A special delegation from the institute travelled to the Yoshin Ryu judo club in Leigh, Greater Manchester on December 22nd in order to surprise a very well known, well respected martial arts instructor. Prof. Eric Hayes, Hanshi, was awarded an IMAS fellowship in recognition of serving his local community for over half a century. The event was organised secretly by his son, Mark Hayes Tashi, who is also an accomplished instructor in judo specialising in groundwork/grappling. Instructors, students, parents, friends and family all gathered to witness Eric receiving this rare honour with the local newspaper being on hand to help commemorate this auspicious occasion. All of us at IMAS would like to congratulate Prof. Eric Hayes Hanshi FIMAS on this achievement and wish him well for the future. Mark Hayes Tashi was also honoured with a full membership in recognition of his work.
