Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1011650
29 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 AUGUST 2018 SPORTS SELF-DEFENCE A busy year for the Malta Self-Defence Academy 2018 was a very fruitful and busy year for the Malta Self- Defence Academy, who spe- cialises in Mon Lung Dragon style Kung fu and Self-De- fence classes. Earlier this year, the Acad- emy managed to pass a rig- orous enrolment process which enabled it to join the World Traditional Kung fu Federation. Malta Self- Defence Academy is now an active member within the European arm of this federa- tion, the European Kung Fu Federation. This enables its members to participate in and benefit from a number of martial arts events held dur- ing the year. Locally, in March the Acad- emy also managed to be ac- cepted with the ranks of Sport Malta. A very proud moment for the club and all its members to be officially part of the local Sport com- munity with this enrolment. Last month, a number of students participated in the bi-annual grading examina- tions held at the club prem- ises in Fleur-de-Lys. These examinations were held under the guidance of Sifu Mark Spiteri whereby the students had the opportunity to display a series of differ- ent techniques ranging from a number of blocks, hand strikes and kicks. Students also demonstrated a series of choreographed fighting movements called taolu as well as a range of realistic applications of these tech- niques in Self-Defence sce- narios against a series of opponents. These included defences against kicks, hand strikes, holds and weapon at- tacks. Following the grading ex- aminations, the successful students were presented with their grading certificate and sashes during an awards cer- emony. Sifu Mark had words of praise for all students and thanked everyone for their dedication and hard work during the year. List of students who were successful in their examination are: Yellow sash: Jonathan Borg, Samantha Camilleri, Julia Laine, Hugo Borg Plotnikov, Jean Borg Plotnikov, Shay- enne Bonello, Shayenne Bonnici, Lara Laudi, Mauro Montebello Orange sash: Jaden Spiteri, Evan Gauci, Kyle Tabone- Betts, Dominic Camilleri, Lara Tabone-Jacono Green sash: Nicole Spiteri, Liam Fenech Purple sash: Noel Galea, Yanik Galea The Malta Self-Defence Academy is now welcoming new students who wish to join its Kung fu classes. Classes are available for all ages (kids and adults). Anyone in- terested, can contact the club either on info@maltaself- defenceacademy.com or on 99841134. Alternatively, one can visit the club's Facebook page facebook.com/selfde- fencemalta