News
3rd December 2011: Gradings in Colchester.
"Cheif Instructor Dave Atkins Shihan visited Colchester Wado Ryu Club to present Darren Reynolds with his 6th Dan Karate. Also, visiting from Colchester Shotokan was Hazel Maxwell who received her 5th Dan Karate. Many congratulations to both clubs and to the numerous other students who received grades on the day.
Dave Atkins Shihan, Les Randle Sempai and myself enjoyed our visit to Colchester and look forward to making this a regular event". (John Rowland-Jones, Shihan).
November 2011: New Chairman for Ryukyu Association.
With the sad loss of Benfell Hanshi, Norman Wall Hanshi was unanimously voted in as new Chairman of the RAKGF. Wall Hanshi has been a loyal and active supporter of the RAKGF for the last decade and will continue to build on Benfell Hanshi's legacy.
"The students and members of the association would like to wish Norman many congratulations and best wishes in his new role in continuing with the success of the organisation, both in this country and abroard. I'm sure that Benfell Hanshi would be proud to know that the future is in good hands and that his memory will live on through everything he has taught us." (John Rowland-Jones, Secretary).
14th October 2011: Tragic loss of Mick Benfell Hanshi.
It is with the deepest regret that we must announce that Mick Benfell Hanshi, founder and chairman of the RAKGF passed away peacefully last night with his close family by his side. A true fighter to the end, he seemingly came through his tough bout with cancer, only to tragically lose the battle to secondary tumours.
As both a deeply respected Sensei and friend to many inside and outside the association, his passing will be deeply lamented and his life affectionately remembered. As a man utterly dedicated to the martial arts and his students he has made a lasting impact, fostering a culture of mutual respect and support amongst a diversity of styles. It was his firm intention, and remains the intention of all he leaves behind in the association to continue his life's work and to ensure that the RAKGF goes from strength to strength.
Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with Mick's family and wife Mary at this difficult time, who meant more to him than anything.
Speaking personally, it remains an honour and a pleasure to say he was my Sensei, but most of all a friend and he has most definitely left the world a better place for him being in it. Good bye Hanshi and thank you.
> Click to link to 'Michael Benfell Hanshi'
[By Garry Hart, 1st Dan]
24th July 2010: Opening date revealed!
Today Mick Benfell Hanshi is proud to announce that the new Ruykyu association honbu, "Gyo Gyo Karate Jutsu Kai Dojo" will be open for training from the 3rd August 2010. An official opening event will be announced some time later (watch this space). Training will be Monday to Fridays 6.30pm to 7.15pm for Juniors and 7.30pm to 9pm for Seniors.
An exact training programme will be released soon and is expected to include a variety of different styles and focus. Weekends will be reserved for special short courses and for private lessons.
25th April 2010: Home of our own at last!
The Ryukyu Association are proud to announce that we now have our own honbu at long last. With the precise opening date yet to be announced, dojo members are putting the finishing touches to the building with what's left of their blood and sweat! When complete, there will be more regular training 5 days a week, special weekend training, Association Gradings and more. The dojo will provide about 62 square meters of mat, makiwara, kick bags, a wooden man and various other equipment and facilities. This is a great opportunity for the club and the Association. The Ryukyu Association Honbu will be called the Gyo Gyo Karate Jutsu Kai - Dojo Nuneaton. We look forward to welcoming our friends from the Association and future guests soon.
22nd April 2010: Happy to comply with CRB and ISA registration
As a response to the terrible murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman by Ian Huntley which highlighted the failure of the old vetting system to protect children and vulnerable adults, the Independent Safeguarding Authority has been set up. We'd like to inform all our members that in line with UK legislation, as from July 2010 there will be a new CRB form that will combine a CRB check and ISA registration. From this date any UK Ryukyu Association instructors whether or not they have contact with children and vulnerable adults applying for insurance cover will have to be ISA registered before they will be accepted. The cost of a combined ISA/CRB check will be about £64 together with any administration costs. Unpaid volunteers will only have to pay a small administration fee. From November 2010 it will be a legal requirement for new employees (ie instructors) to be registered and employers to check their registration status. For more information please visit www.isa-gov.org.uk.
31st May 2007: Tragic loss of Tom Baldwin Soke
It is with deep regret that we must announce the death of Tom Baldwin Soke, Chairman of the World and British Federation of Martial Arts. He passed away in the early hours of this morning following serious illness. He will be sorely missed by all his friends and family. We respectfully remember his enormous contribution to the Martial Arts, particularly through the W.B.F.O.M.A. which will also be sadly missed. But our deepest sympathies now are with his family.
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