University Open Day Holds Eastern Promise
14 February 2011
Martial arts demonstration at the University of Derby Buxton.
As well as a personal celebration for me the day was also a celebration of the University's link with WMAC and our continued strength and expertise in martial arts coaching
”University of Derby Buxton Martial Arts Programme Leader, Charles Spring.
Members of the WMAC join Charles Spring (end, right) receiving his Fellowship.
The University of Derby Buxton hosted an open day with a difference on Saturday 5 February, when a delegation from the government of Thailand joined prospective students to watch live martial arts demonstrations.
Thailand's Minister of Culture, Master Krin, and Deputy Minister of Sport, Mr Montri, visited the University's Buxton Campus after its recent selection as a World Martial Arts Council (WMAC) Centre of Excellence.
To showcase this relationship, martial arts experts Muay Thai Boxing World Champion, Lee Green, and Sensei Dave Ansell gave live demonstrations of Muay Thai (a form of kickboxing) and Iaido (the Japanese Art of drawing the sword).
Around 50 members of the World Martial Arts Council attended the open day to hear about the elite coaching courses and qualifications that the WMAC have developed with academics at the University specifically for martial arts coaches. This includes a Certificate, Diploma and Masters degree (MSc) in Sports Coaching.
The President of the WMAC, Alan Foster, said: "The members of the WMAC enjoyed the day and we thank for the University for its hospitality. We have had a fantastic response from our members who are signing up for these new courses on a daily basis."
During the event, University of Derby Buxton Programme Leader, Charles Spring, was also presented with a prestigious Fellowship of the World Martial Arts Council's International Guild of Masters.
Charles said: "As well as a personal celebration for me the day was also a celebration of the University's link with WMAC and our continued strength and expertise in martial arts coaching."
Working with the University's academics, WMAC developed the programmes in Sports Coaching specifically for martial arts coaches. These are online distance learning programmes which can be studied part time from the UK and overseas.
For mor information and to register with World Martial Arts Council visit www.worldmacalliance.com .
Find out more about University of Derby Buxton sports programmes.
For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988, or email j.colburn@derby.ac.uk
