Grandmaster shows moves

Martial arts enthusiasts and karate kids alike had the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from one of the best in the field last week.

In his tour of Australia, Senior Grandmaster Ron Lew visited Broome and held workshops last Friday in the close combat style of Cacoy Doce Pares, a style of Fili-ppino martial art that uses sticks.

Participants of all ages learned several striking and blocking techniques, as well as how to disarm and take down their opponent.

Lew said it was his first venture to Broome, after visiting Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane during his tour.

“I absolutely loved it here in Broome and I have never been so fascinated by a town that has 6000 people and no signal lights,” he said.

“I think the participation in the workshops were very focused and everyone picked it up very well, so it was great to see.

“I’ve been very fortunate to come to Broome and the hospitality has been fantastic — great people, great food, great beaches.

“I can’t believe this is your winter — this is our summer back in California.”

Workshop organiser and local instructor Bianca Hellberg said she wanted to have the same person who had become a mentor and friend to her come to Broome and teach the younger generation and fellow martial artists.

“Ron became a mentor and friend of mine in 2014 when I met him during competing in my first World Championships in the Philippines,” she said.

“The seminar in Broome had the biggest turnout of the tour and I am glad he was impressed by the enthusiastic group of people that came along to the workshops.”