Although I'm not going to be around to see it, I thought I'd better mention that the eighth Sunderland International Martial Arts Festival will be held at Seaburn Leisure Centre, Tyne and Wear on 26th April. The event is aimed at raising funds for Cancer Research UK. Doors are from 10.15am to 4pm, tickets available from Seaburn Leisure Centre (£4.50 for adults and £3.50 for under-14s and senior citizens).
Organised by Peter Seth Sensei of the University of Sunderland Aikido Club, former participants have included senior grades and experts in various arts as well as national, international and world champions. Danny Ho from Sky TV's fight school and Chen Style Master Ma Boa Guo have demonstrated at previous events.
As well as a variety of different martial arts, highlights this year should include a lion dance performed by members of the Moi Fa Martial Arts Academy and a screening of amateur martial arts film "Land of The Kami".
If you're in the area and have some free time, it's all good fun and in a good cause and a great chance to see a variety of martial arts.
