March Newsletter 2026


2nd SESMA Awards Evening

What a fantastic evening of fun, food, dancing and celebrating the achievements of our students and instructors.

Charlie Barden – Warrior Spirit
The Anderson Family – Distributer of Smiles
Prayag Gurung – Breaking Barriers
Jason Ashford – Relentless Warrior
Bethany Brooks & Megan Haystead – Guiding Senseis
Aaliya Bhogal , Miriam Moukdad, Rafaela Alide – Rising Leader Award
Emily Atkins, Elizabeth Spraggons, Tommy Haystead – Certifcate of Recognition
Ellie Speakman – Warriors Heart
Matthew Starling & Jessica Mills – Longevity Warrior
Ryan Lawday – Extra Mile
Lennon Downing – Sporting Achievement outside of SESMA
Sensei Tom – Pathmaker Award
Nicole Clancy – Student of the Year

1st Comp of the Year

1st competition of the year and the SESMA Team did amazingly.
The Future Champion Series is a small grass roots competition aimed primarily at those that have no to little experience in competitions.
Ideal for the SESMA student wanting to try a karate or kickboxing competition but really nervous about stepping on the mat.

7 students took part (3 Karate & 4 Kickboxing) 4 of which was their very first competition.

Sensei Jai and myself are so proud of the SESMA Team as are the rest of the instructors when they heard how well everyone did.

To the instructors, just stepping on to the mat is a Gold in our eyes. It takes great courage to enter a competition and to put your skills to the test. The medal round your neck is a bonus.

WELCOME TO THE SESMA FAMILY

A big welcome to the SESMA family our 21 new members during February.

We all at SESMA look forward to guiding you along your martial arts journey.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to one of the Team.

Keep an eye on your emails, you will receive a series of emails with details of our Members Area and MyTraining App.

Kata Friday 6th May

For students that are Red/Black Stripe and above, learn your new kata.

5pm Red/Black Stripe, Yellow & Orange Belts
6pm Green, 2nd Green Belts & Blue Belts
7pm 2nd Blue & Purple Belts
8pm Brown & Above

Also get your Red Tape for grading assessments
 
Each class has 2-3 instructors to help you get your kata its best, but remember you will still need to practice at home too.

Grading Dates

Kickboxing Gradings: Saturday 28th March 1pm & 3pm

Karate Gradings: Sunday 29th March from 9am

Assessments start Friday 6th March

with Assessments Catch Up Friday 20th March 

Next Beginner Belt Grading

We will be giving out invites to White &  all variations of Red Belts in March to attend their grading on:

          Saturday 21st March  1pm Kickboxing        Karate 2pm           

On the day of your grading, could you please:

🥋 Wear full martial arts outfit inc belt

🥋 £20 payment for your White to White/Red Stripe Belt Grading (pay on the day)

🥋 £20 payment for your  White/Red Stripe to Red Belt Grading (pay on the day)

🥋 £25 for Red to Red/Black Stripe Belt Grading (pay on the day)

🥋 £30 for Red/Black Stripe to Yellow Belt Grading (pay on the day)

🥋 Your grading invite

More Details Link

Sensei James Moss RIP

February Sensei James was laid to rest.

In November we lost one of our instructor team that runs a kickboxing club with Sensei Nicky in Ashdon.

Whilst teaching a 1-2-1 with a student who is preparing for his Black Belt, S’James collapsed.

Though the student was able to administer CPR, James unfortunately passed away. 

A great student who i taught from white belt to an awesome instructor.

Our thoughts to your family.

🥋 Exciting News for SESMA Martial Arts! 🤝

We’re proud to share that SESMA Martial Arts has officially joined the Rotary Club of Norwich.

As many of you know, SESMA has always been about more than just martial arts. Yes, we teach kicks, punches and self-defence — but we also spend a huge amount of time building confidence, supporting families, running anti-bullying sessions, and getting involved in local events and causes.

Giving back has always been part of who we are.

Joining Rotary doesn’t change that — it strengthens it.

The Rotary Club brings together people who genuinely care about making Norwich better. By becoming part of that network, SESMA can now connect with other local leaders, charities and organisations to support even more projects and reach even more people.

💙 What does this mean for our community?

  • More support for local charities and fundraising efforts
    • Greater involvement in youth initiatives and wellbeing projects
    • More opportunities to deliver confidence and anti-bullying workshops
    • Stronger partnerships with schools, families and local organisations
    • A bigger impact, together

We’re already passionate about serving our community — this step simply gives us a bigger platform and stronger partnerships to do even more.

At SESMA, we teach respect, perseverance and leadership on the mats every day. Now, through Rotary, we can take those same values further into the heart of Norwich.

Kids 1st Aid Course

Would your child know what to do in an emergency?

First aid training isn’t just for adults. Children aged 6–15 are more capable than we often realise — and when they’re taught properly, they can respond calmly and confidently in real-life situations.

Our Kids First Aid Course is designed to be practical, engaging and age-appropriate. We don’t scare children — we empower them.

They’ll learn:
✔️ How to stay calm in an emergency
✔️ How and when to call for help
✔️ Basic first aid for common injuries
✔️ What to do if someone is unconscious
✔️ Simple CPR awareness

Beyond the practical skills, something powerful happens…

Children grow in confidence.
They develop responsibility.
They begin to see themselves as capable and helpful.

Instead of feeling helpless, they feel prepared.

Places are limited to keep the sessions hands-on and interactive. If you’d like your child to gain skills that could one day make a real difference, message us for details or to reserve a space.

SESMA Studio, 8th April 9-11am £20 per child

Instructor Andy Anderson 1st Aid at Work Norfolk

Fire Walk

SESMA tries and help raise money for the Break Charity most years, twice SESMA has joined the GoGo Trails with the Dragon & T-Rex (see them upstairs at the studio).

This year Master Wayne will be doing a Fire Walk which is one of his Bucket List items.

MW will try and get it filmed for all to see, but you are well to come along to the event an toast some marshmallows on tis toes.

Break Charity:  No young person should feel alone. At Break, we support young people in, around and beyond care. Through fostering, homes, mentoring and wellbeing support. We help build confidence, create strong relationships, and will always be there with lifelong support and love. Put simply, we care differently.

The Forum, 19th March, 18:00 – 20:00

Competition Training Friday

Next competition training class will be on Friday 20th March

We plan to run the competition training class every 3rd Friday of the month.

If you are interested in competitions, then these classes are for you.

Open to all belts and abilities.

6pm Kata, Kihon (Basics) & Freestyle Weapons Kata     7pm Sparring (karate/kickboxing) & Freestanding Bag

Competition Dates

Open Comps

Sunday 22nd March Eastern Open Comp Sportpark UEA 9am Start 
Registration Open https://smoothcomp.com/en/event/28491

Sunday 24th May The Midlands Open Comp Details to come

Sunday 5th July The London Open Times and venue to be confirmed

—————————–

The Peterborough Series:
Sundays 29th March, 7th June, 8th November
Kettering Leisure Village, Turston Drive Kettering NN15 6PB

 

Sparring Pads

We have most pads in stock and now have matching Shin/Instep pads (inc an area to write student name)

We also have matching pad bags too which can be personlised with student name printed on.

Please speak to US before buying on Amazon as some pads are not compliant and can void your insurance/licence.
Plus it would be nice to support your club and not a business that you have no personal connection with.

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