What a surprise Master Kirkwood got at class on Tuesday the 13th of October! Master Kirkwood face was a picture and for the first time his students saw him speechless. Especially, when his son John Jnr and Master Darcy entered the training hall at 8pm with a large cake and followed by many friends, students and his parents!

He was just in the process of dismissing his advanced children's class when his wife Isobel announced to everyone to gather in front of him! at that moment the hall doors opened end everyone poured in to wish him all the best!. Everyone was clapping and cheering him, and he was completely gob smacked by what was happening!

It was unknown to Master Kirkwood that weeks of preparation had been underway with organising a day off work on his birthday so he could spend time with Master Darcy, cancelling his adult class that evening without his knowledge, organising cakes, collecting and hiding Master Darcy away in a hotel before that night, all this was undertaken with precision and timing! Master Kirkwood had planned a quite unreserved 50th Birthday, but this was not to be, as its not everyday you turn 50!

Master Kirkwood cake was outstanding as it was a accumulation of individual photographs of his family, A.I.M.A.A family as well as old martial arts photos of him from the old days in the T.A.G.B, put on it. Take a look below and you will see what we mean!

Master Darcy had flown in especially to see his friend on his big day, and to spend time with Master Kirkwood and his family. It was an exceptional surprise and one everyone will remember, especially Master Kirkwood.

After his initial shock Master Kirkwood was whisked away from training to a private function in a local restaurant where, over 24 students and Instructors joined him for a lovely relaxing meal and chatter! Unfortunately due to commitments at work, Mr Lawson and Mr Maxwell could not attend the meal. This also applied to Mr Gerry Long and Ms Mary Lunn who had flights to come, but at the last minute had a change of plans, but they sent their love to Master Kirkwood and will see him soon in Hawaii!

Master Kirkwood took this opportunity to open all his gifts and cards, whilst relaxing and joking with friends. The night was spent in good company with lots of laughter! On Master Kirkwood's actual birthday (14th), he spent the day with his wife Isobel and Master Darcy shopping, before returning to his home for a meal and relaxation. Master Darcy enjoyed his stay in the Kirkwood home and flew home later on that evening.

Master Kirkwood would like to personally like to thank all his students and Instructors for the gifts and best wishes bestowed upon him. Also a big thank you to all the messages from all over the world on his facebook, these are very much appreciated.

A special thank you to Miss Dorothy Mallon and Mr Alex Walker who came along on the night, as he has known these two Instructors since the old T.A.G.B days and they share a lot of history. Master Kirkwood was pleased that both Instructors had taken the time out from their training and family to be there on the night, and it was much appreciated by him and his family.

He would also like to thank his friend Master Darcy, not just for his friendship to himself and has family, but for making his birthday special, by being with him to celebrate! Lastly to his parents, his sons and wife Isobel, a special thank you for organising and planning this surprise, it is one birthday he will never forget!

Mrs Kirkwood would like to personally like to take this opportunity to thank Master Kirkwood's Snr Instructors, Mr Graham, Mr McLear, Mr Maxwell for all their help, and also to Mr Reid, Mrs Sutherland and Mrs Gough for all their help with transport and for helping keeping everything under wraps until the big night! Its been a hectic 2 weeks and everyone was scared in case we gave the game away, so a big well done to everyone!

Also a big thank you to all his students, especially his adult students who made a great sacrifice and gave up training on the night, to allow us to take Master Kirkwood to his meal. Lastly to my sons John and Ryan, you did an exceptional job in helping out and spending all day Tuesday with Master Darcy.

A big thank you to everyone from The Kirkwood family