Sensei Lawrence McCormick 6th Dan Obituary

We were saddened to hear of the death of Sensei Lawrence McCormick 6th Dan Jujitsu. Lawrence was the backbone of the RUC Jujitsu Club from the 1980's and more recently as a member of the PSNI Judo and Martial Arts Club. Lawrence loved jujitsu and had no time for the politics that divide martial artists. He practiced with a variety of clubs teaching different jujitsu styles and contributed to the development of many individuals within the Martial Arts. For the last 15 years he was a central figure within the IBF in Northern Ireland. He was very popular amongst the children encouraging hundreds along the martial arts path. Whilst studying Aikido with Jack Shanks he became interested in the Japanese control and restraint techniques- taihojutsu. His persistence in wanting to learn more about Taihojutsu led to the formation of the first Taihojutsu club in Northern Ireland. He was awarded his blackbelt in Taihojutsu by Brian Eustace before also gaining an IBF taihojutsu blackbelt. He also qualified as a British Judo Association personal safety advisor.  At almost 60 years of age he undertook an arduous combat sombo blackbelt grading, and became the oldest martial artists to pass this exam. He was also the oldest competitor in the Scottish Sombo championships. Lawrence seldom ventured out of Northern Ireland, but loved attending the IBF Summer Camp at St Marys Bay, Kent where he felt at home with his friends from the IBF. He enjoyed Sittingbourne so much that at one stage he seriously considered moving there. Some people are still recovering from the effects of the alcohol he provided during his trips. He was awarded his 6^th Dan in  Jujitsu on retiring after almost 30years dedication to the Art which he loved. Lawrence died on 24April 2009 at the Northern Ireland Hospice following a battle with cancer. He will be a sad loss to his friends within the IBF.