A Big THANK YOU to John Ward

[R. Devane]

Professor John Ward nominated MAI for the 'School Of The Year' award authorised by the Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association. Mr. Ward dropped into the Dojo the other day to award us with a lovely plaque because MAI has been inducted into their Hall of Fame.
Furthermore, John awarded me with a very special GODAN (5th Dan Black Belt) Certificate.
Both gestures mean a lot to me and to MAI and it completely caught me by surprise. It is extremely rare for a top Irish instructor and school owner to recognise another instructor. What is funny is that 15 years ago we didn't really get on but that's a whole other story ha ha!
Also, I am delighted to announce that I have persuaded John to teach a special seminar for us next year on 'Self-Defence and Pressure Point Fighting'. John Ward is one of the highest and most respected Kenpo Black Belt instructors in the country. Most of you will know him because he also runs the very successful 'Irish Cup' Karate & Ju-Jitsu Championships every year.
Thank you very much John for the recognition and for your kindness.

Robert

P.s. The award will be on display as soon as I find someone who can stick it up properly. - Keith, grab your drill!

[stephenlarge]

Congrats Robert on both your own success and the award for the club. At this rate Keith will need more than a drill, he'll need to build an extension.

Looking forward to the seminar already. Have to say the seminars are great. I participated in two this year, Declan's CQC and Ian 'The machine' Freeman's seminar last month both of which were well taught, enjoyable to participate in and more importantly left me hungry for more.

[dkidd]

Yeah big thanks to John. It is a very prestigious award on the international stage and as Robert said unusual for another highly recognised martial artist do sponsor someone in this way. Kickboxing and martial arts are just like life....It's good to have friends.

[Deleted]

That's great news.
Thanks to John Ward, it's fantastic to see such a gesture.
Well done to Robert for your Godan Cert., and everyone involved in MAI for helping reach this level.

I'm looking forward to that seminar, it sounds really interesting.

[spidermato]

Congratulations to the whole MAI team

[michael]

Well done to everyone at MAI..............

[Deleted]

Big thanks to John Ward. Well done on the award Robert. eeehhhhhh....The drill is broken... : )

[louise devane]

Hi everyone ,

I have seen the lovely plaque that MAI has got and its really nice . The godan cert is lovely too . So congrats Robert on that . Well done .