Index
>	Foreword from Grandmaster Loke
>	Championship Report
>	Results & Awards
	Articles:
>	Article by Alan Kyte (Grays)
>	Article by Finola Austin (Whitehead)
>	Article by William Parsons (Rainham)
	Photographs:
>	Ji Grade Thau / Form events
>	Duan Grade Thau / Form events
>	Ji Grade Tooi Ta / Free-Sparring events
>	Duan Grade Tooi Ta / Free-Sparring events
>	Other photographs taken during the day
>	Presentation of Awards
>	Demonstrations
>	Cartoons: click here
>	Video Clips: click here
>	Championship Circular (including map) (Microsoft Word )

 

Foreword from Grandmaster Loke

We are all very proud to hail our 13th National Championships as a brilliant success!

Our confidence and pride is boosted when we are able to get together to stage an enjoyable and successful Championships annually. This is only made possible because of our loyalty and unity as a martial art family.

A vote of thanks must go to the referees, judges and officials; they play the central role in the smooth running of the Championships and ensure safety throughout the day. With their experience and care, few injuries were recorded. As instructors and seniors, we are first in line to demonstrate Yi, our duty, to serve and progress our Wu Kwan, and I want to encourage more participation in our championship training workshops.

It is always very heartening to see instructors, old and new, bringing their students to championships and other Wu Kwan meetings and events. Running successful classes weekly shows their commitment. As Duan Holders, instructors have a great opportunity to progress their abilities as teachers and impart their knowledge and skill to the next generation. Their dedication is vital to the continuity and future of our Ren Yi Wu Kwan. But remember, a good instructor also has to observe and learn from their students. Learning the DAO Way is a process with no conclusion!

Scoring Points in championships is not at the heart of our style - as Ms Tina Matania (3rd Duan) accurately pointed out in our last issue. Our training is to better our inner self, to be a better person in health and spirit and to contribute positively to society as laid down in our Seven Principles. The increasing stress of our daily lives challenges us to uphold these vital principles of Loyalty, Respect, Responsibility, Humility and Self-Control.

I have mentioned many times that the winner in a contest bout may not necessarily be the more effective combatant. Tang Sou Dao techniques can be trained to maim or disable the opponent in self-defence and to protect. During championships, referees have the difficult task to ensure safety and the student's techniques are controlled to achieve this. A high level of technical achievement and individual progress can be seen when two contestants meet, especially from different clubs. Students should not feel over-confident or too disappointed on the day, EVERYONE has contributed to a great day by being part of our martial art family!

This year, I want to highlight the dedication shown by our veteran participants (aged 38 and over). Year after year we have a significant number contesting with great spirit, youthful vigour, tenacity and sportsmanship; some have been attending for 15 years or more. They show greater perseverance and effort, just by attending classes on a regular basis. In short, they are excellent role models and provide one of the central pillars of our Ren Yi Wu Kwan!

Mr Kevin Austin (3rd Duan), a veteran himself, receives our special commendation. He has kept our Whitehead Wu Kwan in Northern Ireland alive and well despite working away from home during the weekdays for the last two years. Congratulations to Mr Austin and his students for their attendance and martial art spirit shown during the championships, we look forward to welcoming you again in future years.

TANG SOU!

Grandmaster Loke
Founder

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