The P.U.M.A. 2009 trip to Ghana was probably the most important trip to Ghana to date.  Not only did we take part in a Ghana versus P.U.M.A. tournament, but we were also there to be part of the launch of A-lhusna, an African based martial arts organisation started and run by Mr Mohammed Mahadi 4th Degree.

While in Ghana, we visited the largest orphanage in the area to show our skills to the children who live there.  It was an experience that I’m sure all of us will never forget.  I’ve never been so close to tears by seeing so many happy children and also the way in which our students became part of their lives for such a short time.  Building a more happy and peaceful world truly comes to mind.

Some very important guests - the chief police commissioner of Accra, the British high commissioner to Ghana, a very highly respected Chief of Ghana and many other media representatives, attended the tournament.  The PUMA students conducted themselves extremely well during the whole event and Master Ogborne and I were very proud of each and every one of them.

We all had the chance to visit some of the Chiefs of the Ghana/Accra region, an honour that is usually reserved for heads of state.  It was great to have taken part in something so historic and so important to the Ghanaian people and students.

Mr Mahadi made us all very welcome, as did his students.  We are very pleased and honoured to have made a real difference and look forward to returning to Ghana to see future developments.

Master Ray Gayle VII Degree.