There I was, in my first lesson of Tang Sou Dao. It was 2003 and a small dose of premature mid-life crisis had brought me to the Hornchurch class for a "bit of exercise". The plan was to attend maybe once, twice every week or so, and just get healthy.

I graded to 8th Ji then unfortunately personal circumstances meant I missed a year's training. When I returned it was with renewed vigour to adopt a healthier lifestyle. I had also relocated further into Essex, so my main classes were now Grays and Rochford.

Alaln Kyte (1st Ji) from Grays seated second to right.
Waiting to be called.

Now a year later I have to confess that I am a little bit of a training addict. Sometimes the lessons are hard going and as part of the learning curve I've picked up a few bumps and bruises along the way, but thoroughly enjoyed the steady progress I feel I've been making.

It was April 2005 when I was informed I would be grading in the middle of May. I don't mind admitting now that this caused a certain blind panic in me, realising that I would be competing in the Championships at my new 1st ji grade. Along with some new responsibility of some additional duties collating the scores for one of the forms group, I was also asked if I could look after an 8th ji student, Mark Humphreys, who was travelling all the way from Liverpool to attend his first championships.

As per each year I formulated my "get healthy" plan - better diet, less beer, more exercise, more training in the vague hope that I might suddenly turn into a latter day version of Bruce Lee overnight. As per usual my healthy lifestyle lasted two days. Ah so many diversions!

Attempting to embrace the family spirit I put Mark up at my home for a couple of nights, although I had to persuade my self entitled "Tang Widow" partner Bethan that of course inviting a total stranger into our home was the right thing to do.

Mark proved to represent the perfect embodiment of the Tang Sou Dao spirit, he was a great guest, and by us talking till 2.30am about the day ahead he managed to firmly distract me from my own nerves, which I should say by now would normally have reached fever pitch! Bethan and I have made a good friend and he has an open invite for any time he's back in Essex.

Four sleepless hours later, and a last minute 7.30am run-through of the forms with Mark in my garden (my neighbours don't understand me), we made our way to Clements Hall.

Arriving at 8.15am we thought we would be amongst the first there, how wrong we were, the hall was already brimming with competitors and organisers. Many had travelled far to attend, including Kevin Austin and six members of his Northern Ireland class. Kevin was Mark's instructor, and having relocated back to his native Ireland Mark was now instructorless, which made his attendance all the more impressive.

As per usual with the forms, fear grabbed my legs firmly by the ankles and gave them a good shaking. I've made a firm resolution that before next year's competition I will deal with my public appearance issues. Quite how I'll deal with that I don't yet know, but if any one has any suggestions…

The Tooi Ta event was excellent, both as a spectator and participator. Mark took 1st in his sparring event with the aid of a particularly impressive set of jump front kicks scoring on one occasion two points three times in a row. With that in mind I was even more determined to do well in my group. I managed by the skin of my teeth against a much focussed Andrew Manigon from Hornchurch to just take 1st place.

Side thrust kick (cher chuai ti) from Alan (to the left of the picture)
winner of the men's 3-1 Ji Lightweight competition.

Being quite new to south Essex, and being of the shy type in large groups, I was just amazed at how many people stopped for a chat as I was meandering around the hall. The general buzz in the hall was particularly vibrant during the cacophony of whistles to be heard throughout the afternoon amidst the Tooi Ta events.

A week later I'm still buzzing, and not sure which is the most impressive, the trophy, the bruises or the memories, either way I'm counting down the days until the next championships.

Thanks to Grandmaster Loke, Mrs Loke and everyone behind the scenes involved - it was an excellent day.

Back to Index

© Ren Yi Wu Kwan Tang Sou Dao, All Rights Reserved