Grandmaster Penn inducted into martial arts hall of fame

Wed, Nov 12th 2014, 11:41 PM

Grandmaster Alex Penn is now a member of the International Four Winds Martial Arts Association hall of fame.
Last weekend, Penn was inducted into the hall and given the Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award, which is a symbol of a life-long dedication to martial arts in The Bahamas, during the association's Battle of The Bahamas tournament in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Grandmaster Penn has been fighting and teaching for more than 20 years, and has helped more than 30 students earn their black belts in kung fu.
"I am very happy and content with the induction; it helps to know that somebody remembers all that you have done," said Penn. " I haven't competed in a long time, so it's good to see that people take notice of all the work that I have done throughout the country.
"Grandmaster Kenneth P. Lewis and Grandmaster Robert Cutrell are the ones that issue these certificates out, and I must give them thanks for all of the hospitality shown while I was in Freeport. I enjoyed every minute of it."
The veteran martial artist works with several of the martial arts academies around the island, but noted that he has not been impressed with the up and coming fighters.
"Martial arts has changed a lot over the years, and now your expectations for students are not their expectations," he said. "The sport has been watered down to a very low standard, so the best in today's time would be just average in our time.
"What I had to do to get my black belt, most of these kids wouldn't live through it. A lot of it has to do with a lack of discipline, and I do not blame the students because it starts with the teachers."
Penn said that in the new year he will increase his efforts to help promote mixed martial arts in the country, by reaching out to more students and instructors. He will also be assisting Grandmaster Frank Adderley, who will be starting up his own school for kung fu and other disciplines.
"We will be looking to govern the sport in The Bahamas," he said. "I cannot really go too deep into it as yet, but it is confirmed that he is going to put some things together next year.
"Some instructors teach these disciplines, but have never competed in a match in their lives. They are almost giving out black belts now. It has to come to an end, and although some instructors might not like it, we have to preserve the reputation of kung fu in The Bahamas."
During his career, Grandmaster Penn has won more than 100 kickboxing matches, and has received the Gold Lifetime Achievement award as well.

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