Issue 22 - Professional Unification of Martial Arts

PLANET P.U.M.A.
and face for free sparring. This is a lot heavier than previous groups, with the higher grades having more
to prove and the standard is very high. I look across to watch Mr. Tettmar and Mr. Dowding who spar each
other like they are not friends, with such determination on their faces. After a couple of rounds it is time
for two against one sparring, with all the candidates really being put through their paces. Soon it is time to
finish sparring, and the equipment is removed.
Then it is time for the power tests, one technique only against a pad or board for the ladies. All the ladies
choose the pads except Mrs. Bedborough and Miss Dowse who strike the board with speed, power and
accuracy. The men step up one after another, striking two boards. No-one has broken yet, and the panel
watch as each student takes their turn. Mr. Dowding takes the floor, and he elects to use dollyo chagi. The
determination on his face shows as he powers through the boards with ease, the kick being the first break
of the group. This is followed by questions at the top table. The panel asks questions one after another.
They take a lot of time with Mr. Dowding and Mr. Tettmar, as they are the most senior grade
candidates today. At the end of the grading Master Gayle commends the entire group on their standard.
The time is approaching for the Spirit Test. The candidates all gather outside for this very gruelling test, I
would love to tell you about what they did and how hard it was, but we at P.U.M.A. have decided this is
the Holy Grail. All the Black Belts reading this
already know what happens; all the coloured
belts will have to train hard to get to their
gradings so they can experience it for
themselves.
So let’s go back to the beginning, the question
was how the gradings from 1983 to 2010 compare.
The way I see it is the reason we have such
a very high standard in P.U.M.A. is how very
hard our Black Belt gradings have become. Our
Black Belts are much fitter and better prepared
than before. If you take a Black Belt grading but
don’t succeed at first, keep training. I know
Black Belts that have failed and the next time
they come back much better prepared and more
determined to pass. I look forward to seeing
those of you grading when I eventually take that
step and go for my next grade. I last graded in
June 1987.
Mr Bullough, ready to train!
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