LATEST NEWS

Alain Pozo – SD School of Martial Arts BJJ/MMA Instructor

SD School of Martial Arts are pleased to announce that Alain Pozo is now teaching classes at their full time Martial Arts & Fitness Centre, in Eastgates, Colchester.

Alain started training BJJ in 1996 in Brazil, he competed BJJ in Brazil before moving to Europe in 1999. After some time travelling, he moved to London in 2003 and with some friends including Wilson Jr, Dennis Kelly, Austin Garnder, Romel Luistro, trained and fought for the Carlson Gracie academy competing in BJJ and Grappling.

Alain then moved to Florida, USA and trained at the MMA academy "f2 fight team" under Mike Lee, now head coach of Jungle MMA, along with UFC veterans Tom Lawler and Seth Petruzzelli. After competing and training No Gi and MMA in the US for 5 years he moved back to London. We are lucky to have Alain teach our students and represent SD School of Martial Arts, Colchester, and the Carlson Gracie Team whenever he steps on the mat.

Some of the international tournaments Alan has competed at:

Campeonato Norte Nordeste, Brazil

Campeonato Pernambucano, Brazil

European BJJ Championships, Europe (Portugal) NAGA, USA Atlantic Cup, USA Seni Gracie invitational 2003 and 2010, UK British Open, UK

Toyakwai Association Squad Training

.Toyakwai Karate Association Squad Training session was held at SD School of Martial Arts on 12th March. 50 students attended and were put through their paces, by Sensei Joe Anderson, 7th Dan, and Sensei Sean Doyland, 5th Dan.

The students, both children & adults, worked for over two hours on their Kumite and competition sparring techniques

Action Film Stunt Seminar

On Sunday 23rd January SD School of Martial Arts hosted an incredible Action Film Stunt Seminar at their full time Martial Arts and Fitness Centre, in Colchester.

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SDSMA invited Chris Jones, a 3rd Dan Black Belt, and Andy Taylor, 2nd Dan from ‘Action Film Seminars’, to present a 3 hour workshop for their students. Chris Jones and Andy Taylor, both have long and successful careers as screen fighters and stuntmen in TV and film; Chris recently appeared in the popular TV show, ‘Prank Patrol’ and the action movie production ‘Blood, the Last Vampire’, Andy is a highly skilled acrobat and performer, has recently secured several high profile jobs in action movies around the globe.

The 55 SD students who were lucky enough to secure a place on the course, both juniors and adult, had a fantastic, fun and energetic afternoon.

Chris and Andy took the students on a thrilling journey through the different aspects and techniques that you would expect to see in a modern day stunt movie. They practiced their acting skills, being shown how basic reactions in the action scenes make them much more realistic, they ‘had a go’ at some acrobatic moves, were encouraged to understand how to choreograph a fight scene, and finally expended huge amounts of energy doing rolls and flips off of trampets onto crash mats.!

The day was such a huge success that by popular demand, Chris and Andy are to return to Colchester for the weekend of 9th & 10th April, firstly, to progress the students who attended the seminar, to the next level of training, and also to present a second seminar, for the students that unfortunately didn’t get a place on this first course, and for anyone else that would like to get involved!

Sean Doyland, SDSMA Chief Instructor was incredibly impressed by the level of professionalism, quality of teaching and sheer skill, demonstrated by both Chris and Andy and is looking forward to their return.

Chris Jones said of SD School of Martial Arts ‘Both Andy and myself were massively impressed with not only the facilities at SD Martial Arts, but also the staff and of course the students. Everyone worked so hard the entire three hours and are a credit to the excellent instructor team at the school. We look forward to returning in the near future to host another event!" and Andy commented ‘Really enjoyed teaching, you've got some fantastic students, I couldn't’t believe how well they all took to it! I loved the gym and the fantastic facilities!! Look forward to seeing you again soon!’

For more information on SD School of Martial Arts and Fitness, or to book a place on the next stunt seminar in April please call 01206 860008, www.sdsma.co.uk or to contact Chris or Andy see www.actionfilmseminars.co.uk

The 2010 Summer Barbeque

This years BBQ was another great success, thanks to the incredibly hard work of the Parents Committee. Over 170 tickets were sold and despite the howling winds and threat of rain early on, everyone enjoyed the food, stalls and bouncy castles etc, and were rewarded by the sun coming out for the remainder of the afternoon.

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The face painting and tattoo stalls were very popular, but the main draw seemed to be the ‘Hong Kong Phooey stocks’ where wet sponges were thrown at friends, family and even our instructors (the longest queue forming to soak Sean Doyland, Chief Instructor! See photo)

The BBQ raised a fantastic £100 for the Little Havens’ Children Hospice and approximately £400 for the Parents Committee to add to their fund to purchase new equipment etc for the Centre, possibly training mirrors, an announcement will be made as soon as a decision has been reached.

Thank you for all of your donations of raffle/tombola prizes and for supporting your club by attending the event!

The Committee are always looking for new members/helpers so anyone interested please leave your name with reception or contact one of the Committee directly.

More photos of this event are on the Parents Committee board in the parents seating area.

Little Dragons Grading 11 July 2010

The Little Dragons gradings now take place every 6-7 weeks. It is where the students can demonstrate their improved skills and techniques to attain their next level belt.

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SD School of Martial Arts used to hold gradings every 12 weeks, however, with so many students it was decided to add in interim grading days; it also means that students who cannot make a certain day due to holiday or work commitments etc do not have to wait a full 3 months before attempting to get their next belt.

The Dojo was buzzing with the sound of nervous and excited students, covering all ages from 3 year olds to those over 40!

The nerves were, in part, due to the fact that all the students are very aware that they will have to demonstrate good technique and ‘Black Belt Attitude’ if they are to pass their next belt tests.

Sean Doyland, Chief Instructor, and two of his instructors, Mandy Hughes and Richard Hunter made up the team of examiners, who must have been impressed, passing 100% of the students!

Sean Doyland said ‘ Our standards at SDSMA are very high, if you are not up to that standard, you simply will not pass ... we only recommend that students grade if we believe that they have reached that level. I’m very proud of all of the students and instructors, and the pass marks today prove the level of ability and commitment shown by them all!’

The successful Dragons were:

Benjamin Keith, Matthew Gibney, Honey Doyland, James Walsh, Joshua Harper, James Read, Callum Abrahams, Jamie Ruthven, Jaden Raynes, Luca Anzalone, Aidan Stephens, Louis Coathup, Albert Havord

On 1st February Alain was hugely honoured by being awarded the prestigious Brown Belt by Wilson Jnr, Chief Instructor of Carlson Gracie Jiu Jutsu. In contrast to other martial arts, where the students grade for their belts, Alain received this in recognition of years of dedicated hard work and by demonstrating his expertise and commitment to both his own training but also the progression of his students.

Alain became English Champion 2010, Bronze European Medalist (IBJJF) 2010 & won Gold at the London Open Championships.

For a free session please call 01206 860008 – class times are :-

Mondays – BJJ/MMA - 15 yrs + @ 8-9pm

Tuesdays – BJJ – 15 yrs + @ 7.45-8.45pm

Thursdays – Junior Grappling – 7 yrs + @ 5.45-6.45pm

- BJJ – 15 yrs + @ 8.15-9.15pm

or call 01206 860 008 today!

SD MMA and Carlson Gracie Fighter Paul Harper wins at the UCF

Paul Harper began his martial arts career in Enfield, training in Karate, at the tender age of 5, and having moved to Clacton aged 10, continued by achieving his 1st Dan Black Sash in Kung Fu.

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Paul got the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) bug having watched a cage fight for the first time. Since, meeting Brazilian born MMA & BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jutsu) coach and fighter, Alain Pozo, he has not looked back.

He won his first fight with a knockout, and began travelling the country competing. Paul beat Chris Lamontage with a ’triangle’ technique in the first round, drawing his next fight against David Miklo.

After joining SD School of Martial Arts’ SD MMA team earlier this year, along with Alain Pozo, Paul competed against Jimmy Sutton at the UCF (Ultimate Cage Fighting) event, on 26th February 2011 held at Colchester Leisure World, representing SD MMA and Carlson Gracie Essex.

Entering the ring to rapturous applause and with ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ blaring, Paul was flanked by Coach Alain Pozo and SD Chief Instructor Sean Doyland.

Within 10 seconds Harper launched an uncompromising barrage of punches and took his opponent to the floor. Taking complete control, he almost ‘toyed’ with him, until he executed an impressively quick ‘arm bar’ technique to submit his opponent in an incredible 2 minutes 20 seconds.

Paul became the well-deserved UCF Champ, another title to add to the growing list!

Anyone interested in training with Paul Harper and Alain Pozo please contact SD School of Martial Arts on 01206 860008, or email mailto:info@sd-martialarts.co.uk and quote ‘gazette newspapers’ for a free trial class.

December Karate Black Belt Grading

On 22nd December, SD School of Martial Arts held a Black Belt Grading, where 7 of their students were examined by a panel of Instructors, headed by Sensei Joe Anderson, 7th Dan and Head of Toyakwai Karate Association, and Sean Doyland, 4th Dan, and Chief Instructor of SD School of Martial Arts in Colchester.

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Five of the students, who have spent the last 4-6 years perfecting their skills, spent 2 exhausting hours demonstrating their 1st Dan Black Belt techniques, including Punches, Kicks, Jump Kicks, Katas (forms), Fitness and Sparring under the critical eyes of the panel.

A further 2 students, had to step up a gear, to show off the more advanced techniques required to attain the 2nd Dan status.

The day ended with a fantastic 100% pass rate. The successes are made even more profound, as Sean Doyland, Chief Instructor, insists on maintaining incredibly high standards, and 2 of the students have had to battle with certain disabilities. Adam Murray, who achieved his 1st Dan is deaf, and Samantha Pharoah who has Dyspraxia, gained her 2nd Dan!

The students were presented with their Black Belt Certificates, by Joe Anderson, 7th Dan, in front of their parents and family members, to rapturous applause.

Joe Anderson said ‘The standard of student I see at SD School of Martial Arts is always very, very high, their squad has won the Toyakwai Club of the Year Trophy for the past 7 years now, having come out on top at all competitions that they have attended throughout those years.. amazing’

The successful students were : 1st Dan Black Belt – William Timmis, Kemal C Ahmet, Jamie Godson, Adam Murray and Daniel Miller.

2nd Dan Black Belt – Samantha Pharoah and Cavan Trenerry

Karate and Kid Kick Grading 11 July 2010

Grading Day was upon us again. These days take place every 6-7 weeks, and are where the students can demonstrate their improved skills and techniques to attain their next level belt.

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The Dojo was buzzing with the sound of nervous and excited students, covering all ages from 3 year olds to those over 40.

Sean Doyland, Chief Instructor, and two of his instructors, Mandy Hughes and Richard Hunter made up the team of examiners, who must have been impressed, passing 100% of the students!

The successful students were:

KID KICK

Kian Burns, Jude Ryder, Sophie Ruthven, Vito Anzalone, Brynn McKenna, William Cutler, Luke Gregory, Aalisha Aitchison, Hemanth Ramkumar, Henry Tootal, Harry Munson, Samuel Bentley, Jack Johnson, Max Worrow, Arnav Thayur

KARATE

12th Kyu Red Belt

Sharon Hales, Jackie Hales, Joshua Yardley, Max Vaughan, Samuel Ives, Joshua Linegar, Jaden Hambling, Archie Lloyd, Diana Cutler, Jake Bloomfield, Gina Hankins, Nathan Gardner, Archie Havord, Hannah Rodgers, Louise Dickens,

11th Kyu Yellow Belt

Lewis Doyland, Callum Randall, Grace Elliott, Aiden Campbell-Dunne, Kyle Tauchert, Ewan Baker, Yazmine King, Tashi Carter, Cory McKenna, Steven Pascoe

10th Kyu Yellow Belt/Orange Stripe

Joshua King, Johnny McKew, Kyle Kirkpatrick, Wendy McKenna, Mia Earl, Ella Earl

9th Kyu Orange Belt

Kenan C Ahmet, Jed Leeson, Thalia Mae Plowright, Kira Hamilton

8th Kyu Orange Belt/Green Stripe

Cian McGoldrick, David Billison

7th Kyu Green Belt

Johnathan Allen, Tristan Earl

6th Kyu Green Belt/Blue Stripe

Will Stone, Gil Beresford-Frost, Paul Frost, Ciaran Reilly

5th Kyu Blue Belt

Logan Shrimpton

4th Kyu Purple Belt

Benjamin Dixon, Harry Laughlin

1st Kyu Brown Belt/Black Stripe

Kemal C Ahmet, Adam Murray

Kick Boxing Grading 11 July 2010

Sunday morning saw some of SDSMAs’ kick boxers arrive at their Dojo on a blistering hot day for their quarterly grading (test). 16 students were available to attend the grading, where they would be put through their paces, demonstrating fitness, strength and martial arts techniques to the panel of examiners.

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The examiners were led by Sean Doyland, SDSMA Chief Instructor, Carl Barton, CABC Head Coach and Richard Hunter, SDSMA (Felixstowe) Kickboxing & Karate Instructor.

After the skipping, push ups, sit ups etc, the students had to prove themselves worthy of wearing their next belt, demonstrating hand and kicking techniques, combinations and were finally paired off to show their attacking skills and defensive blocks.

For the higher grades it did not stop there, as they battled to impress with 2x2 minute rounds of continuous sparring.

A 100% pass rate was the fantastic outcome of a tough grading, with all students being presented with their certificates and new belts by the examiners at the end of the session. Well done to all!

Successful Kick Boxers were:

Josh Bates, Lauren Dunt, Helen English, Carrie Steen, Taylor Pearman, Shelley Bye, Sam Sadler, Ruth Bowker, Tiffany Jo Golding, Peter Cannon, Kieran Moclair, Gerard Foreman, Simon Chivers, Ryan Smith, Dean Reid, Brendan McKenna.