Sunday, 27 July 2014

Martial Arts Maestro: Interview with a 15 Dan Expert (Part 1)

We caught up with the World's only 15th Degree Martial Arts Expert, Dan Edgar, and asked him about his life in Martial Arts, and his journey to greatness, here is the first part of the interview:

TMAN: You really are a 15th Degree Black Belt?

DE: Yes, as you can see, it says so on this belt, here, look, 15 gold stripes.

TMAN: That is one big achievement, and probably the highest Black Belt grade ever, how many years has it taken to reach such a high grade?

DE: Oh, I have worked hard for this over the past 10 years, working my socks off at least twice a week, I have sweated blood to get this belt

TMAN: 10 years?

DE: Amazing eh? So many people give up after a couple of years, but you really have to stick at it if you want to get to the top

TMAN: So, what style do you practise?

DE: Style?

TMAN: Yes, is it Shotokan, or maybe Wado Ryu? Readers would love to know what it is you practise

DE: Oh, right, yeah, well, I practise with style twice a week, at least 2 weeks every month, unless I am a little under the weather, or it is a bit hot. I don't like it too cold either, you have to keep in shape, and too hot or cold is not good for you.

TMAN: Practise what style exactly?

DE: Oh, this and that. I do a lot of moves, a bit of up and down the hall, line work I think they call it. And I do some running as well. I hope to open my own clubs soon. But I do everything with style!

TMAN: Teaching what?

DE: My moves of course! People will be queueing up to train with the world's only 15th degree black belt. I'll make a load of dosh charging them to train with me, on a monthly direct debit, makes collecting the cash a lot easier.

TMAN: Yes, but you are not really explaining what the 'moves' are, or what martial art you are actually a 15th degree in!

DE: Oh, right, these are the moves (gets up and does some 'moves'), and this is the style I practise, (same moves demonstrated with some extra 'embellishments').

TMAN; Well, I am speechless

DE: Amazing eh?

TMAN: Truly amazing........So who actually awarded you the 15th degree belt?

DE: Awarded? I treated myself to it, bought it online and got it embroidered, great design isn't it? I love the 15 gold stripes, makes me look the part.

TMAN: You bought it? So, are you a 15th degree or not?

DE: Of course I am, look, it says so on this piece of paper, Dan Edgar, 15th Degree. It is amazing what you can do through vista print nowadays eh?

TMAN: You mean you bought the certificate yourself?

DE: Well, duh, yeah, what did you think? I stole it?

TMAN: Again, I am speechless

DE: Struck dumb by my awesomeness, it is understandable, so many are, and so many will be when I open my clubs and get them through the doors training my system and wearing my club gear...


Well, there you have it. Part 2 is equally awe inspiring, so book mark us for that!






Saturday, 26 July 2014

Kids' karate instructor faces jail over child abuse images

A kids' karate instructor is facing jail after being caught with nearly 3,000 images of child abuse.
David McAusland, 50, distributed the pictures to other paedophiles using special file-sharing software.
His files - one of which was disguised as a karate workout film - had been sent to other people over 100 times.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard 2,736 images and 39 videos were found on his tablet, computer and USB sticks. Sheriff Elizabeth Munro deferred sentence.
She said: "A custodial sentence is a distinct possibility."
The archives found at McAusland's home in South Road, Dundee, included images of children as young as six being abused.
McAusland, who taught martial arts to children aged five and up, pleaded guilty to downloading, possessing and distributing the images between May 2011 and September 2013.
Fiscal depute Douglas Wiseman told the court: "When he was interviewed by police, he initially admitted owning the computer equipment but denied accessing any pornographic sites.
"He later admitted downloading the images. He confirmed he was aware of the Copine scale used to measure the severity of images.
"He also confirmed that he had access to children at the karate and kickboxing clubs he was involved with."

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-28491406



Tuesday, 15 July 2014

WORLD TAEKWONDO GRAND PRIX

GB Taekwondo, in partnership with Manchester City Council and UK Sport’s Gold Event Series,have  announced that tickets for October’s WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix in Manchester are now on sale to the public.


Martial Arts: Stunt goes a little awry outside the toilet door!

Don't show off your 'skills' near a toilet door....







Monday, 7 July 2014

WTF Taekwondo: Poomsae Video Patterns 1 to 8

Very useful video of Patterns 1 to 8.


If you have a grading for Black belt any time soon, this video would be an ideal refresher for patterns 1 to 8!





Sunday, 6 July 2014

Martial arts helps give health problems the chop

A Driffield man has lost 15 stone in weight and dropped 10 jeans sizes - after taking up martial arts.