FILM WEEK

For the most part of last week I have been involved in having a documentary made about our martial art school in Halesworth. This was done by a group of second year University Students who are based at Farnham in Surrey.

The group of six (Andrew - Producer, Joel - Director, Joel - cameraman, Sam - sound, Rachel and Dan- editors) where very interested in using Kuk Sool as there current film project.

The Producer, Andrew initially contacted me by email and asked if they could feature our martial art school as a subject for there filming.

Of course those people that know me will understand how shy I can be in front of camera - so much so that I IMMEDIATELY JUMPED AT THE IDEA. It was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the positive attributes of Kuk Sool Won.

I have to say a big thank you to the film crew - who where very respectful, professional, and great fun to have around.

As a group of late-teenagers working together they all got on with each other so well. I can't believe that they didn't have one single disagreement while filming. Maybe they saved that for the late night meetings afterwards.

The first half of the film is now complete and the second part will be made at the Kuk Sool UK Championships and Masters' Exhibition to be held in Birmingham on 29th November

Jason's 20th Birthday

Today it's my son's birthday and I have to say that it really seems like yesterday since Jason was born. (Where has the time gone, - I expect all parents say that though.)

This morning we've been to Norwich as he wanted to buy a new guitar with some birthday money. This has been somewhat a tradition, something that we've done together on his 16th and 18th birthday and of course today as well.

So when it comes to buying a guitar, he's the expert and I haven't got a clue - it's almost a foreign language to me. However for all you guitar freaks out there who understand about guitars etc. - what I do know is that he's purchased a Taylor acoustic worth about £450.00 and I have to add it makes a pretty good sound as well.

Happy 20th Birthday Jason

PICTURES FROM HOUSTON - CONTINUED

This time while visiting Kuk Sool HQ in Houston I just couldn't seem to get a photo taken with the Grandmaster - except for the one that I've included.

This large full-scale picture is displayed at HQ Dojang - So I took the liberty.

Hope you like it as much as I do.

PICTURES FROM HOUSTON

6th Degree Black Belt

As you may have gathered from the picture in my last post - I have recently been promoted to 6th degree black belt in the Traditional Korean Martial Art of Kuk Sool Won.

Although I was ready to perform one final test at Kuk Sool HQ in Tomball Texas, I was informed that it was not necessary to test any further as I'd already passed all the requirements for my particular level.

The picture that I've included in this particular post shows myself and three other UK Kuk Sool Masters; from left ~ right Master Steve Whiting, Master Steven Isaacson, Master John Watson, and myself, all promoted to 6th Dahn.

Together over many years of practice we have progressed through the Kuk Sool ranks and I have to say that although we're all approaching the grand old age of fifty, for a bunch of oldies we can still pack a pretty good punch between us.

So look out for the 'Four Horseman' of Kuk Sool on the official DVD of the WKSA 2008 anniversary Masters' Exhibition

EXHILARATING TRIP

Just to let everyone know - The Ducker family are now back in the UK after an exhilarating trip to Houston Texas, I'll tell you more about it in future posts.

Also look out for some interesting photo's as well.

Houston Texas

Well it's exactly five days before we fly off to sunny Houston for the World Kuk Sool Championships and 50th anniversary event.

If you've never been to Houston then I would like to enlighten you with some interesting facts about the place as i've vistited the city about seven or eight times.

• Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States
• The Houston area covers approx 8,778 sq miles about the same size as Israel
  
• More than ninety languages are spoken throughout the Houston area
• Houston has the largest (Texas) medical centre in the world
• It has the second lowest cost of living among major American cities
• Houston is considered by many as the 'energy' capital of the world
• Houston is one of the world's most air-conditioned cities
  
• When you look at a map Houston shares the same east-west line as Cairo, Kuwait City,Delhi (it's hot)
• The Astrodome in Houston has been nicknamed as 'the eight wonder of the world'.
• The Houston climate is classified as sub-tropical
• The coldest temperature to ever be recorded in Houston was -15c degrees in 1940

Lovely Liz

I have a lovely friend called Liz that I would like to mention in my blog.

Liz is the mum of one of my martial art students and I met her approximately fifteen or more years ago when she first brought her son Kris to my classes.

To cut a long story short, Liz is a smashing person full of love and kindness for humanity.

Amongst other things she is also a fantastic healer and my family and myself have often received one of her fabulous healing sessions when we've been feeling a little off colour.

I recently received an email from Liz asking me to review her current website and I have to say that I was mightily impressed with it.

I therefore feel the urge to include it within my blog as a way of promoting the valuable work that Liz does.

Have a look and see what you think.

P.S. Liz's husband Graeme is just a superb guy too and we've spent many a summers night just walking and talking.

www.lizgilmour.info