Master Andrew Sofos new year message

This year is a special year, as it is the Academies 25th  Birthday the Silver Jubilee of wing chun training and teachings. I dedicate the year to the Sifu`s who have been consistent and loyal to SAS Martial Arts and me for many years.

Sifu Alex and Sifu Mark Green (Tai Chi) will be accompanied by Sifu`s Anthony, Marc & Rony, 5 sifu within one academy is a rare treat for all students. New Senior Instructors Kareem, Michael J, Lola, and Lucy have also been promoted, new promotions to instructors Kholil, Michael S and Suffiyah who have worked hard in improving the quality of juniors and children classes and our school contracts. So we start the year with a great sense of enthusiasm and optimism.

 In 25 years of teachings I have encountered two other recessions and survived, students tell me of their hardship and commitment to train with SAS, but find less time to train due to longer hours of work or no work at all. This is a testing time for all. But all martial artists perform better when their backs are against the wall, I believe with the warrior mind and attitude, one will prevail.

2010 witnessed SAS providing many exciting events, here are some

1. joint venture with Goshin Jujitsu to teach classes and provide a seminar in floor fighting and take-downs, and teach the early stage security courses.

2. Free revised seminars of wing chun were offered and we managed to improve the passing rate of grading examinations.

3. A new timetable concept to allow more training days for members for the same monthly price.

4. Yearly membership was slashed by 50% for adults, and prices were kept the same (in some cases cheaper)

5. Instructor training/meeting days with first aid and health and safety.

6. Our SAS awards day and volunteering recognition to over 45 persons involved in our teachings.

 7. A new website with social media access to our academy, improved customer services (we were awarded the certificate of minimal standards)

8. New holistic classes of Chi Kung and Yoga were added.

9. New improved children and junior timetable and prices now including street dance.

10. We enjoyed a weekend training trip to Wales with 32 young people, rock climbing, canoeing, orienteering, and river walking /swimming, and much fun, we plan an adult trip in 2011

This year promises so much with senior 8^th Rank grading in the spring, 5^th Rank close behind with 6^thRank in the summer. Summer also may be the opportunity to move the studio to a new location as 12 years in Gospel Oak may come to an end?

A new social enterprise company by SAS is been formed, so we can provide more community based learning via the martial arts, bring families together in sport and improve on life skills and life safety.

Our after school projects will have a new theme, our bids and applications for new contracts from local government, will now be commissioned by central government under the “Big society agenda” and we are planning to add a new branch at the Cypriot community centre Wood Green. Our Southgate branch after 10 years of service is the strongest it has ever been. A new branch of SAS in Wood Green starting on 22nd January 2011.

I want to use the power of the martial arts and their ethos to bestow respect, integrity and honor to the new generation of students. 2011 can only get better for many and also for SAS and i am already relishing the challenges ahead.

 May I thank you for your positive energy and look forward to your renewed enthusiasm and commitment.

Positive energy and good health to you all.