After many years participating in demonstrations at
the odd Fete to raise money for local charities, I often thought that a more positive and
organised approach for martial artists to become involved with raising funds
for charities and also promoting the many positive benefits of the ‘Martial
Arts’ was needed. So in 2001, I
contacted friends from various Martial Arts groups in my area (some national,
international and world champions included) and organised the first ‘Sunderland
International Festival of Martial Arts’.
We demonstrated our arts, - Aikido, Aikijitsu, Judo, Karate, Jujitsu, Tae
Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Jojutsu and Kenjutsu, before an audience of over 300,
raising nearly £1000 for Cancer Research.
(A friend of mine Mrs Edna Ford, is local area Hon Secretary). (In the
past ten years thanks to everyone involved the event has raised thousands of
pounds for Cancer research UK
From this start I have organised an annual
festival at which many artists/groups from all over the UK and even from China,
have demonstrated their varied arts, including: Capoeira, Gung Fu, Kung fu,
Shorinji Kempo, Karate, Aikido, Aikijitsu, Ninjutsu, Jui Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Escrima, Judo, Taekwondo,
Fencing, Kobudo, Kenjutsu and Wrestling.
Its aims are:
·
Most importantly: To raise much
needed funds for Cancer Research UK as well as public awareness of the role the
North East plays in international research into this disease which has now
taken over from heart disease as the number one killer in this country.
Newcastle University Research Centre is one of the foremost Cancer
Research Centres in the world. They are
in the forefront of groundbreaking research and treatment into many forms of
cancer, notably research to devise new and more effective cancer treatments for
children and adults as well as research into inherited forms of cancer and
clinical trials at hospitals in Newcastle and the North East. Also the very hard work that dedicated
volunteer’s do all around the country and especially locally, organizing
collections, events and more, to collect funds and foster awareness for Cancer
Research UK.
- To bring together various Martial Arts groups from the local area, nationally and internationally and in a very positive way, demonstrate their arts and foster friendship and an awareness that they are part of a much larger Martial Arts ‘family’.
- Increase public awareness as to the variety and very high standards of Martial Arts practiced both locally and also in the wider arena.
(We have many local Martial Artists who have attained
national, international
and world champion status),
- Provide a forum for young Martial Artists to display their skills and develop pride and confidence both in themselves and their respective arts. Also encourage people to become involved in the martial arts with its many positive benefits.
- Have an entertaining, educational, spectacular and fun day out for everyone.
The past eleven
events have featured many senior grades/experts in their arts including
national, international and world champions in a variety of arts, as well as
some celebrities: Danny Ho from Sky TV’s Fight school has taken part. Escrima,
Kali, Arnis Champions Sensei: John Harvey
The event also allows the younger members
of the various arts to take part and demonstrate their skills and discipline in
front of an audience. This helps them to
develop confidence in themselves and a sense of pride and commitment in their
chosen art and group. All participants
willingly give their time and expertise to demonstrate their individual arts
with tremendous skill, providing an excellent performance, which is not only
impressive but also very entertaining.
Last years event also included unrivalled
opportunity for both martial arts students and members of the public to take
part in mini seminars in over ten arts taught by senior instructors.
As mentioned all money raised goes to the
Sunderland branch of Cancer Research UK
In short, everyone wins and much-needed
funds and awareness are generated for Cancer Research UK
It would be nice if this locally generated (North
East) event were publicized by the media, as there are many newsworthy angles
to this event, which I am sure you will recognise.
Anyone wishing to sponsor the event in any
way, (even donations for the raffle), please contact:
Mrs Edna Ford (Sunderland Branch Secretary,
Cancer Research UK
Tel: 0191 5362669 or make your donation via
our Cancer Research UK page.
Thanks
Peter Seth
(Founder/Organiser).
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