Community

Three Pembrokeshire karate students achieve their Black Belts

Published

3 years ago

August 12, 2023

THREE students of karate who have been studying the martial art at Wado Ryu Karate Dojo Pembroke Dock have recently been awarded their black belts. This is not only a symbol of significant achievement and skill but, it also represents the deeper values and philosophies of the martial art. It’s a testament to an individual’s commitment, both physically and mentally, to the craft and the community.

The three achievers are:

Nadja Vonhoff:
Nadja embarked on her Karate journey at a young age. Currently a member of Henry Tudor, she is soon set to transition to Swansea University, where she will pursue a degree in Psychology. In addition to Karate, Nadja has a keen interest in travel and literature. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Dylan Rowles:
Dylan picked up Karate again after his return from Dubai. He initially began his training with Pembroke Dock Karate when he was just nine years old. A student at Haverfordwest High VC, Dylan’s other passions include rugby and the gym.

Leo Richards:
Enrolled at Henry Tudor, Leo’s introduction to Karate began at the tender age of seven. Much like Dylan, Leo’s hobbies include rugby and working out at the gym.

This past year was challenging for all the students. With school examinations looming, they also had to prepare for their Black Belt syllabus. Their unwavering discipline, commitment, and the willingness to put in extra hours at various times of the day ensured they reached their goal.

Congratulations to each of them on this remarkable achievement. The Black Belt Grading is surely an event they will cherish and remember.

Achieving a black belt in karate symbolises a profound level of proficiency and understanding of the martial art. Here’s a description of what it means and the skill level involved:

Achieving a Black Belt in Karate:

A black belt is not merely a rank, but a reflection of the dedication, discipline, and time an individual has invested in mastering the art of karate. It represents a comprehensive understanding of techniques, forms, and the philosophy behind them.

Technical Proficiency: Achieving a black belt requires a practitioner to demonstrate superior technical skills. This includes mastering a wide range of stances, strikes, kicks, punches, blocks, and evasive maneuvers. The execution of these techniques requires precision, speed, and power.
Kata Mastery: Kata are choreographed patterns or sequences that combine various techniques. A black belt holder will have learned and be able to perform multiple kata with fluidity, demonstrating both form and function.
Sparring Ability: Beyond just techniques, a black belt should be adept at kumite (sparring). This tests the ability to apply techniques in real-time against an opponent, showcasing defensive and offensive strategies, as well as adaptability.
Physical Fitness: The journey to a black belt demands physical endurance, strength, flexibility, and agility. A practitioner should be in top physical condition, reflecting the rigorous training they’ve undergone.
Mental Fortitude: Karate is as much a mental discipline as a physical one. A black belt indicates that the individual possesses qualities such as patience, perseverance, discipline, and respect. They are also expected to embody the philosophical tenets of karate in their daily life, which include courtesy, integrity, and humility.
Continuous Learning: Achieving a black belt doesn’t mean the end of one’s learning journey. In many traditions, it’s often said that earning a black belt is just the beginning, marking a transition from intermediate to advanced learning. There are typically several degrees or dans of black belts, with each successive level indicating further mastery and understanding.
Teaching Ability: Many systems expect their black belt practitioners to be able to impart knowledge to lower-ranked students, guiding them through techniques, forms, and the foundational principles of karate.

Community

Milford Haven mourns loss of ‘legend’ Muci Power

Published

6 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Tributes pour in for former Lord Kitchener landlord

TRIBUTES have flooded in from across Milford Haven following the death of Alan Edward Thomas “Muci” Power, remembered as a “true legend” and one of the town’s best-known characters.

Mr Power, affectionately known as Muci, passed away suddenly but peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Sunday, May 10, aged 79.

Best known to many as the former landlord of the Lord Kitchener public house in Milford Haven — affectionately known as “The Kitch” — Muci became a familiar and much-loved figure in the town, known for his humour, friendship and larger-than-life personality.

The devoted husband of Meryl, father, grandfather and great-grandfather leaves behind a family at the centre of Milford life, while countless friends have spoken of the memories they shared with him over many years.

The Royal British Legion paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace, Muci. You will be dearly missed by us all here at the Royal British Legion. Thank you for the memories and your presence in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones during this difficult time.”

Hundreds of tributes have also been posted online, with many describing Muci as a “Milford legend” whose passing marks the end of an era.

Friends remembered good times at The Kitch, where Muci was at the heart of local life for many years.

Ryan Hackett wrote: “Will have a T.A.C. for you mate on Tuesday. Will miss you Matey. Another Milford legend gone.”

Simon Jenkins said: “Muci was one in a million, a true legend. Milford has lost a true gent.”

Many spoke of his warmth and generosity, with Nigel Hackett thanking him for “being there when I needed someone.”

Muci was the devoted husband of Meryl, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Karl and Claire, and Hayley and Roy, proud grandfather of Morgan, Sam, Caitlin and Jay, and adored great-grandfather of Amalie.

His funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Tuesday, May 26, at 11:30am.

For those wishing to pay their respects, the hearse will leave the Lord Kitchener, Charles Street, Milford Haven, at 10:40am.

Immediate family flowers only.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, SA73 2AN. Tel: 01646 693180.

Community

Cardigan family’s urgent appeal after father suffers devastating stroke

Published

17 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Former pilot left unable to speak or swallow after collapsing while mowing lawn

A CARDIGAN family has launched an urgent appeal for help after a 72-year-old father suffered a massive stroke while mowing his garden, leaving him unable to speak, swallow or move the right side of his body.

Les Bell collapsed on Monday, May 11, after suffering what doctors described as an intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) – a serious form of haemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.

His daughter, Jessica Grieve, said the bleed was extensive and that her father remains in a critical condition on an acute stroke ward.

The former pilot, who now works as a flight training consultant at Gatwick Airport, is currently being fed through a tube and can only communicate through eye contact, small nods and grunts.

Jessica said: “Dad has lost the right-hand side of his body, has to be tube fed as he’s not conscious enough to perform a swallow test, although it would seem the muscles on the right side of his throat aren’t working.

“He can’t talk. He can only communicate with brief eye contact, small nods and grunts.”

She added that doctors are still unable to predict her father’s long-term prognosis.

“We don’t know the prognosis, only time will tell, but he is in a critical condition and it’s likely to remain that way for some months,” she said.

The family is now facing a financial crisis after Les, who was the main income earner, became suddenly incapacitated.

Jessica said her father managed all household finances, while her mother is unable to work due to disabilities and her brother, Jake, is still suffering the effects of cancer treatment and cannot work full-time.

She is now applying for lasting power of attorney in order to access her father’s bank accounts, but said the process could take up to ten weeks.

In the meantime, the family say they are struggling to pay rent, bills and other essential costs.

Jessica has launched a GoFundMe appeal to support the family during the coming months.

She said: “I’m asking for donations of any kind to help them pay for the urgent bills while we’re waiting for other benefits and LPA to begin.

“If we can get them through the next couple of months we’d be so, so grateful.”

Anyone wishing can visit the GoFundMe page here: Help for the Family of Les Bell.

Photo caption:

Family by his side: Les Bell in hospital after suffering a devastating stroke while mowing the garden (Pic: GoFundMe).

Community

Stix Noodle Bar in Haverfordwest rewards visitors who park and shop local

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

A POPULAR restaurant is taking on one of the town centre’s biggest frustrations with a new initiative designed to ease parking stress and encourage more visitors into the heart of the community.

Stix Noodle Bar has announced a new scheme offering customers money off their bill when they show proof of paid parking in the town.

Under the initiative, diners who present an active parking ticket or parking app booking will receive the equivalent cost of one hour’s parking deducted from their meal bill.

The business says the idea was created in response to ongoing concerns about local parking pressures, while also supporting neighbouring independent traders and encouraging more people to spend time in the town centre.

In a statement released alongside the launch, the restaurant said: “Tired of Haverfordwest’s parking stress? So are we. That’s why we’re doing something about it.”

The team behind the noodle bar is encouraging visitors to “park up, come in, eat well, then go explore some of the brilliant businesses right on our doorstep,” adding that “Haverfordwest is worth stopping for.”

The scheme has already received support from local representatives, including Reform Councillor, Scott Thorley, who praised the move as a practical way to support the town centre economy.

“This is an excellent idea,” he said. “Tackling parking stress while boosting local businesses and footfall in Haverfordwest — this is exactly the practical support our town centre needs.”