Pontypridd Dojo Black Belt Xmas Meal
On December 13th 2011; Black belts of the Pontypridd Dojo gathered for a Xmas meal to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Dojo.  The meal at the Trattoria Italian restaurant in Talbot Green was fabulous.  As the wine flowed Shihan Alwyn and the other Black belts reminisced the “Good Old Days” with hilarious stories.  A good time was had by all with a promise to make it a regular annual outing (see the photos)!!

Shihan Alwyn in Sports Coach Final
Shihan Alwyn attended the Sports Council for Wales Sports Coach of the Year awards having being selected for the Final 4 in the Disability Coach Category recently.  Having gained the final four nominees amongst hundreds of nominations Shihan Alwyn unfortunately unable to gain the title against worthy and stiff opposition. Following a very nice meal at the Welsh institute of Sport, Shihan Alwyn was recognised for his work with SEN & disabled students and received a plaque and sports bag as a finalist but unfortunately was pipped at the post by an Athletics Coach from Cardiff.

In attendance were many dignitaries including the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, the Sports Cymru CEO and the Welsh Assembly Minister for Sports making this a very prestigious event.  Well done Shihan Alwyn!!

Darlene Foster Bronze Medallist in British Championships
Darlene Foster of the Pontypridd Dojo continues her success in the competition arena with a Bronze medal in the British Karate Federations All Styles British Championships first ever Special needs Category July 2011. 
 Following the decision to create a category for special needs, the BKF is following the Welsh Karate Governing Body Ltd example – she already holds 2 Welsh Titles in this category.   The European karate federation are now considering holding a similar category in their events.  Congratulations Darlene!