The Weekend of March 7th & 8th 2026 saw several students from the School attend an A.C.E. Blackbelt Course & Grading in Cheltenham.

The course was well attended with people from all over the UK. The course was conducted by Grand Master Ray O’Neill IX Dan, assisted by Master Ian Britton VII Dan, Master Andy Glasby VII Dan  and Master Zoe Tate VII Dan.

After an intense TWO day course the following students took their Blackbelt Promotion exams and were promoted as follows:

Mr. Gary Clark Promoted to 2nd Dan Blackbelt - Miss Alice Booth - Promoted to 2nd Dan Blackbelt

Mr. Mike Bennett - Promoted to 1st Dan Blackbelt - Mr. Logan Clark Promoted to 1st Dan Blackbelt

On the Saturday evening course attendees were invited to attend a celebration dinner arranged by the host Mr. Harry Limer V Dan.

A great social evening was had by all with speeches from the host and GM O’Neill and a fantastic opportunity for members to socialise outside of the Do-Jang.

It was also great to see other members from the school attend the Full course:

Blackbelts

Mr. Robert Mockridge V Dan - Mr. Matthew Dryden III Dan - Miss Katie Stansfield II Dan

Colourbelts

Dave Lumdsen 1st Kup - Leilanie Ritchie 1st Kup and Jay Mockridge 2nd Kup

Bryony Silvers 4th Kup

Recently participated in the L.T.S.I. English Open Championships which took place in St. Albans on March 1st (Sam-IL Day)

Bryony fought well representing the School, and was just 1 point off getting Bronze for Patterns however went on to win BRONZE in the Sparring - Awesome stuff Bryony. Well Done.

Thanks to Adam Silvers I Dan for Coaching her today !

On Wednesday 18th February several students got together for a social evening and had a ‘Chinese New Year’ evening dinner at a local Restaurant in Andover.

A fantastic social event was had by all.

Every student received a Lucky Coin, one of which was ‘Special’ of which the recipient Leilani received a Chinese Horse - representing 2026 - The year of the Horse