Grandmaster Loke's Masters' Workshop
27 November 2011

by Master Tina Matania (4th Duan)

Paul Coomber (Horsham), Master's Grading
breaking breeze block with palm heel strike

On a sunny but brisk November day, 3rd Duans and Masters met at National Headquarters, Grays, Essex to participate in Grandmaster Loke's Masters' workshop followed by a grading for 3rd Duans upwards.

The Masterclass lasted approximately two hours during which Grandmaster Loke went over the finer points of instructing lower grades and correct body positioning, also emphasising the 'pa shan' climbing mountain stance and its application. Two selected Pinan forms and Louhan forms 4 and 5 were also analysed in fine detail.

It was nice to see Masters and Instructors from various regions including Master John Brinda from Hertfordshire.

Congratulations to Instructor Panayiotis Evagorou (Croydon) on attaining his Master's (4th Duan) status. Panayiotis continues to develop and expand the Croydon and Mitcham Tang Sou Dao clubs and has also provided excellent service to the club through tirelessly filming our National Championships every year.

Well done to Paul Coomber (Horsham) who has been training since 1991 with Master Adam Goward (6th Duan) in Sussex and has supported the club for many years, having returned to training three years ago after a few years off. He was instructing when I first started training back in 1996 and it was a pleasure to see him attain his Master's grade.

Paul Coomber (Horsham), Master's Grading
Breaking breeze block with side thrust kick

Paul Coomber (Horsham), drop kick
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Also being assessed for their Master's grade was Instructor Denise Connollly (Grays) who teaches at HQ and is always a key supporter of all major Tang Sou Dao events including our most recent National Championships.

Denise Connolly (Chelmsford), jump front kick
(with reflection in the mirror!)
watched by Master Adam Goward

Denise Connolly (Chelmsford), roundhouse kick

A special mention for Master Nazim Gokcezade who runs Reading Wu Kwan who is promoted to 5th Duan. Master Gokcezade is a shining example of martial art spirit and we were delighted to welcome over 30 members from Reading at the National Championships this year who all displayed a high standard of ability. Two of his students also provided excellent breaking demonstrations this year.

TANG SOU!

Paul Coomber (Horsham), jump side kick
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