To All Students

It is that time of the year again and the gradings are almost upon us! All students have received E-mail and verbal notifications in class pertaining to when their gradings are and what to expect.

Please find below a list of when the gradings are taking place, highlite when your grading is  scheduled for and note it in your diary please:

It was promised that this year’s Cape Classic would exceed last year’s event, and the NMA made good on its word.

The crowds started gathering at the Kraaifontein Civic Centre from 15:00 in the afternoon of Friday 20 May 2011, well in advance of the 18:00 start. They comprised all sorts. There were the seasoned competitors hoping to test their abilities, and maybe even win their divisions. There were also the beginners who were about to experience their first taste of competition. And let us not forgive the parents and loved ones who came to offer their vocal support.

Friday night saw all the Jiu-Jitsu divisions, the High-Kick Challenges, the Junior Breaking divisions, Forms and Katas, and the Sport Full Contact. The Tag Team divisions and the Black Belt Open Championships were also held on that day. Thanks to the layout of the event, clashes were largely eliminated and when they did occur they were handled with impressive efficiency. Saturday saw all the Points and Light Continuous divisions as well as the Senior Breaking, MMA Light and Sport MMA. Once again, clashes between divisions were restricted to a minimum.

To all students and parents

The Cape Classic tournament starts tomorrow. It is being held at the Kraaifontein Civic Center, Brighton road, Kraaifontein.

If you have not yet entered, you can still enter on the day at the venue.

All competitors that have entered will receive an armband.  You must wear this armband at all times.  Do not take it off Friday night, else you will need to register and pay again for Saturdays events.  It is water proof and you can shower/bath with it on.

The April weather was unusually cooperative in providing a clear and balmy day at Big Bay. Thus the backdrop was provided for a fun day of learning and exertion for the 100 or so students in attendance. Proceedings began with the usual beach run and warm up. A glance the Beach Day photos will reveal a number of new students who were caught off-guard by just the run, and also the grit and determination of those same students as they completed the run.

What followed was a learning session in which students were taught new aikido throws and takedowns. Another browse through the photos will reveal students in some awkward mid-air poses as they are being thrown. It might bring some relief to know that they had at that point been acquainted with the breakfalls...

With the formalities out of the way, it was on to the fun activities for which the Beach Day is truly renowned. These activities included sumo wrestling, water splashing and diving for kalis in the sand. Then came another Beach Day institution: drillwork in the breaking waves. Yes the water is cold and the legs are wobbly, but the pictures once more reveal glee all over the faces of the students. In fact, Beach Day without these fun drills is an inconceivable notion. And in any case, students get a chance at revenge by being able to dunk the instructors in the water.

SWD Classic 2011

Picturesque George was the location for the 2011 SWD Classic, and if nothing else proved to be a cooler venue than last year’s sweltering Oudshoorn. The tournament itself proved to be better in every regard, especially in terms of the number of participants and the number of new events on offer.

But for the Western Cape and West Coast contingents, just making it to the location proved to be its own tournament division. Numerous stop-and-go’s along the N2 led to some competitors making it to the venue mere moments before their divisions were to start. Minor travel glitches aside, a good time was had by the competitors. Win, lose or otherwise, everyone benefitted. Experienced fighters were able to hone their skills further, while newcomers to the sport picked up invaluable experience and impetus to up their game for the upcoming Cape Classic.

To all members of Paul Caves Mixed Martial Arts Academy

SATURDAY OPEN CLASS BEGINS!

As from this Saturday onwards, there will be a fighters class each Saturday held at the Brackenfell/Vredekloof Dojo every week. The class is open to all students all grades. Training will consist only of drills, stand up fighting, ground work & fitness. No Khali, Syllabus work for Gradings, or Nano movements will be part of the schedule.