Six DFM students took part in the grading held on Friday at St Michael’s Hall, Cannongate, Alnwick, to see if they have progressed in the highly effective and realistic martial art.
First they had their fitness tested, with the students demonstrating their level of strength and stamina with sets of press-ups and sit-ups and foot drills before moving on to show their understanding of the basic fighting stance.
They then showed their knowledge of basic blocks and body evasion with three sets of drills.
All six students showed good form and knowledge of these basics.
The next test was to see how well they could punch and kick. Again the students showed that they were above average with these skills.
The final part of the examination was reaction training. The students paired up and showed how they could use their evasion skills and blocks against punches and kicks thrown by their opponent.

DFM Instructor Phil Doherty said: “Every single one of the students had an overall higher-than-average grading and this shows their determination and hard work over the last four months.
“They are a great bunch of students with a positive attitude to training and martial arts and the examiners were impressed with their performance.”
Directional Fighting Method is a mixed martial art that teaches Ninjitsu, Kali, kickboxing, karate and kung fu techniques and principles in a new and innovative way.
It teaches unarmed combat, including pressure point control, locks and takedowns, punching, striking and kicking, and grappling. The Method also teaches weapons such as staff, sword and double sticks.
“The Method is a true martial art,” said Phil, “and there is no sport side to it. This means the techniques taught are not about scoring points but about defending yourself in the most effective way. It’s ideal for both novices and those who already do martial arts but want to learn something that can be applied to real self-defence.”

Students and instructors will shortly be training with one of the top Ninjitsu experts in the world, Sensei Keith Porter, 13th Dan. Keith, who is a long term friend of the DFM instructors and clubs, is coming to the Advanced Fighting Centre, Newcastle, in March.
The Directional Fighting Method martial arts school meets every Friday from 7.15pm at St Michael’s Hall, Cannongate, Alnwick.
DFM Martial Arts also teaches kickboxing and Kickboxing Four Fitness every Wednesday at 7pm at Willowburn Sports Centre, Alnwick, and at Belford Middle School, Belford, every Monday from 6pm. Beginners are always welcome to any class and anyone who wants more information should telephone Phil Doherty on 0191 4143070 or Darren on 07967 724064.