2022 Message from Hanshi Marc

As we finish up our training for another year, it’s time to reflect on the year that was and its positive outcomes for all of us. 2022, a year with no lockdowns, where we were able to return to full time training on the mats following two very challenging years. How good was it to get back to doing what we love!? 

As I sit to reflect on the last year, my main thought is how proud I am of everyone, students and instructors alike, who have been part of AAMA. Seeing how you have all grown as Martial Artists and how you have continued to improve. The dedication and effort that you all keep putting into your training, and your teaching, is what makes AAMA what it is! We’ll continue to support you and empower you to be the very best you can be!

2022 has been a busy year for AAMA, with several new students joining our programs and some past students returning to continue their training! It’s always great to see members return and continue their progress! It’s never too late to pick up where you left off.

Over the last year, some of us have worked hard toward grading for our next rank and we have all witnessed and supported our friends and training partners in their gradings and rank promotions as well! We couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s performance and achievement!

We saw our new Black Belts do an amazing end-of-year grading this month and after what seems like a very long time, we had the honour to award 5 of our most senior students with their Bushido and Ishoa Crosses.  

We really enjoyed organising an in-house tournament this year for our Kidz Karate and Zen Do Kai students – and it was great to see so many students stepping out of their comfort zone to participate in the tournament! It was a lot of fun for all who took part too! We hope to do more of this in the new year! 

It has also been great to get back to running training days for students in Filipino Martial Arts of Eskrima. AAMA with Doce Pares Australia also ran two Eskrima weekend training camps and instructor courses in 2022, with students coming from as far as Queensland to take part.

It was also an honour to be invited to deliver a Filipino Martial Arts seminar for BJMA in New Zealand this year, for a great group of students and very welcoming host club.

As you all know, 2022 marks my 30^th year of teaching martial arts (and 10^th year of All-Active Martial Arts’ operation from our current location)! It’s incredible just how time flies! It’s hard to believe it’s been that long! My early years of teaching are still so fresh in my mind that 30 years ago seems like only yesterday, so to speak!

Finally, it’s said that we should try to surround ourselves with only the best people – those that are positive and who will inspire us! I believe our group of Instructors are just that and we are all very lucky to have them with us at AAMA. I am confident that you will join us in our appreciation of their time, effort and commitment to our students’ best outcomes!

2023 will be the year to commit to your goals, no matter how big or small they may be!! Work hard to get what you want, by taking one step at a time, and giving yourself the opportunity to improve, and keep moving forward!!

Thank you all for making it a great 2022! Wishing you and your loved ones all a Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year!

~ Hanshi Marc