Background

Brief History

In the late sixties and early seventies, Bob Denny experimented with various styles in the Japanese arts including Shotokan, Shukukai, Judo and Aikido. He also trained in Tae Kwon Do, a Korean style now familiar to many students. During 1979 Bob became involved with WAKO kickboxing under instructor Howard Brown and achieved his sixth belt. Although he enjoyed the training, Bob wasn’t interested in fighting and preferred traditional techniques.

During the following years Bob trained with several different instructors who practised Wing Chun and its variations. He enjoyed learning this style and looked towards the Chinese arts. In 1986 he enrolled in a class run by instructor Rico Dokic, 3rd degree Lau Gar under Master Yau and found his niche. (Rico is now a well respected Lau Gar Guardian 6th degree). Bob trained enthusiastically, working his way through the grades and received tuition from Bernard Chung, Master Yau’s then chief instructor at the classes specifically for brown and black grades. Bob was awarded his black sash by Master Yau and the British Kung Fu Association in 1993.

Late 1993 Bob moved to Cornwall and was approached by existing Lau Gar instructor and ex world champion, Clive Parkinson to run his clubs in Cornwall. After six months at the request of a few of the students Bob decided to leave the British Kung Fu Association and train with the small group and his family. Gradually, other students who trained with Clive approached Bob again and he found himself with a martial arts club and needed advice on affiliation. Bob turned to ex Lau Gar instructor Alan Facer, with whom he had trained briefly and he affiliated the club to Freestyle Sport Karate Association (FSKA). President Alfie Lewis offered Bob his 1st dan Kickboxing qualification in 1995. Alan later moved to NAKMAS and Bob followed as they offered a better deal. They awarded Bob his 3rd degree in 1999.

Meanwhile further training had continued privately with an elderly gentleman instructor who had a wealth of knowledge learned from living in Hong Kong and who had retired to Cornwall. He had never been affiliated to an association or society, and the unique relationship was based on trust and respect. He wished to remain private and was happy for Bob to pass the knowledge on but did not wish to become involved with students or within the classes. Sadly he passed away a few years ago.

As Bob trained more and more in Wing Chun and Tai Chi, the association would only recognize gradings in Lau Gar which seemed unfair and weighed down with politics.
Many students wanted gradings in the other styles as well, so Bob declined NAKMAS’ offer of re-affiliation and joined the British Association of Chinese Arts which was the Chinese arm of the British National Martial Arts Association. President Mike Symonds agreed to endorse and copyright the Bac Loong Gar syllabus up to 6th degree. Consequently Sifu Bob became a master of his own style at 6th degree.

Bob had so much more weapons and empty hand forms and applications to offer above this, so 7th to 10th degree were formed, plus the San Shou Chinese Kickboxing into the Bac Loong Gar syllabus. These were forwarded to both BACA and BNMAA for checking and endorsing and were acknowledged within the system. Paul Griffin, President of the BNMAA awarded Bob his 7th degree Bac Loong Gar at an awards ceremony in Clacton in March 2004 and later 8th degree Wing Chun in 2010 before BNMAA was dissolved. After much consideration, Bob later joined the Chinese & Korean Traditional Arts organisation which has traditional values at it's heart, many of which no longer apply in todays world of MMA, but can still offer all the necessary benefits.

Sifu Bob still continues with his training, perfecting and covering weaknesses and learning from other martial arts styles when the opportunity arises. He is currently re-training in Tae Kwon Do under instructor Alan Hughes who joined us from Newquay GTI and has helped to analyse techniques for seminars. He earned his 8th degree in January 2010 having over 45 years experience. Rob Denny, 5th degree, Bob’s second son is a fully licensed instructor in his own right and he also trains with Alan. He keeps his training updated alongside Bob, is taught privately and he currently runs his own classes in Wadebridge and Falmouth. He has a brilliant analytical mind and was awarded his PGCE by Truro College to teach martial arts.

Bob with Paul Griffin, President of the BNMAA, receiving his 7th degree Bac Loong Gar award in 2004.

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