On Friday 6th March, I collected Master Jose Maidana & Mr Fernando Perez from the airport and took them into Cardiff (the Welsh Capital) for a relaxing evening of chit-chat. We swapped stories over traditional welsh ale before having a lovely meal in a restaurant over looking Cardiff Bay.
Master Maidana and Mr Perez were in Wales to conduct a sparring seminar for 80 students, some of whom travelling from as far as London or Cornwall (3 hours to drive).
The first part of the course was devoted to foot work. Master Maidana drilled with us the different ways of closing the distance to your opponent when sparring; single stepping, double stepping, sliding etc. The Master’s knowledge and experience impressed all students, as we practiced all these different foot movements and it was quite a work out! For many people it was their first chance to train with this Argentinean Master; his style was informative and occasionally very funny!
After a short break, everyone worked in pairs to drill some punching combinations, incorporating the foot work we had earlier rehearsed. Amongst the training members was Master Ian Lawes, 7th degree from Cardiff. Master Maidana kindly drew this to the attention of all present, pointing out Master Lawes’s humility to be training alongside all other students.
Shortly after the seminar, Master Nicholls arrived along with Mr Skyrme to conduct a senior grade test for myself. It was an honour to host such a seminar and then test afterwards under Masters Nicholls, Maidana and Lawes.
Thanks to all those that supported this event. Written by: Mr Kevin McCabe - 11th March 2009
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