On Saturday 18 January, 10 BMAC members travelled to Goole in Yorkshire to train with Derwent Self Defence Club. 

DSDC was founded in 2024 by Emma Rose, who trained with BMAC for 10 years before moving south in 2022. The day included the first grading for the club, a class taken by Hugh and a second dan grading for Emma.  

It was a fantastic day with lots of high energy practise, new skills learned and great demonstrations from everyone in their gradings, followed up with a delicious meal at night.

With a successful first visit to DSDC in the books, we're already looking forward to the next one.

Every six months BMAC members vote for the recipient of the Russell Trophy. The trophy recognises members' efforts to develop the club, their skills and those of others. You can read about the criteria on our Russell Trophy page.

We are delighted to announce that the winner for July - December 2024 is Eric Walton, capping off a great year where he also achieved his 5th Dan black belt.

We're back after the Christmas holidays, with our regular classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays restarting from Tuesday 7 January. 

This week is our first window for new junior members to join us. We accept new juniors from age 6 and upward and new starts will be eligible for their first grading in May this year.

If you need any more information, get in touch.

On Saturday 23 November, the club held a special event to celebrate two very special grades. Eric Walton graded for his 5th Dan black belt and Hugh Russell was awarded our pinnacle grade of 10th Dan.

Eric took the club for an intense hour of practise and then completed his throug grading that tested all of his skills.

Hugh then took the club through his history in martial arts which now stretches back 50 years. His demonstration showed just how much practice has evolved eover the years.

Congratulations to both Eric and Hugh on these richly deserved grades and for their dedication both BMAC and martial arts.