SENI 03
Article written by Sensei George 2nd Dan TY-GA

Seni was a great Success this year (2003), the venue was once again the Birmingham NEC. Sensei John Griffin and Sensei George Ioannou arrived on the friday to set up the stand and get ready for another hectic weekend where people rush to the TY-GA stand to hear the latest and greatest news of how Soke and TY-GA are leading the way.

This year TY-GA stood out more than ever with a larger stand and a more prominent position in the hall, we had all types of people visiting our stand and asking questions, from beginners through to Chief instructors of other systems. On the Saturday many people were asking as to when Soke was arriving and whether there would a be a demonstration, unfortunetly Soke could not be present on the Saturday as he was host to another visiting Soke from the U.S.

As we had already a booked slot for a 10 minute demonstration on the tatami mat, Sensei John and I felt that we should go and show what TY-GA stood for and things that we do in a club session (This was with higher grades and Soke's consent of course). We went through warm ups, basic techniques, kata, free spar and ipon. Although this was a very nerve racking, the demonstration was received well and people appreciated seeing the demonstration.

The following day Soke arrived and was instantly greeted by other people in the martial arts world, it was truly inspiring to see the amount of respect that others outside our system have for our Chief Instructor, and a real reminder of how lucky we are, and what a special honour it is for some of us to also have Soke as our weekly instructor as well as him being the Chief and Founder of TY-GA.

The demonstration, needless to say was an amazing success, the techniques fast sharper and more technical than any other demonstration at the SENI. Soke showed a unique ability to throw techniques with just a very quick warm up (Soke's only warm up was front splits). In true TY-GA tradition Soke demonstrated powerful multiple kicking and also sparing which included solo spars and also a 3 on one spar against the 4th and 5th Dans present (Sensei Mark Murphy 5th Dan, Sensei Tony Leslie 5th Dan, Sensei John Graham 4th Dan).

Soke also showed skillful and realistic Ipon techniques which included scenarios against knife and gun attacks. TY-GA Demonstrations on both days used a real live 8 inch blade and a ball bearing hand gun, that is the difference in TY-GA, our techniques work, and we aren't afraid to use live equipment as there is a total faith in what soke teaches, what we do and how effective it is! In addition TY-GA is known for instant spontaneous demonstrations, our demonstrations have never been nor will ever be pre rehearsed or choreographed. People/spectators respected that fact and were truly and sincerely amazed.

After the demonstration, spectators came to the stand where Soke was handing out personalised and autographed photos of himself. This again had a huge response. Finally to end the day, Soke was asked to give a press conference in the Theatre, where he answered any questions anyone had.

This once again was a weekend where TY-GA showed it's power, skill, technique and success above all others.

I finish with one last point, that at next year's SENI, TY-GA will succeed again with a better stand, a better demonstration and more success as we do every year. With Soke we can guarantee one thing, and that is TY-GA only gets better, Soke leads the way to better and better things!
Soke speaking at the press conference

Soke with Sensei Tony Leslie 5th Dan and Sensei Mark Murphy 5th Dan


Soke with Sensei John Graham 4th Dan


Video Clips to come soon!