On the weekend of 26 and 27 November, Grace (7PA) competed at the UK National Kuk Sool Won Tournament and also took part in the Masters Demonstration. Grace competed at the rank of 1^st Degree Black belt (Joh Kyo Nym) in the under 12 female division, across the categories of Sword, Staff, Form, Techniques and Sparring. Grace was successful in winning silver in 4 categories and bronze in another. Grace later went on to join the Masters Demonstration team, where, in front of a large number of spectators, she performed Staff and Sword forms, and then closed the ceremony by joining the ‘Nak Bup’ (Break Fall) Team for a thrilling acrobatics display.

On Sunday 27 November, Grace attended the Black Belt Workshop, where she received expert tuition from the Grand Masters Son, 9^th degree Master Alex, to refine her Sword and Staff Forms. She was also then taught the art of Traditional Korean Archery.

Kuk Sool Won is a systematic study of all the traditional fighting arts, which together comprise the martial arts history of Korea. It is known for its comprehensive collection of combat techniques, in particular, an extensive set of offensive and defensive moves designed to take advantage of the human body’s pressure points. There are many elements of Kuk Sool Won which include: striking, kicking, throws, joint lock techniques, falling/acrobatics, body conditioning, meditation, animal-style techniques and weapons.

Well done to Bella who attended Loughborough University for a 5 counties tournament, where she represents Nottingham County. She played Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire and won against all the counties.