Posted on September 2, 2009 at 12:02 pm in News by Bob Breen
Over the years the Academy has become a Martial Arts institution, producing great champions, great fighters and brilliant instructors, however after forty years it’s time for a change. This is partially due to hugely rising costs and also because it’s time to do something different. I’ve decided to take the essence of the club and refocus on a smaller more elite group. We will be using Space sports centre, Falkirk st near the current club as a venue. This may be an interim venue and we’ll know about possible new premises as soon as we find something suitable.
On a personal note I also have lots of other martial arts based projects I’m keen to do and spending less time in the office and more time in the dojo will help those projects fly. I hope you’ll join me on this evolution, this quest. It’ll be fun.
We’ll have timetables of the new schedule soon. Beginners will still be welcome. The move takes place in October. We’re looking forwards to an exciting future.
Class times: We’re sorting out the timetable for the new place and will have one up very soon. i’ll of course still be doing our successful Instructor group and teaching a lot more seminars.
Moving again? Wishing you all the best. I keep checking on your website and I’ve watched your videos on YouTube.
I hope to be able next year to come over. I’m still considering the Academy as my London family.
Bye,
Fabrizio
Fabrizio
Yes it’s one big family isn’t it? Also it’s like the Mafia, difficult to leave. We’ve recently had lots of old boys come back after ten years away. Something in the wind obviously. Keep an eye on the website and youtube as we’ll be doing lots of stuff over the coming months. Glad your doing well. bob
Change is great it keeps everything moving ! I look forward to seeing you soon Bob.
your old friend Baz
Im sure where ever you are, you will always be able to inspire, educate and direct people in the best way to evolve their love of the arts.
Good luck Bob…..p.s is there a leaving booze up ?
Well bob. god the end is near I feel a song coming on. Bob I wish you well in all that you do. I know that this move will be good for you but also very good for us students. I would like to thank you for all your help over the years. And also trusting me to look after the Kids class
Thanks again
Your tea drinking budy
Alex
Alex, I’m looking forwards to the change but will miss the old building. In truth I wish we’d moved properly when we left the original Academy and bought our own place. Over the years I’ve loved drinking tea with you, training and exchanging martial arts knowledge. You’ve been an integral part of the Academy’s success over the years and the Kids class in particular has just blossomed under your guidance. The kids dominated all other instructors into submission including me. You set a wonderful tone for them and they’ve blossomed. I’ll miss you but I’m sure we’ll be in close contact on a weekly or monthly basis and I’ll see you at the instructor camps. Keep well. Much love. Bob
Big Dave. Yes I agree we’ll just be doing the same thing but under a different roof. Martial arts has always been my passion and it’ll just be easier to keep focused on that when I don’t have to concentrate on office stuff. Re the booze up we’ll probably go for a big drink at Zigrids opposite club on the last Thursday (maybe the thirtieth ) we’re at the Academy and I’ll put the details on the website. I hope you can make it. Shame it’s not the same date as my sixtieth birthday which is coming up soon as we could have a mega party. Still hope to see you there. Much love. Bob
Baz. Nice to have someone who understands about the change. Great to hear that you are doing well. Keep going strong. See you soon. Bob
Hi Bob.
As a place the Academy has meant so much to so many people but none more so than yourself and I really wish you all the best with the change. I’m sure that it will turn out to be the best thing both for you and the students and, as Baz mentioned, change is part of life and is healthy and positive; everything has to move on at some stage.
The Academy has enriched many lives over the years but what has always been the most special part is the spirit of the place, the commitment of everyone involved, the camaraderie, the personalities and of course the instruction, inspiration and guidance that you have provided. I know these things will still be there wherever you are teaching and so, while the place will certainly be sadly missed, the Academy is more than just a building and its spirit will always remain.
Thanks for everything that you’ve given those of us lucky enough to have been at the Academy over the years and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Tim.
Hi Bob
I wish you well with you proposed new venture. The academy – Both the ‘old & the new one… as Tim says has a lot of memories for us all.
We have had many a great time training and talking about the old days together…way back then….
But onward we must go
All the Best
Mike & Teresa Gray
Hey Bob
Good luck on the next chapter in the story, and congratulations on everything that you have done with the team at the Academy in Hoxton Square. You can be proud that so many people have been inspired by their experiences in that one venue…
That Breen magic will now have a new home. But the magic is also kept alive in the beating hearts of all your students and friends – the world over. Your spirit is too big to be contained in any one dojo – it reaches across time and space to guide and to draw from all who share your vision.
So, onwards – ever onwards. As Bob Breen would say: “if in doubt, advance!”
William
Any updates on the move? I’ve been looking to join.
Cheers
Paul
Bob
Good to hear you’re still up and running, enjoyed my time training with you in the early days.
Just because we’re reaching sixty doesn’t mean we have to stop…
Lester
Hey Bob,
Best of luck with the move! Thank you for all your kind words and support over the last 6 months especially!
Keep well
Steve (Fan)
ps I ve now a new titanium femur and knee to road test! (ouch!)
Steve, I always knew you were competitive but this is taking it to ridiculous lengths. You’re probably ahead of me now in titanium content or we must be about equal. Being totally uncompetitive myself I shall now look to see what other appendage or limb can be given the titanium treatment. It’s either the head (I’d look like a terminator) – or the groin! (wow!). Hope you’re recovering well. My thoughts are with you and I hope to see you soon. You’re an inspiration. Bob