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Mick Lock and Bob Parsons (ALLSTYLE KICKBOXING ACADEMY) were graded to Black Belt in front of a panel headed by AKA Chief instructor Sensei Paul Banbury, also on the panel was Sensei Jacob Bryant and Kickboxing Instructor Sensei Bryan Dumbrell.
The grading commenced with a run from the AKA Dojo around Alexandra Park. Upon returning and a change into a dry uniform (it was raining) the grading proper commenced.
The first part at the Dojo was a fitness assessment; this consisted of 100 press-ups, 200 sit-ups and 80 squat thrusts. The next stage was a gruelling work out with a 5Kg medicine ball.
| Mick and Bob then went through a series of line work consisting of punches and kicks. The initial ones were fairly simple but they soon got more complicated and difficult.
The next stage of the grading consisted of partner work where they each had to demonstrate their expertise defending themselves against grabs, punches, kicks and weapons.
The next stage consisted of bag work, where they each had to punch and kick a heavy bag with full power. Initial rounds were only one minute, however this soon increased in time, the final round was three minutes (there were eleven rounds altogether).
The final part of the grading was free sparring. Mick and Bob had to fight each other and other Kickboxing students, plus Black Belts from their Karate brothers. They both had more than 20 fights; the last one when they were totally exhausted was against two opponents at once.
Mick and Bob were delighted to have passed their Black Belt and instructor Bryan Dumbrell was also pleased to have two additional Black Belts at the Academy. Also graded on the day to Brown Belt was Paul Deigan.
If you would like a challenge, join Mick, Bryan and Bob (pictured left to right) for Kickboxing classes. Arrange a FREE lesson by calling 07973 149519.
This article appeared in the Observer, Hastings in October 2009.
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