Firstly thanks to everyone for their support through the clubs first year, the club has maintained good numbers and support has been much appreciated from the members. I welcome all the new members to the club and hope that you get as much from your training as I do, helping you in both life and work. Congratulations to Duncan for working his way to green sash, this shows great commitment and many hours training. Well done to Jamie and Chris, they have successfully reached the level of Orange sash, well done to Matt for getting his Blue sash and Ben for achieving his White. I anticipate that they will all progress through the rest of the system with great vigor and enthusiasm. To all those who have trained with us from the Academy in Ashdown we thank you for your support and hope that the training has complemented the expert training you receive from Sifu Steve. Sifu Steve has continued to give unparalleled support to the club and its members throughout the clubs first year from which I would like to extend my great thanks. Attached within this newsletter is an instructional guide to hand formations from the system, each quarter we will be supplying you with extra guidance on elements of the system to guide you through areas indicative to your training.

“diligent training of its original members”

Shaolin Boxing Night Thursday the 26th of February 2009 We will be having another fight night on Thursday the 26th of February 2009, this Shaolin boxing gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and techniques within a controlled non-aggressive and non-competitive environment. These events are always hugely successful and enjoyable, highlighting the abilities of a Kung Fu practitioner. You have several options of the type of sparring you would like to do, either; Chi Na Bouts - (grappling and take downs) Controlled sparring - (light contact with full padding) Free Fighting - (no pads free use of techniques senior grades) This is purely optional and will take place at 21.00 22.00; there is nothing to fear here as the session is run under strict conditions where control and respect is paramount.

“weapons course... extremely successful”

Private Sessions; Private one on one sessions are available to anyone, and allow for consolidated focus on you individually, they offer up discussions on the system as well as personal development training. If you would like to work in pairs this can be arranged at a reduced cost. Please ask for more details.

“growth... a testament to its members”

Oriental Weapons Course (6 weeks members only) Start Date TBC; This opportunity gives you chance to experience either the Nunjuku or the Bo staff, both traditional Shaolin Kung Fu weapons. The course will cover basic skills for each weapon, building familiarity and dexterity within a practical application framework, before moving into specific forms, which appear throughout the system. Weapons can be purchased through the Academy to save on expense. For those of you who attended the first weapons course we had in May 2008, we will be continuing with your weapons sets and forms.

Paul Hilton