Welcome to this instalment of The Armoury Reload. Let’s review what’s been happening and take a look at whats coming up.
First things first. Thanks for all your support thus far.
Please follow our socials, like and share as much as you can. We would love for you all to spread the word to your friends and family and help us keep growing!
WhatsApp Groups
If you are not included in the appropriate WhatsApp Group then please let me know and I can add you to the appropriate group.
Competition News
Results
Since our last instalment, we have had even more success! Collecting medals every time we attend an event. In fact in just over a year, we have had 33 entrants to various competitions and collected a whopping 43 medals. Including 21 Gold, 15 Silver & 7 Bronze. This is a fantastic achievement! I would like to thank everyone who stepped up to represent the club. We have fought with skill, respect and humility, setting a high standard against any opposition. 👊
What’s Next
Our next comp we are targeting is the British Open in Coventry. 16th-17th May.
We will be aiming to get a place for the weekend and compete as a team. If you are interested in taking part, let me know.
Student Focus – Ciaran
Ciaran has recently had a breakthrough with his Jiu Jitsu and is going from strength to strength. In addition, he has been great with helping new members.
BUT, there is another reason I wanted to highlight Ciaran.
At the All Stars Europeans Competition, held at Crystal Palace last month, Ciaran won the Gold in his Gi division after a tough fight. He then had the No Gi division. He lost the first, but fought to get into the bronze medal match. Before the fight he was definitely feeling it. The multiple adrenaline dumps and hard fought matches had clearly taken it’s toll.
He looked at me with a pale face and said “I’m Done!”. After a quick pep talk (where I can only assume I managed to impart some encouraging wisdom) he turned to face his final opponent.
He dug deep and fought through adversity to win the match. Not only did he win, but he won with a submission that I don’t even know the name of. He showed true heart, heart that deserves recognition.
Adult Grading
In April a good number of us went to Memento Mori in Reigate for a team seminar and grading. I had to honour of levelling up the following:
Sean – Blue Belt
Dave C – Blue Belt
Sian – Purple Belt
AND ………… (Drum Roll)…….
Gate – Black Belt 🥋
But! It didn’t stop there.
Adam G, decided to clear both Gi and No Gi Adult divisions with relative ease, without a single point being scored against him at the recent All Stars Europeans. Winning 2 x Gold Medals and being awarded his Blue Belt on the podium 👏.
Massive congrats to all who levelled up!
I will be arranging a Juniors Grading in the coming months, so watch this space.
Seminars!
Women’s ONLY
I’m really excited that Laura (Memento Mori Black Belt and European Champion) will lead a couple of Ladies only seminars. One for the juniors and one for the adults. These seminars will be open to All women/girls from all clubs and affiliates (if they already train that is) and free for all.
Dates TBC.
Keith McKenzie
Keith is my coaches, coach and well decorated BJJ practitioner with a great teaching style.
One of his students has shown some impressive potential. So much so, that he has qualified to compete at the World Championships in California. This seminar will be ticketed seminar to help raise funds for this opportunity.
Again, the date is TBC but will
Members Page
Don’t forget to keep checking our Members Page for all the latest Content and technique instructionals.
Regardless of gender it’s important to remember why we train and what we get out of it. For many including myself, this sport is a form of therapy. I personally know some of your struggles, please remember that we are part of a supportive and inclusive community that can lean on each other and learn from each other. 👊
Until our next Reload… Keep training!
