| He Came, He Saw, He Conquered, But All In The Name Of A Good Cause! On Saturday 16th Dec, saw Master Instructor Richard Vince 6th Dan of The Black Belt Academy, achieved a new World Record by fighting 30 opponents in Ipswich, cycling 50 miles to Norwich and then fighting 30 fresh opponents outside the Forum, all done in 7 hours 28 minutes and 45 seconds.
Richard (45 years old) from Harleston in Norfolk completed this event to raise awareness (and cash) for EACH children’s hospices in Quidenham and Ipswich. The main sponsor for the event was www.neverbbullied.com and they provided all the equipment required on the day.
The day went brilliantly with 30 opponents waiting for Richard and raring to go at 8.30AM in Ipswich. Despite looking tired after just 3 bouts, Vince soon got into his stride and, to allow keen opponents to have a turn, actually completed 33 bouts.
The weather was beautiful with warm sunshine which allowed Vince and his cycling companion Danny Coleman, to cover the 50 miles from Ipswich to Norwich in a little under 4 hours.
They then joined a procession of Black Belt Academy students and supporters who, along with Chinese Lion Dancers from Hung Sing Martial Arts School paraded from Tesco Metro, along Gentleman’s Walk before making their way to The Forum where a crowd of around 200 people were waiting. | Vince proceeded to change attire before taking on another 30 opponents for one minute each. Although clearly fatigued Vince completed the task within the allotted time of 7.5 hours. His opponents were from The Black Belt Academy on Bull Close, The Pursuit of Excellence Centre on Hall Road and The Kickstop on Wiffler Road.
Vince said, at the end of the event, that he was very grateful to everyone that had taken part and helped organise the event. Especially to those who bid for fighting slots or who made donations to the cause.
Although he was a little disappointed that more Martial Arts schools had not made the effort to contribute, he was extremely grateful to Martin Lamb and his students and to the Hung Sing Martial Arts School Lion Dancers for taking the time and trouble to support their fellow Martial Artists.
Anyone who would still like to contribute to the cause can donate money by visiting one of the Black Belt Academy venues in Norwich, either no 9 Bull Close, (near Anglia Square) or Unit 5 White Lodge Business Estate, (on Hall Road) and in Ipswich by visiting Mick Blackwell’s Academy Dunlop Road, Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate.
Alternatively donations can be made on the charities web site at www.each.org.uk |
