What a year it’s been! 2024 kicked off with a bang, and the energy and enthusiasm in all our classes have been truly inspiring. As the year draws to a close, let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible milestones we’ve achieved together. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Milestones and Collaborations
Meeting of The Packs: Our joint senior class sessions with Krav Maga Nottingham have gone from strength to strength. These gatherings, now nearly two years strong, continue to be a source of growth for me as an instructor. Sharing insights and training with peers like David Stevens has been invaluable.
Handsworth Wood Girls Academy Workshop: We were delighted to be invited back to Handsworth Wood Girls Academy to teach personal safety to over 100 Year 12 and 13 pupils. Watching them grow in confidence as they learned about boundary setting, awareness, and physical skills was immensely rewarding. Huge thanks to Rich and Isis for their support in delivering this programme seamlessly.
Student Achievements
Gradings:
March 2024 (Surrey):
Olivia Talbot – P2
Calum Standley – P2
Indy Gill – P3
Special mention: Isis Collins – P5 (completing all student grades)
October 2024 (Worcester):
David Southall – P1
Jack Bradshaw – P1
Gareth (Gaveth) Tonks – P1
Iqbal Singh – P3
Calum Standley – P3
Indy Gill – P4
Special mention: David Blackford – G2, one of the highest-graded students in the UK.
Instructor Course Success:
A massive congratulations to Isis Collins and Christopher Rogers for completing the grueling Civilian Instructor Course. Your hard work and dedication have been exemplary, and we’re so proud to see you both achieve this milestone.
Community Contributions
Richard in Uganda: Rich’s trip to Nateete Kampala to teach self-defence to women from eight local churches was a highlight of the year. His efforts are sure to empower generations to come. Rich, we’re so proud of the incredible work you’ve done.
Women’s Refuge Support: Rich’s ongoing commitment to teaching self-defence at Aspiring Futures continues to make a real difference. Seeing these women grow in confidence and skill is always heartening.
Special Events
Summer Self-Defence Camp: What an event! Our first camp at Telford Gurdwara was a resounding success. A heartfelt thank you to Rich, Isis, and Chris for their dedication to making this such a positive experience for everyone involved.
Jaguar Land Rover Seminar: November saw us presenting a self-defence seminar at Jaguar Coventry. The participants were engaged and eager, focusing on self-worth, awareness, and physical skills. It was such a privilege to share our knowledge with them.
Instructor Achievements
Harj Sohal Achieves Expert Level: On a personal note, achieving Expert Level in September 2024 has been a career highlight for me. This 16-year journey has been filled with challenges, growth, and gratitude for the incredible mentors, peers, and students who have supported me along the way. Thank you all for being part of it.
It’s been an amazing year, and none of this would have been possible without the dedication and support of our Krav Maga West family. Here’s to making 2025 even better! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year.
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