As some members know when entering Baker Street dojo you will be greeted at reception by Grace. We mentioned in one of our previous articles that she was taking part in a tough mudder challenge to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

This past Saturday…she completed it!

It was tough, and it was definitely muddy but she ran, she swam and she climbed 10 miles for an amazing cause alongside her brothers (who literally dragged her through the mud). She hadn’t quite prepared herself for the challenge that was ahead of her. Grace thought to herself if members can manage their first ever class at Xen-Do and Senseis can tackle an hour in Master Raf’s class, then she should at least be able to brave a bit of mud.

“A bit of mud…” was an understatement! It was the hardest thing she has physically done. From jumping into ice water to crawling through the dirt on her stomach to running each mile in the rain, it was definitely a day to remember. It was safe to say Grace’s body was feeling every obstacle and even the Twix she had with her lunch the day before, each and every step of this 10 mile treck. It was a lot of fun and has inspired her to take on more challenges like the tough mudder and to continue her training.

Now that the pain has started to fade and the soreness letting up, she is willing to say a few words – “I’m so grateful to everyone from Xen-Do that supported me and donated to help me and my brothers raise an amazing total of £1,040! It was hard, but I feel a real sense of achievement! My aim was to attempt every obstacle, so it was such an accomplishment to complete them all. Just goes to show that all hard work and training we put in pays off. I’m so honoured to have completed this adventure for a cause so close to my heart. Thank you everyone, Grace”