THE Samurai Black Belt Karate School martial arts seminar attracted almost 100 people to the Hudson Leisure Centre in Wisbech on Sunday. Students of all ages and from several Fenland martial arts schools attended the event, in which they learned various t

THE Samurai Black Belt Karate School martial arts seminar attracted almost 100 people to the Hudson Leisure Centre in Wisbech on Sunday.Students of all ages and from several Fenland martial arts schools attended the event, in which they learned various techniques from tae kwon-do star Silvio Simac and British National Martial Arts Association (BNMAA) instructor Paul Griffin.The seminar was split in to two sessions - a morning class that covered self-defence techniques and tactics and an afternoon session covering weapon defence and competition techniques.The focus of the seminar was to provide fundamental self-defence training that would complement the specialised coaching offered by martial arts clubs.Samurai's sensei Steve King said: "It was a great success and everybody went away challenged and enlightened."It was great to see different styles working together and everyone who attended learned new concepts that would enhance their own particular style."Following his appointment as an International Technical Executive Instructor with the BNMAA, King is aiming to work with other instructors and clubs in order to raise the profile of martial arts.He added: "We were very honoured to have Paul and Silvio attend the event. Our standing with the BNMAA means that we have access to many top martial art instructors and we plan to hold further events during the year."- IT HAS been a week to remember for the Samurai School as 18 students successfully passed their 1st and 2nd kyu gradings.They were tested on basic, competition and power techniques and had to complete at least eight katas for a 2nd kyu grading, and nine for 1st kyu. Basic one-step kumite and advanced kumite defence sections were followed by a 30-minute free sparring session. Sensei Steve King said: "The effort and determination from all students was excellent and a 70 per cent above average pass rate was superb."We are very proud of all our students and their achievements. They have worked so hard over the past seven months." Joshua Manning was outstanding in gaining his junior 1st kyu while Julie Wagstaff and Sue Belcher deserve praise for their dedication and commitment in gaining adult 2nd kyu passes.