04/11/2007: "lynmouth"

Sacred Spring Martial Arts Weekend April 2007


To say this event was significant is surely an understatement. Three days of top class intensive training from some of the best Martial Arts teachers in the UK has to be something special. The extremely well attended event hosted by Sacred Spring attracted Martial Artists from a very wide range of disciplines, making it a truly multi style weekend.

The Sacred Spring team were supported by some top class Instructors and would like to sincerely thank them all - not only for their commitment, skill expertise, quality of teaching but also their exemplary behaviour on and off the mat. In twenty years of Martial Arts I have never seen so much Martial Arts knowledge, energy, talent and goodwill in one place.

Sessions led by (and sincere apologies if I have missed anyone out) Joe Carslake (Ju jitsu), Russell Stutely (OCFM), Gordon Lawson (Judo) , Steve Merritt (JKD/Kali), John Duggan (Ju Jitsu) Warren Dickerson (Iaido) and the Balintawak Arnis¡¦ Richard Cotterill and Bill Murray were the most fantastic partnership to the Sacred Spring teachers who covered Tai Chi (Adam) Eskrima (me), Goshin Jutsu (James) and¡K. fighting on the stairs!!! ƒº (Jo) - (you had to be there!!)

A couple of the highlights for me was Steve Merritt teaching two sessions after breaking his collarbone on the first day! And the Balintawak Arnis sessions with Richard and Bill. But I guess being JKD/Kali these would be my highlights wouldn¡¦t they? !! Joe Carslakes¡¦ sessions were great as were Russells¡¦ who has a great teaching style, and nobody watching or participating could stop smiling (again you had to be there!)

Everyone had a great time ¡V loads and loads of energy on the mat ¡V people not wanting to miss a session (necessary to eat and drink!!) and plenty of banter in the pubs afterwards. Luckily everyone was teetotal so there were no hangovers in the mornings (Yeh! Right..)

We finished with a photoshoot at the Valley of The Rocks (I¡¦m sure pics will follow)

Finally I personally would like to thank (and I¡¦m everyone who attended this event would also) Jo Biggs for organising the whole thing which was a feat in itself, thanks Jo.



Marcie Harding Teacher Sacred Spring and Malvern Escrima