Tang Sou Dao advertised locally, so I was really pleased to be able to join Ren Yi Wu Kwan and resume training locally.

As I had just turned 50 years of age this second time around you can imagine with what trepidation I gingerly approached the first lesson. However, I was encouraged by the local instructor in those early days and I owe much of the progress I made in the first couple of years after I resumed training to him. I look back on those weekly classes with some affection because I could just about keep up then! That's one of the great things about martial art training - it's accessible to all ages provided you keep within your limits and your instructor's training recommendations. The friendliness of the club members and the balanced range of the membership further encouraged me. All ages, mixed ability and sexes makes a much more enjoyable training experience because it engenders a learning, yet competitive environment where everyone can make progress according to their ability. Everyone in this club is so willing to share knowledge and their experience.

Bruce Mitchell, 1st Ji

I am now coming to the end of my third year of training. I train twice a week, once on Saturday and once in the middle of the week which I find a good balance to keep up flexibility and strength and to make progress in practicing techniques, forms and sparring. Once a month I go to senior belt class where forms and techniques are practiced in more detail and depth. I particularly like Tang Sou Dao because of its practicality as a modern fighting style and system of self-defence which has retained its classical technical roots and training methods. The emphasis on short-range sparring and evasion capture both the essence of self-defence and the discipline of martial art training based on self-control.

I am particularly pleased with the progress I have made during the last three years of training and look forward to continued progress now that Tang Sou Dao is part of my regular life routine. For me the benefits are achieved by regular practice coupled by taking a long-term view. By trying not to do everything at once but build strength, flexibility and technique over a long period has certainly worked for me. I feel fitter, more confident and able than ever before.

As a member of Ren Yi Wu Kwan there are opportunities to take part in a range of activities associated with martial art training. Apart from weekly lessons, there are periodic gradings where qualified candidates can demonstrate the skills they have learned. This valuable experience tests candidates and gives them an opportunity to advance. It opens the door to more advanced teachings. Once a year there is also a National Championship where all members have the opportunity to compete in demonstrating forms and to take part in free-sparring competitions. Both these experiences offer candidates an opportunity to practice their art in new and exciting circumstances. I have been pleased to take part in these championships for the past two years (and that was something that I had never even thought of when I joined).

All training at Ren Yi Wu Kwan is given by qualified instructors according to the principles designed by the Grandmaster. Tang Sou Dao is a martial art and a value system for life and I look forward to enjoying the benefits for a long time to come.

Tang Sou! .

Article by Bruce Mitchell, 1st Ji