The definition of a family can be made up of many different elements; a sense of belonging, safe environment, responsibilities and learning from the experience and skills of others. The family concept in a traditional martial art is of fundamental importance to promote, progress and unite students, instructors and masters in their chosen style.

To share one’s knowledge, to encourage, to support and guide are inherent within Tang Sou Dao, Ren Yi Wu Kwan philosophy. Grandmaster Loke, the founder of Tang Sou Dao embodies the family concept by wearing a black belt with a white stripe

signifying the familial connection between the head of the Tang Sou Dao family and the newest addition, the white belt.

The study and practice of martial arts is a continually developing process, which thrives on the dedication exhibited by the student's willingness to learn. As a family grows with new members, so does experience and knowledge. As students progress through the gradings, they not only learn the techniques but also confidence and self-control. The student also learns to be responsible, towards their fellow students, for the promotion of Tang Sou Dao and for their actions.

Many families train together in Tang Sou Dao, as it provides the development and enjoyment that all can experience.
A perfect example is the Peniston family. Paul, Sam, Harry and Ryan all regularly attend Tang Sou Dao training classes in the south east Essex area. Paul began in February 1997, aged 41 with his eldest son, Sam aged six.

Initially Sam was apprehensive about joining in the first training class.

As Paul explains, "Sam’s one condition for taking part was that I would have to train as well." Within four months on the1st June 1997, Paul and Sam had taken their first grading together. Two years and six gradings later they were both promoted to 3rd Ji (blue tag) on the 6th March 1999.

Meanwhile the second Peniston brother, Harry, began his training at the tender age of five.

On the 5th June 1999 Grandmaster Loke double graded Harry to 8th Ji (yellow belt). On the 9th September 2000, the day Harry graded for his 3rd Ji (blue tag), the third and youngest sibling, Ryan took his first grading. Ryan was four years old and has the distinction of being the youngest student Grandmaster Loke has ever graded. For Ryan this was a special achievement as at the age of a year and a half he was diagnosed with cancer. As Paul explains,

"I would like to thank all my fellow students and senior instructors for all their kind words and thoughts during a very traumatic time when my youngest son Ryan contracted cancer. He is now in remission and doing well. To some degree, training helped the other boys and myself to keep some kind of normality."

As this article is written, Sam has attained his 1st Duan black belt at the age of nine. Grandmaster Loke made an exception to award the Duan rank at such a tender age. This was due to Sam’s constant dedication, his tremendous effort and spirit during class practice and regular attendance (four lessons weekly!) under Grandmaster Loke and Ms Angie Thomas 3rd Duan.

His father Paul is now 1st Ji (red belt). "If Ryan had a younger brother, Grandmaster Loke would have to open a martial arts crèche! My wife Penny and I feel very proud indeed of all our sons and have noticed a very mature change in all of them" says Paul.

The whole family enjoys and supports the Annual Championships.

Sam was awarded the most distinguished under-16 award in June 2000, the Bill Edwards Award for the most outstanding U-16 student of the year. Tang Sou Dao provides a safe, friendly environment that all members of a family can enjoy.

The discipline promotes respect for other students and senior grades, but at the same time a sense of belonging, knowing you are part of a world-wide family.

Photographs Permission Mr P. Peniston

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