“I love tea rooms and hate pubs. I am teetotal.”


for the benefit of their members and not the pockets of the politicians, then martial artists will benefit greatly. Going it alone is high risk - you need the backing of a body that will guide you through correct training, offer advice, support and as- sistance to deal with litigation and keep you up to date with all that is happening around the legal minefield and legisla- tive updates.


NAKMAS in particular com- mands much respect from those outside the martial arts - local authorities, gov- ernment departments and media. The instructor and club or association aligning themselves to a govern- ing body like NAKMAS will increase their profile and increase membership. Our press officer has produced media packs for all affili- ates of NAKMAS which, when piloted in the South West and South East of England boosted


the NAKMAS membership and led to some coverage on television and radio. We have done all the homework and research so our members benefit at no extra cost to themselves.


As an expert witness for over 26 years providing expert testimony to courts, I see so many instructors being sued by students and third parties through their negligence. This could have been avoided if guided and protected by a governing body. NAKMAS in particular leads the way and feel passionate about the protection and safety of instructors and student alike. Tell me about NAKMAS. What are its strengths and do you notice any weaknesses? Let me, if I may, address the weakness- es first... Due to organisation revamping a few years ago, we lack the offering of tournaments to our members - we sup- port tournaments offered by members but not directly by ourselves. We were going to host a national open at Crystal Palace in London, but they cancelled at short notice due to an asbestos find. We lost over £8,000 as a result... Gary Smith, 6th Dan has been voted onto our


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