Tai-jutsu students see clear direction
DIRECTIONAL Fighting Method students made a clean sweep of their examinations by passing with above average marks.
Eight students took part in the grading test to see whether they'd progress onto the next coloured belt in the Tai-jutsu based martial art.
The test took place last week at St Michael's Church Hall, Canongate, Alnwick.
DFM instructor Phil Doherty said: "The students put in an excellent display of the techniques and martial art principles.
"The fact that they passed the test overall with an above average mark shows the hard work and dedication they have put into their training."
First the students had to demonstrate their foot drills combined with blocks and show they could evade on-coming strikes.
After been tested on punching and open hand striking techniques they then had to show low kicks at thigh, knee and ankle height, all on pads.
Then it was the turn of the hardest part of their grading, demonstrating the four semi-free fighting moves that combine the martial art concepts of evasion, yielding, unbalancing and distractions in three moves that finish with locks and takedowns.
Although the students were nervous of this section because they knew that to pass the overall test they had to get it right, on the night itself they performed perfectly, boosting their overall marks above the average.
Finally they had to show they could effectively put an attacker into different wrist-locks after being grabbed on arm or collar. This was a test of their reactions.
Directional Fighting Method is a Tai-jutsu martial art that teaches principles and techniques from Ninjitsu, Jui-jitsu, Karate and Kickboxing, Grappling and Kali, as well as weapons such as stick and staff.
Beginner sessions are now being held at Willowburn Sports Centre every Wednesday from 7.15pm and every Friday at St Michael's Hall, Canongate, Alnwick, 7.15pm.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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