Yesterday, A fellow instructor and I renewed our first aid qualification with Steve Wilson at First Aid Associates. We cannot recommend him enough for top quality instruction and he is now our official first aid training provider for all our instructors.

In our experience, many first aid courses deal with only the 'ideal' situations, for instance a person collapsing nice and neatly on their back. The real benefit of Steve's training is that he makes time to go through more 'realistic' scenarios and how you may adapt to the situation, as no two incidents are every the same. It was immediately obvious that Steve has walked the walk and wears the t-shirt to prove it!

In short, we both came out of the course feeling much more satisfied that the training we received achieved far more than to simply 'tick a box', helping to increase the level of safety and welfare for all our members.

On behalf of E.S.K.K Martial Arts & Fitness, we would like to thank First Aid Associates and we look forward to our future first aid training.

Chris

For more information about First Aid Associates, please visit their website at...

http://www.firstaidassociates.co.uk/

After the recent implementation of updated dojo syllabus, yesterday was our first grade examination following these new requirements.

We had a fantastic turn out and the energy was high throughout what was a very long, but rewarding day. Our consistent drive to increase standards inevitably resulted in some mixed outcomes, but whether successful or unsuccessful in individual goals, our members faced their challenge with the responsibility and inspiring commitment we've all come to expect. No matter the level of skill or expertise shown, the reward for everyone is always the same regardless...more training!

We have some fine talent in our dojo family and I, along with the other panel members and senior assistants were immensely proud to see you all making excellent progress along the budo path.

Congratulations and keep up the great work :-)

Chris.

Special thanks go to to Jonathan Roll, Lewis Cullen, John Smallman, David Parker, Terry Ross and David Forsythe for taking time out to help make the event run as smoothly as possible.

Here's a few pictures collected from spectators. Although not the best quality, they nevertheless help to show the atmosphere and energy exhibited throughout the day.