We hope that you’ve had a great time over the Christmas and are looking forward to an exciting year ahead.  Although this time of year can be hectic with the preparations for Christmas day and the social commitments to visit friends, family and other loved ones, we hope that you have an opportunity to pause and think about the year past.  What went well?  Were there difficult times?  Was there a time of celebration?  What could you have done better?

As this week draws to a close and Hogmanay approaches many of us will start to ponder what New Year Resolutions we will set ourselves.  These once a year promises are no more or less than goal setting.  Many promises of self betterment fade out after a few weeks as the old routines and habits return.  The thing is this...they are habits.  And old habits can be replace by new habits.

Make your New Year Resolutions SMART...

The BBC has again caused quite a stir with an ill informed judgement on a topic they know very little about.  I am of course referring to the footage of the two young boys grappling in a MMA demonstration bout.  Opinions will of course vary on this matter and I’ll outline my thoughts and relate them to what we teach at the studio.

If you want to read the BBC article and watch the news report click here.

And if you want an alternative view from the Telegraph's MMA reporter click here.

The context in which any event takes place changes just about everything in life, and this is a perfect example.  Had these two young boys been in a community hall, in the early evening, wearing crisp white martial arts suits, supervised by a Jujitsu or Judo instructor, then no one would have even questioned the activity. 

However this demonstration bout occurred at a social club, late in the day, with alcohol present and with paying adults.  I have conflicting thoughts about this.

The details of this story are a little bit vague so we have to discuss this particular incident in general terms.  One of the key things this young girl did correctly is fight back and make her escape as quickly as possible.

Though the circumstances of any attack are hugely variable and there are no set rules, one thing is certain - if you cooperate you will be a victim.

The increase in the number of children attending our classes since we opened the studio in February has been astonishing.  Teaching the childrens classes is demanding but as every parent knows, the difficult things are the most rewarding to our team of instructors.

We are continuing to develop our childrens training programme and are committed to providing martial art classes that develop character and black belt spirit in our youths.  With this in mind we have two important pieces of news.

There will be a new childrens kickboxing class on Thursday nights from 6:15pm until 7pm starting starting on Tursday 27th October (after school holidays).  This will gives our younger students four training opportunities through each week.

The quality of our classes and the instructors commitment to instruct effectively and safely is paramount and because of this we have decided to limit class number to approx. 24 students.  This policy will allow us to deliver a quality driven martial arts programme in a safe environment.  A waiting list will adopted new students wishing to train at over subscribed classes.

We thank you for choosing Fife Kickboxing as the martial arts school for your family.

An all FKSDA final at the IAKSA Ayr Open.

Mike versus Matt in the Beginner Mens +70kg Semi-Contact category.

What a great day down the Ayrshire coast with the FKSDA Fighters.  It was an early start with the team meeting at the studio at 8am and requiring several strong coffees to bring the drivers to full consciousness for the journey to the competition. The journey to Crossford felt longer than any part of the trip due to the sudden and quite unexpected attempt of James and Mike engage us all in a discussion about fishing.  SHUT UP!!!

Team FKSDA sported a men’s and women’s team with the girls placing third and the guys unfortunately knocked out early. 

The individual fights where like buses: nothing for ages then several in a row and sometimes two together.  Everyone fought well in their category but there were a few noteable fights for me through the day.

Katerina and Alison  – fought at their first competition today.  It takes a great deal of courage to take what you’ve been taught in class and then pitch yourself into a competition.  We hope to see you at many more. 

Mike and Matt – faced each other in the men’s beginners +70kg semi-contact category which I missed whilst coaching James on a different mat.  Thankfully the fight got filmed and I’ve just watched it through a few times.  There’s some really good moves in there boys, well done.

The competition was well attended and we didn’t exit the building until well after five o’clock for the return trip with a decent haul of medals – 1 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze.

Well done Team FKSDA!!

Is it possible to make yourself less likely to be a victim of bullying, muggings and violent assault only by using positive body language?  Absolutely.  Thanks to Richard Grannon of Street Fight Secrets for uncovering this gem.

As a father, when I take the time to consider this report in context of my children and our local area it makes my blood run cold.  Throughout the UK and in our very own towns there are preditors out there looking for the next opportunity.