All in all it was a great day. Every year I'm amazed to see how everyone manages to position themselves on the spectator stand for the group photo. I think the majority of people had no idea as to what was involved in hosting such an event. It was great to see so many old friends and to make some new ones.

Centre of Picture: William Parsons, 1st place winner of the
mens Duan Tooi-Ta (Medium-Heavyweight) competition -
being congratulated by Grandmaster Loke.

I was very proud of the students that attended and took part, especially the young children. The techniques used seem to be of a higher grade than their belt showed. I wonder what the motivation was on the day. No prizes for the correct answer but imagine if a student could use that motivation every day, every lesson, I think the long-term results would be astounding. Whether a student wins or loses we all have to train harder for next year and it is the participation and effort that counts. I hope more students pluck up the courage to participate next year. It's a great confidence booster and possibly the nearest most students will ever get to a real confrontation situation.

Watching my two boys, Harry and Daniel competing in the free-sparring was torturous, exhilarating, and nerve-racking. I could feel my heart pounding within. I was on duty to judge their fights. I'm glad I didn't. I was asked at one point whether I thought they would win. That question I could not answer. I'm glad they took part. It's a great memory that I hope will stay with them for a long time. I heard there was much confusion when they were paired together in the forms competition performing chee pen san and ser thau with equal results. Well, they are after all identical twins.

A big thanks to Grandmaster Loke and all the other Masters for hosting this great day. Not forgetting all the students and their families who have all worked together to create a truly fantastic and memorable day. Sometimes I wish we could have Championships more than once per year. It seems such a long way until June 2006.

'Til next year.

Tang Sou!

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