FOLLOWING THE TREK

What's next after a 15 mile Trek?

By Mark Baker

Senior PR Officer to BFKKO/WFKKO

I visited the Falcon Gym the day after 18 of their members had undertaken a gruelling 15 mile Trek around the Peak District.

I called on the Sunday just after 2pm. I honestly expected there to be hardly anyone training. I thought there would be a great feeling of "We did our bit yesterday, so we don't have to do anything today." How wrong I was!

The first thing I noticed was that Glyn Smith, (Trek organiser) was at the front of the class, instructing with all his usual passion, desire and vigour. Fair play Glyn. That's the way to do it, always leading by example!

I spotted a good number of guys training who had completed the Trek on the previous day. I was impressed to see such dedication from certain members of the gym. 

There did appear to be a few aches and pains, which is not surprising in the slightest. I also have to admit that some of the Trekkers were actually getting through the lesson with smiles on their faces (how dare they?).

While I was at the gym I observed Glyn explaining the virtues of Trekking 15 miles around the Peak District and feeling the benefits of such a hike!

Jordan "The Sheepdog" Waring, was training with his usual exuberance.

Martin "The Smiler" Wheatley, getting through the lesson, with his usual chirpiness.

Luke "The Thinker" Farmer, contemplating his way around the ring. 

At one point I wasn't sure if Luke was thinking or sleeping. I wouldn't have blamed him if it had been the latter!

These guys did a great job on the Trek. Then they came straight back to training the next day. They are all great guys, with a passion, dedication and desire to succeed, that can only be admired by many. And comprehended by a few, VERY FEW.

These guys epitomise the true Falcon Spirit.

I for one, take my hat off to them all. Well done guys. You all deserve everything you are working so hard to achieve.

I look forward to the next time I take on a challenge alongside you. 

Massive Efforts but not out of Falcons reach!

By Mark Baker BFKKO PR Department.

On Saturday, January 7 a team of Martial Artists and family friends from the Falcon Fight Academy at Dinnington, took part in a sponsored Trek to raise funds for much needed new equipment. 


The day was very well organised and supervised by the experienced Trekker, Glyn Smith. There was a support vehicle and numerous first aid trained people on the walk. The Trek set off from Ladybower reservoir and took in some fantastic scenery. 


There were a total of 18 Trekkers taking part. The youngest of these amazingly, was 11 year old Emily! There were a wide range of fitness levels shown by everyone who took part. The first section was very intense and extremely difficult to complete, as it was virtually straight up! 

There was one person who wanted to quit at the top of this level, but after taking on glucose and sugars, he managed to carry on with some great support from the rest of the team to see him through to the end. True Falcon spirit there for all to see. 


The weather helped the Trekkers by staying dry. The guys were hindered however, by very strong winds. 


The guys took a short break half way around to have a much deserved lunch. 

It was then onwards and upwards to the end of the Trek. The spirit shown by everyone on the trek was amazing. These are a truly motivational group of friends and colleagues. 


After an intense seven and a half hours, the job was done and all the dedicated Falcons were home safe and sound. 


I have to admit that I was the guy who wanted to quit at the top of the first section. It was my birthday, I had broken one of my toes on Christmas day and I thought I was going to die at the top of that section. With great help and support from the Falcons; Glyn, Luke, Alex, Billy and Tom, plus many others, I managed to get through the stress of it all and make the end of the Trek. 


I have never seen such dedication and determination from so many people. Cris Janson-Piers who own the Falcon Fight Academy said, " I am so proud of each and every one of them. They are all genuine Falcons!" 


Kerry who is the chief instructor at the academy, completed the Trek along with everyone else and said, "Everyone struggled with that first section, no matter how well they hid it. It was a good day and plenty of people had fun doing this." 


Cris added that "There were some people who couldn't manage to make the Trek today, who will be doing something else to help raise funds in the near future. This is so they don't feel as though they have let anyone down by not being here today. That is the Falcon spirit coming through." 


Eleven year old Emily said " That was really hard work." 


It was a hard day for me, but the sense of achievement at the end was unbelievable. 


Once all the money has been collected, the amount raised, should be well up the hill towards a thousand pounds. Well done to everyone who took part. You all did excellent.