Q3 Newsletter

In this issue of RealSSK News, we have a photo review of the August Black Belt Grading, an introduction to our latest Executive Committee member, headlines from the Executive meeting, and the dates for the 2027 Black Belt Gradings.

August Black Belt Grading

Candidates and team at the summer Black Belt grading 2026. Below the candidates: Gethin, Hugh, Matt, Toby and Kara.

In his third Dan grading Gethin in the white T’shirt, has to defend himself against a persistent aggressive knife attacker. His objective is to prevent the attacker landing any knife strikes in the ‘kill zone’. In this case, the knife is represented by a large red marker pen, with Ryan, our Instructor in East London, acting in the role of attacker.

Gethin used multiple defensive techniques to avoid and evade the attacker’s assertive attacks.

Gethin joins our Executive Committee

As part of the process of evolving the operation our organisation an instructor attaining 3rd Dan is invited to join the Executive Committee.

Gethin (see photos abov) has been training in martial arts for over 25 years, attaining his Black Belt back in 2012. Gethin is another of our Welsh-speaking instructors and teaches on Mondays in Tregarth near Bangor. He also runs his own construction firm; so all in all he’s a busy man.

Executive Committee Meeting

Following each of the National Black Belt Gradings, the Executive Committee conducts a review of the organisation; the standards being attained and how we can continue to improve.

The first thing on the agenda was feedback from the grading and incorporating changes into the operating model for running future event (more about these shortly).

Next were operating costs and income; membership development and growth. There are several things to note. Over the past six months we have grown the membership by 25%; we are now teaching classes at seven different locations; we are using more specialist classes aimed at developing our senior capabilities.

National Black Belt Grading Dates - 2027

Following a review of the dates for the National Black Belt Gradings, we have decided that the 2027 gradings will be held on:

Saturday 20th February - London
Sunday 18th July - North Wales.

The plan for the July Grading is to run a summer training camp that will be open to all members. It will be a three day event commencing on Friday 16th July.

The camp will be a mix of social activities and training and will be centred around Tregarth, near Bangor. Detailed planning will commence in the New Year, but for the moment, put the dates in your diary!

Changes to the Black Belt Over 50 Bonus

The next significant change impacts Black Belts aged over 50.

Previously candidates received a 0.5 bonus at five year increments. This will continue but the bonus marks will now only commence at 55.

Therefore a Black Belt aiming for 2nd Dan who is 55 at the time of the grading will only receive 0.5 bonus marks rather than 1.0 bonus mark.

In Q4 Next Newsletter we will be show casing:

The latest from the BCCMA website and how you can make the most of your Affiliation & Membership
Introducing our Safe Guarding Team & Processes
Spotlight on ‘kids in class’: their grading and progression approach
And, possibly, early sight of proposed new kit designs