Laurence Sandum promoted to 1^st Degree Sambo

Laurence from the Fitness Academy Chelmsford passed his Technical 1^st Degree Black Belt at the Warriors Grappling Academy in Sittingbourne. The examination was set by the British CombatSombo Association which is recognised by the Governing Body the British Sambo Federation. Lawrence has been involved in Sambo for over 15 years as a competitor and a Coach, for the last 2 years he has been travelling 100 miles sometimes twice a week to have have private lessons with British Sambo Federation National Coach John Clarke. Laurence is no stranger to Martial Arts having worked all his life in Martial Arts eventually opening the very successful Fitness Academy  Chelmsford he know that hard work, dedication and high standards are the only way to obtain a Black Belt. He holds multiple Black belts in many Martial Arts

Yet I have heard recently of a gentleman who takes a raw beginner with no Martial Arts experience and guaranties them a Black Belt 1^st Dan in a weekend? As I have always said that a person Black Belt (Dan/Degree) is only as good as his examiner and the organisation they are with, thankfully in Judo the standard amongst the various organisations is very similar as for Sambo it only has one governing body so no problems. Another snippet I heard recently one organisation has told its Dan Grades, that if the have a Black Belt in one Martial Art they can grade in any Martial Art. Can you imagine a 1^st Dan Karate awarding grades in Judo or Kendo but a clever way of making money?

It seems the only guide too many people in becoming a Black Belt is not about standard but how much money you can make or how much you are prepared to have the grade GIVEN to you