A huge congratulations go to Bart Dziados, John O'Neill and Michael Lynch, who all took their Black Sash grading, under the close scrutiny of Master Yau during his recent visit to Ireland. The grading takes about 45 minutes and is a physically and emotionally draining test. It takes about seven years of dedicated training and hard work to reach this point, which has really paid off for them all. Bart, John and Michael all pictured below, receiving their Black Sashes and Certificates from Sifu Derek Dawson.
A special mention must go to John O'Neill, who after a long break from Lau Gar, returned to the club in 2013. John started training back in 1978, and after nine years of training took a break in 1987. After returning to the club in 2013, it took John only another four years of dedicated training and hard work to pass his Black Sash grading.
Congratulations to Stephen Bennett, Carly Anderson and Warrick Bowler, who recently graded for their 2nd Degree Back Sashes, at the Master Yau weekend in Wexford last May. Stephen, Carly and Warrick all pictured below, receiving their 2nd Degree Black Sashes and Certificates from Sifu Derek Dawson.
Bart Dziados and John O'Neill receiving their Black Sashes and Certificates from Sifu Derek Dawson.
Michael Lynch receiving his Black Sash and Certificate, Stephen Bennett, Carly Anderson and Warrick Bowler receiving their 2nd Degree Black Sashes and Certificates from Sifu Derek Dawson.
Well done to all the club members who took part in the recent interclub tournament held recently in Wexford. BVMA members did very well taking home their fair share of 1st and 2nd place medals.
Katie Dawson 1st place - intermediate tall
Cillian Sweeney 2nd place - intermediate tall
Emma Dawson 1st place - girls under 12 final
Aoife Kenny 2nd place - girls under 12 final
Ciarin Maree 1st place - boys novice
Grandmaster Chen Zhenlei is pictured presenting a copy of his latest book to Grandmaster Jeremy Yau which he signed with a personal message.
It was a real honour and privilege to be present at the first ever meeting of two Grandmasters, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei and Grandmaster Jeremy Yau. The two met recently when Grandmaster Chen Zhenlei was over in the UK on a teaching visit. The two were introduced over dinner by his senior student Master Liming Yue, who runs the Chen Tai Chi Centre in Manchester and is also a good friend of Grandmaster Jeremy Yau.
Grandmaster Jeremy Yau is the President of the British Kung Fu Association, which he established in 1972. He is the keeper of the Lau Gar Style which is taught through a large network of schools across the UK and Ireland.
Grandmaster Chen Zheng Lei (Zhenglei) was born in May 1949 at the birth place of Taiji - Chenjiagou Village, Wenxian County, Henan Province, China. He has held the position of Head Instructor and Principal of Chen Village Taijiquan School, Head Instructor of Wen County Taijiquan Promotion and Development Centre and Vice Director of Henan Province Martial Arts Administration. He started to take part in competitions from 1974 and by the end of 1987 he had won over ten gold medals in Henan Province and China National Martial Arts Competitions.
During their discussions over dinner, they discovered that they were both at a Chinese Wushu Competition in Xi’an in 1985, Grandmaster Chen Zhenlei was competing in the sets section and Grandmaster Jeremy Yau was the lead coach of the first ever official Great Britain team to compete in China.
It is hoped that the two great Grandmasters will continue to develop their friendship when Grandmaster Chen Zhenlei next visits the UK and that their knowledge and experiences can be exchanged for the benefit of both Chen Tai Chi and Lau Gar students.
Article Credits - Lau Gar Guardian: Peter Hornby - Further information about Master Yau and the Lau Gar style can be found at: www.laugar-kungfu.com
Boyne Valley Martial Arts is honoured to host a training weekend led by the current keeper of the Lau Gar system, Master John Russell.
Brown Sash and Above
St Josephs Mercy Primary School Hall
2pm – 5pm
All Grades Welcome
Holy Family Community Centre, Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Co Louth
11am – 2pm
ADULTS €70.00 Two days
SATURDAY only €40.00 (Brown Sash and above only)
SUNDAY only €35.00
Place Numbers are Limited – Please Book to avoid Disappointment
Lau Gar Ireland are honoured to host a training weekend led by the current keeper of the Lau Gar system, Grand Master Jeremy Yau.
Image Health Studios Wexford
3pm - 6pm
Image Health Studios Wexford
11am – 2pm
ADULTS €75.00
JUNIORS (U16) €55.00
Training with Coach Xia from China
Llandudno Wales
£175.00 for the seven days
Place Numbers are Limited to 100 – Please Book to avoid Disappointment