Wow, I’ve just checked my visitors count and I’ve had over 100,000 visits! So I have to say a huge thank you to all my readers. Bluemoonblog seems to have gone mad over the last two months, with close to 5,000 visitors.

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A video of the Masters and Sa Ba Nim’s performing techniques at the Kuk Sool Won Masters Exhibition 2010 in Kings Lynn.

A video of the kick routine performed by the Master’s, Sa Ba Nim’s, and Pu Sa Ba Nim’s at the Kuk Sool Won Masters Exhibition 2010 in Kings Lynn.

A video of Kyo Sa Nim Mike and Jyo Kyo Nim Pete Garrod, Staff sparring at the Kuk Sool Won Masters Exhibition 2010 in Kings Lynn.

JKN Andy, SBN Dave, KSN Mike, JKN Laura, JKN Pete and JKN Laura

Here’s a video of the demo I did as part of my Black belt promotion, at the Kuk Sool Won Masters Exhibition 2010 in Kings Lynn. I’m  in the second row from the left, and the second person in. We performed Ki Cho Hyung and Joo Muhk Maga Ki Bohn Soo 1, 3, 5 and 15.

Here’s a video Helen took of me being called up to collect my Kuk Sool Won certificate of dahn at the Kuk Sool Won Masters Exhibition 2010 in Kings Lynn. Helen did get a little excited and forgot she was holding the camera at the beginning, lol.

I’ve had an absolutely awesome weekend in King’s Lynn, where I received my Jyo Kyo Nim promotion, and I took part in the Kuk Sool Won Masters Exhibition! In fact the whole week has been a phenomenal experience, from Wednesday’s grading through to my promotion. I’d like to congratulate everyone on their success at the tournament, their promotions, and the demo.

It’s been one of those moments that will stay with me for life, something I’ll look back on with a great deal of satisfaction, a sense of achievement and huge pleasure. I was simply amazing to be in the presence of so many Kuk Sool Won masters, celebrating our achievements, and watching our promotions.

I keep finding myself looking at my certificate just to make sure it’s real. I’m still so excited, so happy, and it’s an incredible sensation. Over the years I’ve looked at the Jyo Kyo Nim’s with a little envy, as the Generals uniform they wear is beautiful, and now I get to wear my own. When I look in the mirror, I feel very, very proud. That said, Helen asked me to stop wearing it in bed, lol.

The past 4 years have been a challenging journey, and it’s not over, for I have only just reached the start, now the true journey begins.

JKN Laura, JKN Laura , and JKN Andy (me) awaiting our promotion

Nervous anticipation

Glad I’m on the mats, the floor was hard, I’m still working on my Black belt bottom.

The dignitaries and guests headed by In Hyuk Sah

JKN Janet Small receiving her trophy for Grand Champion

Being called up to collect my certificate from the Grandmaster & In Joo Suh

Certificate in hand, and huge smile on face

PSBN Jon Denny recieving his promotion to SBN

Getting a numb bum, but still smiling

One of the masters breaking three concrete blocks with a hand strike

SBN Demo team. SBN Matt Goldspinks and SBN David Ellis close to camera

SBN David Ellis at the Masters Exhibition

The 2010 Kuk Sool Won Promotions

JKN Andy and SBN Jon Denny

JKN Andy and KSN Lee

JKN Helen and JKN Andy

PKJN Alison, JKN Andy, and JIKJN Martin

SungWoo Alex Suh and JKN Andy

JKN Andy and In Huk Sah (Grandmaster)

Sung Jin Suh and JKN Andy

KSN Mike and JKN Andy

JKN Andy and my certificate of Dahn

What it’s all been about, my Kuk Sool Won 1st dahn certificate

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Here’s a short video of us practicing Joo Muhk Maga Ki Bohn Soo, as a newly promoted Jyo Kyo Nim, where we are getting ready for the Kuk Sool Won Masters Exhibition 2010 in Kings Lynn.

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I’ve had the most amazing weekend and have so much to write about its difficult to find where to start, but here goes.

Following Wednesday’s testing for Jyo Kyo Nim (1st degree black belt) I went up to Kings Lynn with Helen to practice for Saturday evenings Kuk Sool Won Masters Exhibition. It was the first time I was to wear my new Generals Uniform, and I have to be honest, I was more than a little bit nervous.  However, I needn’t have been, as soon as I saw my fellow students, instructors and friends, all my nerves want away and were quickly replaced by excitement, pride, and happiness.

After a while the demo team were called to the arena floor to be introduced to their respective instructors, who would be arranging our section of the Demo. SBN Chris French took us through our routine, Ki Cho Hyung (form) and 4 Joo Muhk Maga Ki Bohn Soo (techniques).

I was a long day, and I was really surprised just how hot you get wearing the Generals’ uniform, I was dripping by the end of the day and looking forward to a shower. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, I loved every bit. I’m so pleased that I decided to take part (thank you Helen) as it was something I’d never be able to experience again.

Here are loads of pictures just from Fridays demo practice, If there are any you’d like copies of just ask.

Me, Jyo Kyo Nim Andy, looking more than a little bit nervous

JKN Andy, SBN Dave (our instructor), JKN Laura, and JKN Laura

Getting ready for the demo practice

Grandmaster and president In Huk Sah

Splitting up into our respective teams for the demo

SBN Chris French preparing us for what’s to come

First run through, even lining up isn’t a simple as it looks. (I’m still smiling)

Practicing our entrance

Don’t we look smart in our Generals uniform

In front stance ready to start Ki Cho Hyung

Ki Cho Hyung

Ki Cho Hyung

Ki Cho Hyung

Some of the other teams practicing

Getting the stances just right for Ki Cho Hyung

JKN Laura, me and JKN Laura ready for Ki Cho Hyung

Practicing the four Joo Muhk Maga Ki Bohn Soo techniques

Practicing the four Joo Muhk Maga Ki Bohn Soo techniques

Practicing over and going over the details, tomorrow is our big day.

More to come . . . .

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Here’s just a few of the many pictures Helen took at my Kuk Sool Won Black Belt testing.

On the way in . . .

Warming up . . .

This is it, about to start . . .

Stretching and warming up . . .

More stretching and warming up . . .

Even more stretching and warming up . . .

Adjusting my uniform . . .

Bowing to Kuk Sa Nim, Master Sung Jin and Master Alex

Getting ready for kicks . . .

Back kicking . . .

Really enjoying myself . . .

Horse-stance and squats . . .

Its all over and celebrating . . .

More celebration . . .

I’ve passed and I just can’t stop smiling . . .

Me and Jo Im Kwahng Jahng Nim Martin Ducker.

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Oh my god, I did it, I did, I did it!!  I’ve passed my Kuk Sool Won Black belt testing.  I really can’t believe it, it just hasn’t quite sunk in. I’m still buzzing from the grading, and it’s a great feeling that I’m going to remember for a very long time.

I’ve been a Dan Bo Nim for two years, so it’s going to be great having a new title, and my new title is Jyo Kyo Nim Andy

I haven’t stopped smiling, my face hurts. I’m finding writing this hard, as even my fingers are smiling.

I’ve a busy weekend coming, with lots of Kuk Sool stuff going on, Demo, presentation and European tournament, so I’ll be back soon with updates and photos.

Wow, I’m a Black Belt, can you believe, I can’t.

Just been looking around the Kuk Sool Won website and found my in the 2010 promotions listings. How awesome is that!

Click here to check out the site: Kuk Sool Won 2010 Promotions 

I’d better pass the testing now!

About four years ago I started a journey, one that would bring me great highs and lows, cause me pain and yet bring immense pleasure. During these years I made some wonderful, caring, thoughtful friends, friends that will stay with me for the rest of my life. These friends I’ve made have picked me up when I’m down, knocked me down when I’m up, and most of all saved my life when it felt all but over.

So what was this journey that has had such a profound effect on my life, has shown me that I can achieve anything, and that I can overcome all that I put my mind too? . . . Well it’s the National Korean Martial art, Kuk Sool Won.

And later this week I’ll be taking my final test for my Black Belt, my ultimate aim over the past four years. I’ve been thinking about what to write when this moment comes for some time now, and yet I’m still struggling. There is much to say, so many people to thank, and I just can’t seem to find the right words to express just how I feel, but I’ll try.

Kuk Sool Won has been good for me (understatement). OK, there have been times that I could have given up, and I looked for any reason to quit. But, and it’s a huge but, the realisation that, even during the bad times, I loved the challenges, being forced to confront myself, by myself. The exhilaration, the friendship, there was no way that it was going to walk away.

Over the years I’ve learnt much: kicking techniques, hand striking, forms, techniques, falling principles, sparring, breathing exercises, and etiquette. OK, I’m never going to be the stereotypical “ninja” you see in the movies, but I am the best, or very close to being ,the best that I can be, and that makes me very, very proud.

I can do things that I never thought possible, I have confidence, determination and passion for my martial art. At last count I’ve taken twenty testing’s, nine of which have been as a brown belt, and that’s over 50 hours of pain, passion and commitment.

So without further ado, here are some quick thank you’s, just a few of the many I have to say:

JIKJN Martin Ducker:

Your passion, drive and understanding have been an inspiration to me, without which I could not have achieved as much as I have. You have welcomed me into your school, your family, and had faith in me. Thank you Sir.

SBN Rob Poll:

Even when I tried to hide at the back of the class, you never let me take it easy, pushing further and harder, teaching me I can always do more. You have been my role model, my goal, my friend. Thank you Sir

SBN David Ellis:

You’ve never given up on me, even when I wanted too. You’ve encouraged me continually. I’ve enjoyed our classes and your great sense of humour enormously. Thank you Sir.

PSBN Jon Denny

What can I say, words are simply not enough. You saved my life and gave me my future. You have been and always will be my friend. You said to me a long time ago, “Which is worse, failing or not trying?” I now know the answer. Thank you Sir

JKN Helen Collis.

Without you none of this would have been possible. You have been my conscience, my instructor, and my healer. Through thick and thin, you’ve been by my side, even when it would have been easy to step back. You let me believe I was right, even when I was wrong, helping me to restore my crushed ego when things went bad . I dedicate my Black Belt to you. Thank you Mam.

Last weekend Helen and I, along with another 125 guest, celebrated Mum and Dads 50th wedding anniversary. We spent the day in the pretty little village of Terling, in Essex, where Mum and Dad met over 50 years ago. In fact, Dad helped build the hall where the celebration party was held. I was a wonderful day, with a lovely surprise, as Auntie Mary came over from Canada especially for the event. She was one of the bridesmaids 50 years ago, so it made the day even more special.

It was so nice to spend the day with family, and I think it’s great that we get together to celebrate important days such as these. Seeing so many people happily reminiscing, laughing, and enjoying themselves.   I for one am looking forward to the next family get together.

The hall after Helen, Paul, Tracy, and I decorated it

Auntie Catherine, Dad (Chris) and Auntie Mary fresh from Canada

Mum, Dad and the bridesmaids

Getting ready for the toast

The wall full of memories

Mum and Dad cutting the cake, and a very nice cake it was too.

Eleven of Mums fourteen brothers and sisters

The celebration in full swing

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