Movember 2024, also known as Men’s Health Awareness Month, is an annual global campaign that encourages men to grow moustaches and participate in various activities to raise awareness about men’s health issues.
This month-long event focuses on promoting physical and mental well-being among men, addressing issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, and suicide prevention.
Movember provides a platform for men to discuss their health openly, seek support, and take proactive steps towards a healthier and happier life.
To find out more visit: Movember - Changing the face of men's health - Movember
The uk martial arts show
This show will be held from 3 - 4 May 2025. More details will be available as the web site is updated .
In the meantime you can purchase tickets from UK Martial Arts Show | Martial Arts Demonstrations
Tel: 07940 565046
jimreece@kaizenmartialarts.co.uk
www.kaizenmartialarts.co.uk
2 November 2024
A huge thank you to those who supported our Halloween training. You looked awesome. I was hoping to have a serious night’s training but circumstances meant that would not be the case!
There were actors from ’Hamilton’, antics from a diplodocus whose every turn meant anyone with striking distance would be swept to the ground, a frog, jedi, joker, disfigured monk, ghost, a headless man, a cat, ‘Tom Cruise’ and a load of others too numerous to mention but looking superb.
We had great fun on the night. On top of that Crowther Sensei had baked several Halloween themed cakes which were quickly devoured!
The outright winner of best costume was Rebecca Phoenix.
Sparring equipment
Onto a more serious note now.
As students progress through the grades, they will reach a stage at which jyu kumite (free sparring) will be introduced as part of the syllabus and assessed accordingly. This is usually when attempting brown belt and above although jyu kumite may be practiced earlier. In fact, this is being introduced gradually so it does not come as a shock when the time comes to be assessed.
For competitions, the world body requires certain compulsory items to be worn. Although Kaizen students may not wish to enter competitions, it is important that safety equipment is worn for anybody where jyu kumite is compulsory. I am seeing too many students without these items of protection.
These items are: karate mitts, gum shields, chest guards for females and groin guards for males.
I am therefore insisting for safety’s sake that anybody wishing to attempt brown belt and above will not be permitted to do so without these items. I will need to be made aware if there are dental and medical exceptions.
I can loan karate mitts if necessary but not the other items.
For those for whom it is not compulsory, may I suggest gradually buying these for when it is?
Please do not forget that this coming Thursday 7 November 2024, Paul Bell, the Director of Training at Instincts Training Limited, has agreed to deliver a
seminar that evening.
If you have not considered this before and are over sixteen, why not attend this seminar to get a feel for self-defence?
The cost is £5 if you are not already a self defence student
1. Build a fire and every day you train add more fuel!
2. Loyalty is everything, but everything isn’t loyal.
3. Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”
4. A problem is a chance for you to do your best.
30 November 1 December 2024
Transylvania World Cup, Cluj Napoca, Romania
15 December 2024 Karate kyu grading
3 January 2025 Annual awards event
26 January 2025
Liverpool Open Karate Championships
March 2025 (date tbc) Karate dan grading
Yours in martial
arts
A J Reece Principal Instructor and Owner
Birthdays
Many happy returns to the following this coming week:
Sunday 10 November - Iana Sabatovych
Wednesday 13 November - Crossley Sensei
Saturday 16 November - Warburton Sensei
Anti bullying week
Anti-Bullying Week is an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness about bullying, its impact on individuals, and the importance of preventing bullying in schools, communities, and online spaces.
Tel: 07940 565046
jimreece@kaizenmartialarts.co.uk
www.kaizenmartialarts.co.uk
9 November 2024
This week-long initiative from 11 to 17 November 2024 brings together schools, organisations, parents, and individuals to promote kindness, empathy, and respect, and to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
To find out more please visit:
-Bullying Week 2024: Choose Respect
National governing body
Since Karate England (2005) Ltd was dissolved, there have been several attempts to put together a Sport England recognised governing body.
Although the governing body was incorporated on 16 November 2023 it has still to be recognised by Sport England. Such recognition will help grass roots karate with funding and go some way to agreeing a standard for karate in England.
Currently, FEKO, AMA. KSE and the KUGB are meeting regularly to agree all the quality standards for such a body.
It is a long process because of the need to agree standardisation which has not always been the hallmark of karate.
As soon as I have any further information , I will let you know.
Grading
As you know, grading is scheduled for Sunday 15 December 2024. You should all have a copy of the assessment syllabus which sets out the framework for the assessment. If you do not have a copy,
please let me know and I will email you one.
I must stress that if there is anything in the syllabus that you feel has not been covered in the training, please let me or one of the dan grades know.
Likewise I must stress that your training may cover other techniques/knowledge that are not in the assessment syllabus. I know that you recognise that you are learning karate - not how to grade.
I always like to brief you on the number of lessons available until the next grading. If you attend three times a week there are fifteen lessons, twice a week there are ten lessons and once a week there are five lessons.
Grading
The next grading is scheduled fro Wednesday 4 December 2024.
for Chris to help him through his SDF grades, secondly to be able to take Chris’s self-defence class which he holds every Thursday night at Kaizen Martial Arts Academy.
Chris is like a sponge; he has a wonderful depth of knowledge and has an open book mentality to lead his sessions on practical self-defence. It is a pleasure to be able to pass on SDF/Goshinkwai principles and techniques for a future leader.
As for Chris’s students in his Thursday night class, they are much of a reflection of himself. Very keen and eager to learn. They also have a great sense of humour, especially when Chris was doubled over by a certain self-defence technique while I was demonstrating on him. Exactly how learning selfdefence should be.
It was an absolute pleasure for me to know that the SDF will be in safe hands while Chris is learning and passing on the knowledge, I look forward to my next visit to a wonderful club”.
Paul Bell
On Thursday 7 November 2024, Paul Bell, the Director of Training at Instincts Training Limited delivered a special seminar.
His ‘uke’ during the session was of course our selfdefence instructor Chris Glanville and the pictures show one or two techniques that were applied.
3rd Dan SDF/Goshinkwai and Technical Instructor for the SDF
1. Success will never lower its standard to accommodate us; we have to raise our standard to achieve it.
2. In training, dedication turns ordinary people into extraordinary achievers
3. Remember that to ease someone else's heartache is to forget your own.
4. It is only over when you quit!
As always Kaizen members at this and any event always receive praise and this was no exception.
Here is the message from Paul Bell.
“Yesterday afternoon and yesterday evening I had the pleasure of spending time with Chris Glanville and his students. Firstly as a private tuition session
Yours in martial arts
A J Reece Principal Instructor and Owner
Tel: 07940 565046
jimreece@kaizenmartialarts.co.uk
www.kaizenmartialarts.co.uk
16 November 2024
Birthdays
Many happy returns to the following this coming week:
Wednesday 20 November - Freddie Briggs
Saturday 23 November - Yang Lin
Road Safety Week is a nationwide campaign that focuses on raising awareness about road safety issues, including the prevention of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the road. It emphasises the importance of responsible driving, pedestrian safety, and the need for improved road infrastructure.
A little bit of trivia for you. It is Mickey Mouse’s birthday on 18 November. He made his debut on 18 November 1928
Road Safety Week 2024 is an annual event dedicated to promoting road safety awareness and advocating for safer roads and responsible driving behaviour.
This week-long observance aims to reduce road accidents and save lives by encouraging individuals, communities, and organisations to prioritise road safety measures.
Road Safety Week is celebrated during the third week of November each year. It is taking place between 17 and 23 November 2024 providing an opportunity for communities and organisations to engage in road safety initiatives.
To find out more please visit:
Road Safety Week | Brake
Francesco does it again
I have already reported on Francesco's achievements on the Go Karting tracks. He fought
his way through the qualifying, local and regional championships to secure a place in the National Championships held at Warrington 9 - 10 November 2024.
I looked forward to the Nationals and I was not disappointed. In one of the heats I watched, Francesco was that far ahead I thought that he was the only person on the track!
It was an exciting event and Francesco secured third place. Watching the event even I was stood up and shouting as the race unfolded.
Annual Awards
To receive his trophy he was invited to Silverstone. He is pictured here with his father.
If you want to watch the race the YouTube link is
BIKC 2024 National Finals LiveCadets and Juniors
recent surgery. We look forward to seeing her back in the dojo on a regular basis.
Training Schedule
The introduction of the training schedule appears to be having a positive effect with improvement being shown all the time.
Please remember to compliment your training by looking at the various Kaizen resources available such as YouTube, the Quizlets and the learning aids available on the dojo reception desk.
The training schedule is posted on the notice board in reception.
Grading
As you know, grading is scheduled for Sunday 15 December 2024. Invitations will be sent out a week or so before the grading.
Tickets for the annual awards will be on sale shortly. Prices will be unchanged as they have been for many years.
I know many of you bring a variety of foodstuffs to the event and I will be placing a form at the dojo for to write down what you will be bringing.
Coco
I know many of you are aware that every year Kaizen adopts one of the animals at Hope Pastures. This year we sadly lost our adopted donkey Banjo but have now adopted his best friend Coco.
If you get chance please visit Hope Pastures just to say hello.
Emma ’s recovery
I am delighted to report that Emma Leech has been given the all clear from her Doctors following her
Please remember that you must have the appropriate protective gear if attempting 3rd kyu and above. Without it, you will not be considered.
A NIGHT OUT
It is always a pleasure to witness the friendship shown by Kaizen members. On Saturday 16 November 2024 the self-defence group enjoyed a celebratory night out at the Brownlee Arms, Horsforth.
No doubt they enjoyed themselves immensely
1. Be stronger than your excuses.
2. Why start if you are going to give up when the going gets tough?
3. A day spent with friends is a day well spent.
4. Overthinking is sometimes the biggest cause of unhappiness.
27 November 2024 Kobudo cancelled
30 November 1 December 2024 Transylvania World Cup, Cluj Napoca, Romania
December
3
Yours in martial arts
A J Reece Principal Instructor and Owner
Tel: 07940 565046
jimreece@kaizenmartialarts.co.uk
www.kaizenmartialarts.co.uk
23 November 2024
Annual Awards
Tickets for our annual awards and party are now on sale at the dojo.
I do hope that you are able to support this event at which recognition is given to those students who, in the opinion of others, are deserving of an award.
As usual, I ask that you bring food to the event, and a form is at the dojo for you to record what you intend to bring.
The event is always very enjoyable and shows just
There are no birthdays to celebrate this coming week.
White Ribbon Day
White Ribbon Day is observed on 25 November each year. It marks the beginning of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” a global campaign that runs until 10 December 10, International Human Rights Day.
White Ribbon Day, also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about and taking action to prevent violence against women and girls. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.
White Ribbon Day is an international campaign that calls on individuals, communities, and organisations to take a stand against violence targeting women and girls. The white ribbon itself is a symbol of men’s commitment to ending violence against women, with men pledging to be part of the solution to this pervasive problem.
To find out more, please visit: White Ribbon UK Departure from Kaizen
Many of you will now be aware that I am leaving Kaizen and will be handing over the reins to my colleague Glanville Sensei and his wife on 1 February 2025.
I will still be involved in martial arts in that I will continue to run the association TradKA UK, of which Kaizen is a member, and I will remain on the Executive Committee of the Federation of English Karate Organisations International.
This effectively means that I will still be on dan grading panels for the immediate future. Hopefully this means I will still see many of you as you progress.
A few words from Glanville Sensei:
“Now that Sensei has announced his imminent retirement, myself and my wife Clare just wanted to say a few words to everyone associated with Kaizen MAA.
Firstly, we’d like to acknowledge that It is an emotional time for everyone. Sensei has been an important part of many of our lives, in and outside of the dojo. He has helped, guided and supported all of us.
Clare and I promise that as of the 1st February 2025 we will be 100% focussed on supporting all of you as you continue your training, whether that be in Karate, Kung Fu or Self Defence. We will endeavour to pass on the knowledge and wisdom that Sensei has imparted on us over the years with the support of the current instructors.
Thank you to Sensei for putting your trust in us as you bid farewell. Kaizen is and has always been a special place to us. We look forward to the future.”
For over sixteens, you make your own decisions about whether you intend to attempt grading but please take advice from the dan grades as to your readiness.
Obviously the rules surrounding attendance remain.
1. At some point you should let go of what you thought should happen and live in what is happening.
2. Keep smiling and one day life will get fed up of upsetting you.
3. Hard work and training - there is no secret formula.
4. If you quit once it becomes a habit! 27 November 2024 Kobudo cancelled
Yours in martial arts
A J Reece Principal Instructor and Owner
Tel: 07940 565046
jimreece@kaizenmartialarts.co.uk
www.kaizenmartialarts.co.uk
30 November 2024
Annual Awards
Tickets for our annual awards and party are now on sale at the dojo.
For those who have agreed to do demonstrations, I hope that you can get together on the appropriate nights to practice.
Over the next few weeks I will be collecting votes for the recipients of the Iain Carter Sensei Award, Best Student 2024 etc.
Birthdays
This coming week we will celebrate the following birthdays:
Wednesday 4 December: Mary Hirst and Johnnie Norwell
Saturday 7 December: Amelia Varley
International day of persons with disabilities
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a globally recognised observance dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. This day highlights the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities
for individuals with disabilities, while also celebrating their achievements and contributions to society.
IDPD is an annual event established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and to promote their full and equal participation in all aspects of society. It serves as a platform to advocate for the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.
IDPD is observed globally on December 3rd each year. This date provides an opportunity for governments, organisations, and communities to come together to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and take action to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
To find out more please visit:
International Day of Persons with Disabilities | United Nations
Grading
As you know, grading is scheduled for Sunday 15 December 2024. Invitations to under sixteens will be sent out a week or so before the grading.
Please remember that invitations to grade are not just about whether you have met the attendance requirements. You must have trained consistently since your last grading and shown commitment in every lesson, not just the couple of weeks leading up to grading.
Sadly, this will be my last opportunity to witness rank progression for kyu grades.
30 November 1 December 2024
Grading
I have changed the date of the grading to Wednesday 18 December 2024 to give those eligible a little more time.
1. Loyalty is not grey. It is black and white. You are either loyal completely or not at all.
2. No matter how you feel, get up, show up and never give up.
3. You do not need a reason to help someone.
4. Some people leave when the going gets tough. Those that remain are the real keepers.
I was sent this the other day. Some of you may have seen it, if not - enjoy.
Transylvania World Cup, Cluj Napoca, Romania
15 December 2024 Karate kyu grading
18 December 2024 Kobudo kyu grading
22 December 2024 - Dojo closed
3 January 2025 Annual awards event
26 January 2025 Liverpool Open Karate Championships
22 March 2025 Karate dan grading
3 - 4 May 2025 UK Martial Arts Show
Yours in martial arts
A J Reece Principal Instructor and Owner