The Canowindra Club.
The first ever grading was held for the Canowindra branch of Renegade Central West, martial arts club.
Whilst Renegade is a mixed martial arts club, meaning that it trains in a variety of different styles, its main focus is Brazilian jiujitsu or BJJ. BJJ is a wresting based martial art that has become extremely popular all round the world.
On Wednesday the 22 July, eight students all passed their grading, with two students receiving their blue belts. Whilst most martial arts take about three years to achieve a black belt, in BJJ, it normally takes around three years to achieve a blue belt. It is not uncommon for a person to train for at least 10 years to achieve their black belt in BJJ.
Local resident Jason Cooper, who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) and can no longer stand without assistance, showed absolute determination and courage to pass all the requirements with flying colours.
BJJ is a particularly demanding martial art, so for someone with MS to even attempt to train is extremely impressive, let alone achieve their blue-belt.
Along with Jason, Woodstock resident Ash White also achieved his blue belt. Ash may be a touch older than 21 and rumour has it, may have been born on the same day as Federation.
Demonstrating that you’re never to old to mix it with the younger ones, Ash proved on Wednesday that experience and a few dirty tricks, beats youth and manners every time.
The Canowindra club has gone from strength to strength over the last six-months, with 30 kids now involved in the Anti-bullying program and around 15 adults involved in the mixed martial arts class.
Training for adults is on every Monday and Wedneday starting at 5:45pm, in the All Saints Hall (just behind the church). Anyone interested can call Pastor Mick George on 0447 247 398 for more details.
By Mick George
Jaon Cooper receiving his blue belt from Pastor Mick.