SUMMER 2026 REVIEW
As autumn approaches autumn and the nights start drawing in, it’s an opportunity to look over the summer at what a busy few months we’ve had at our Academy.
Competitions offer our students the opportunity to test & compare their skills against others from clubs around the country and beyond.
May saw us take a team of competitors and officials to the International Course and Competitions in Southend. Our own Masters of Martial Arts Championships took place in Whalley in June and then we attended the British Ju Jitsu Association Governing Body (BJJAGB) National Championships in August. Notable successes were two new gold medal winning National Champions from our Blackburn Academy – Ben & Edwin.
Training is not only for the students who have taken advantage of our free nationals training sessions during the school holidays, but also our staff who attended the BJJAGB Referees & Officials Course in Walsall to keep their skills honed too.
Co-operation between martial arts clubs improves skill sharing, broadens training experiences and strengthens bonds, friendships and mutual respect.
After a visit by our students to Lowlands Ju Jitsu in Liverpool in June, Prof Kenny Blundell (10th dan) made the return journey to our Academy in July to host two thoroughly enjoyable training sessions for our students. Prof Blundell’s father, Soke James Blundell, founded the BJJAGB in 1956
It’s also been a testing time – literally.
Our Little Dragons were awarded their progress tabs in May & July by showing they can recall and remember their skills and drills.
We also completed our six-monthly grading of our adult students in May and July saw over 180 of junior students graded to their next belt with some outstanding performances.
We are also please to highlight black belt promotions for Alessio & Albert to cadet Black Belt, Faaris to senior 1st Dan, plus Ellis & Sam to 2nd Dan.
Hope also graded to 1st Dan black belt which is a remarkable achievement in the face of adversity. You can listen her amazing story below which was subject of a podcast called The Syrinx vs Ju Jitsu https://youtu.be/lfkuczrQFoE?si=iCXm58BuDf3O-Lge
Our world record attempt at the greatest number of Ju Jitsu throws by a group of students was verified & ratified at 8,025 throws.
All 87 students received a participation certificate with our Academy now proudly displaying our new World Record certificate at reception.
40th birthday celebrations were also held for Sensei Luke Robinson, who leads our Competition Training sessions every Monday. Unfortunately, we lost the coaching skills of Sensei Neil Traynor who has had to retire due to injury, but we gave him good send off in appreciation of all his efforts over the years.
Summer is always a challenge as students take the opportunity to go on holiday or visit relatives abroad. The introduction of our own Summer Challenge to our students has been massively popular. Collect a stamp on a card for every attendance this summer – and for every 6 stamps, get entered into a draw for a free bowling and pizza session. Students have ensured that they took advantage of the opportunity to do catch up sessions for any missed this summer. It’s a win win for all.
Our Little Dragon mascot was out and about during the Blackburn Pride festival and was the most popular character for selfies. Our students gave a demonstration at a fundraising event for Innayah Makda, a student of ours who was tragically swept to sea in Morocco at the start of the year.
We also hosted the Blackburn Childrens’ University students
for two sessions in August
& embraced the FIFA World Cup fever by giving away a World Cup football in a prize draw – well done Caleb!
Finally, the most momentous event of the last few months was the recognition of Sensei Peter Cheshire for his efforts over the last six years. Peter has been ever present, coaching at our Academy and at Accrington. He is both our Health & Safety and Anti-Doping Lead as well as a BJJAGB National Referee, qualified to adjudicate at the highest level.
For all his efforts, the BJJAGB awarded Peter his 6th dan black belt – an Amazing Achievement & Congratulations
to Sensei Cheshire from all of us here at Blackburn.
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