History
S.E.S.K.U. ACADEMY was formed in February 2006 at St Mary's Hall South Elmsall. By local volunteer coaches with Boxing and Martial Arts experience. The Academy was run on donations for six months; the equipment was very basic and worn. During this period the Academy had attracted over 100 members. In late July 2006 the coaches decided to make the Academy a recognised organisation. On Wednesday August 2nd 2006 the Academy formerly constituted meaning it was recognised within the community as an official organisation. Since August 2006 The Academy has continued to grow and teach people self confidence, discipline, respect and self control.
In November 2006 after 12 months of training at SIMTA and grading under the expert tuition of Master Sken, senior Instructor Adam Redfern was awarded World Wide Instructor status, a significant achievement for the Academy as Master Sken is respected within the Martial Arts and regarded as one of the finest Martial Artists of all time. PRESENTATION 2006 (published Hemsworth & South Elmsall Express) The Academy held its end of the year open night presentation on Wednesday 20th December at ST Mary's Hall. The night was a great success with 12 trainees being granted awards for their progress over the past 12 months. Adults trainer of the year was Mathew Winter age 28 who was presented with a Thai boxing trophy and a pair of boxing gloves. Junior trainee of the year was Nicky Purchon age 9 was also presented with a Thai boxing trophy and a pair of boxing gloves. Scott Lockwood age 16 was best improved boxer 2006 and was presented with a trophy. The academy has been a growing success over the past year. With plans to increase the number of sessions to 3 times a week. Senior training Instructors Adam Redfern and Lee Davis presented the trophies along with Father Paul Witts. There were also fun and games and everyone was presented with an end of the year 2006 medal. The academy was officially formed at the beginning of August 2006 and has never looked back since with a growing membership. The Academy plans to open an extra session a week next year to develop its trainees further. Senior training Instructor Adam Redfern said "Its been a long road and not an easy ride as we had very basic equipment for the first 10 months, but everyone stood by me as a trainer. This kept me driving the Academy forward and inspired me to achieve my goal this year which was to gain my International Instructor Qualification. So I guess I owe a lot to my trainees for keeping faith in me. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the rest of the training staff that have given their time to help the junior trainees progress within the Academy over the past 12 months. I would also like to thank Father Paul and all the church council for their support in what we are achieving. The Academy would also like to thank R.H. Fullwood & Co LTD for their interest and support. Junior trainer Rob Wain 16 also added, The Academy has made great progress over the last 12 months. I truly believe we are heading in the right direction now. And seeing the kids getting better gives me great satisfaction. Senior training instructor Lee Davis commented over the past 12 months the youngsters have progressed to a good technical standard which as an Instructor gives me a great feeling that we have helped them along to a healthy lifestyle and given them something to be proud of. Adam Redfern also said we are in the process of designing a club kit to give the Academy better recognition. This also creates a feeling of being part of a team. We would also like to thank the support within the community. Lee Davis added why not challenge yourself in the New Year by learning self defence, whilst improving fitness and well being and confidence. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome new members to the Academy in the New Year.
In January 2007 the Academy launched a club kit to give more recognition and the Tiger Emblem is now recognised as S.E.S.K.U. Academy logo. The logo design was done by Academy member Steven Hewitt. In March of 2009 with the opening of the new Academy Steven became an Instructor.
In March 2007 the Academy developed 5 ABA Boxing assistant coaches; this again was a significant step for the Academy providing a more qualified team of Coaches. Rob Wain and James McDermott aged 16 pictured training prior to gaining ABA assistant coach Accreditation.
The December 2007 Academy Presentation was presented by MBE Jeff Johnson with a display of great balance and techniques from Instructor Adam Redfern and Chandler Burns who had been training with Adam for 18 months. It was also a great community event with over 200 people present. It was a night where Chandler was awarded Young Trainee of the Year 2007 and Jamie Brand was awarded most improved technique. Briony Barthorpe was awarded best female trainee 2007. With Scott Lockwood achieving best Adult boxer and Pawel Saweriski presented best Adult trainee of the year 2007. Adam Redfern pictured with Chandler Burns (right) and Jamie Brand (left) in 2007 - Chandler was elected onto Youth Parliament and represented the Wakefield district.
Published Date: 26 February 2009
About £30,000 of fundraising and grant money has been ploughed into upgrading the building, which now has a reception, changing rooms, toilets and a main hall for sporting activities.
A boxing ring is due to be installed soon and Coun Redfern's boxing academy, SESKU, will move from its current location at St Mary's Church, South Elmsall, to the chapel.
Coun Redfern, 32, of Hebble Way, South Elmsall, said: "The facility is due to open in the next few weeks. We deserve facilities that are as good as anywhere else in the country.
I'd like to thank volunteers who gave up their time to get the building in a usable state.
"I've struck up a good relationship with the town council over the past 14 months. They have been very supportive and it has made me want to give something back to the community which is why I've become a councillor."
Coun Redfern is keen to help community groups who want to apply for funding. For more information, call him on 07783 986602.
GETTING IN SHAPE: Coun Adam Redfern in what will be the training hall when the old Northfield chapel in South Kirkby becomes a sports facility.In December of 2008 work began on the old Northfield chapel converting it into what is now the new Academy. The work was carried out over 3 months by volunteers in spare time, the academy opened March 2009.