News
18th United Nations of Ju-Jitsu course
and championships
(October 2009)
On Friday 9 October, our team from Kokoro Kai set their alarm clocks very early to make the long journey to Blackpool where this year’s United Nations of Ju-Jitsu was being hosted. Most of us set off around 6am to make sure we arrived in time to check-in to the hotel and meet and greet all our friends from the various countries attending: UK, USA, Italy, Denmark, Holland, Greece, Germany, S.Africa and Belgium. Although a little later than expected, we then boarded three double decker buses – our transport to and from the Sports Centre for the weekend – at around 3pm to begin the Kata section of the Championships. Once this had been completed, it was time to begin the training course with all the various Masters from the above mentioned countries.
A fantastic time had by all, we made our way (just a little jaded from our long day!) back to the hotel to enjoy an evening meal together. No late night tonight though, as we had a 9.30am start back at the Sports Centre the next day to resume the Championships in full.
Saturday began with an excellent Opening Ceremony performance by a local group of Tiko Drummers. Their sound was amazing and the perfect choice for such an important event. Each country representative was formally introduced to the sound of their various National Anthems and a selection from the children present to carry their Flags. The Championships then got off to a flying start – eight mats all starting with
Random Attacks, then Sparring, Ground Fighting and, finally, a spectacular performance from the various Demo Teams to round off a very enjoyable day. Particular mention must go to the winners from Germany who did their display in the dark wearing glow-stick suites and light-up bo’s! – Whatever next?!!! We must also mention the brilliant ‘Zombies’ from Italy who performed to a fantastic mix of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits and really wowed the crowds!
Time now for the Medal Ceremony and we are very pleased to announce the winners from Kokoro Kai this year who were:
Harry Fitz-Gerald and Richard Wheatley
Gold
Junior Pairs Kata
Ellie Wheatley
Gold
Empty Hand Kata (Black Belt)
Hayley Gardiner
Silver
Empty Hand Kata (Brown Belt)
Hannah Burt
Silver
Ground Fighting (Female/Open)
Bronze
Random Attacks (Yellow/Orange Belt)
James Bagot
Bronze
Ground Fighting (H/W – Veterans)
Ross Hunnable
Bronze
Weapons Kata (Junior Purple)
Bronze
Random Attacks (Junior Purple)
Polly Godfrey
Bronze
Ground Fighting (Junior L/W)
Sophie Wilkinson
Bronze
Ground Fighting (Female/Open)
We are also proud of the performances from the other members of the team who attended this year:
Charlotte King/ Kelly Etches/ Kevin Gibson/ Paolo Malosso/ Daniel Short/ Martin Hunnable/ Sean Rowell/ Richard Chalmers/ Chris Ward/ Reece Gorden
Congratulations also to our very own Rob Green who did a great job as MC for the weekend!
“A VERY WELL DONE TO ALL OF YOU!”
Success was duly celebrated to the full with a three-course meal and a huge party that evening. It has to be said that the Kokoro Kai children did us proud on the dance floor – particular mention must go to little groovers Alfie Etches, Haydon and Ross Hunnable! We must not, of course, forget our very own singing sensation – PAOLO MALOSSO who brought the house down with his very own unique version of Seal’s ‘Kiss’ – absolutely unforgettable! A great night spent with great company!
What better way to shake off the hangovers the next day than a visit to Blackpool’s famous Pleasure Beach and a ride on the Blackpool Trams! A fun time had by all on some awesome rides! Tired from all the weekend’s excitement, we enjoyed our final meal all together at the hotel Sunday evening, before saying our ‘goodbuys’ on
the Monday morning after breakfast.
Looking forward now to next year’s United Nations, which will be hosted by our friends from Denmark in Copenhagen. This will take place over the last weekend of August 2010 (details to follow). HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Mark & Claire
Mark & Claire Fitz-Gerald
Chief Instructors
Kokoro Kai Ju-Jitsu Association
National Championships
(May 2009)
On Sunday 31 May 2009, eleven team members from Kokoro Kai took part in this year’s British Championships. The venue was the Walsall Sports Centre in the grounds of Wolverhampton University. Most of the team travelled up on the Saturday afternoon to enjoy the facilities of the Village Hotel nearby, where neadless to say, a great time was had by all!
The Team Members
Juniors
Harry Fitz-Gerald, Richard Wheatley, Charlotte King
Adults
Richard Gallazzi, Daniel Short, Paul Smith, David Newby, Lee Harris,
Grant Walduck, Ellie Wheatley, Hayley Gardiner
The Championships started at approximately 10am the following day with the Random Attacks being the first section to take place, closely followed by the Empty Hand Kata and Weapons Kata. After a short break for lunch the afternoon then proceeded with the Continuous Fighting and Pairs Demo’s.
We were extremely proud of all the team members who showed great team spirit and support for each other throughout the day. We were also proud that our own Rob Green, 4th Dan was invited by the Chairman of the BJJA.GB to be the P.A for the day after proving himself so capable with our own Southend Championships just recently. Once again, we are pleased to say that he did an outstandingly professional job. “Well Done Rob”!
RESULTS:
Juniors:
Harry Fitz-Gerald (13yrs)
Gold Medal (Junior Empty Hand Kata)
Silver Medal (Junior Weapons Kata)
Charlotte King (11yrs)
Silver Medal (Junior Empty Hand Kata)
Adults:
Richard Gallazzi
Gold (Veterans Continuous Fighting – Open)
Bronze (Veterans Random Attacks – Black Belt)
David Newby
Bronze (Veterans Random Attacks – Black Belt)
Ellie Wheatley
Bronze (Female Continuous Fighting – Open)
Hayley Gardiner
Silver (Empty Hand Kata – Kyu Grades)
Silver (Random Attacks - Purple to Brown)
Bronze (Female Continuous Fighting – Open)
We would like to thank the Team for representing Kokoro Kai and for all their efforts.
We hope that Kokoro Kai will continue to be represented at such a high level and would urge other junior and senior students to take part next year. Competition is a valuable experience on many levels and helps to raise standards.
Again – well done to all the Team!
Mark & Claire Fitz-Gerald, 5th Dan
Chief Instructors
Southend - Kokoroa Kai and Wakarishin Ju-jitsu Association’s 3rd international course and championships 2009
(May 2009)
Sunday May 9th and the third Kokoro Kai & Wakarishin Course and Championships finally came to fruition after months of careful planning.
The venue was Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre. At 9.30am more than 430 Ju-Jitsuka lined up to begin the mornings Course. Present were a total of 15 instructors from England, Belgium and Denmark.
The morning began with a short demonstration of the new Continuous Fighting Format by some selected children and adults. Sensei Dixon explained the rules and this gave everyone present the opportunity to see for themselves and to make preparations for next year. We then proceeded with a quick Warm Up from Gary Hewitt (he’s getting good at this!). Students were then divided into 8 mat areas for the various grades and the instructors rotated among them teaching a vast and differing array of techniques of the highest standard. The course finished with a line- up and a presentation to the instructors by our smallest junior students, hand- picked by Sensei Claire!
During the lunch break, Rob Green and his group of trusty helpers broke down the mats into the eight competition areas and hastily prepared things for the afternoons Championships. With more than 500 separate bouts to deal with, it was going to be a busy afternoon. Our good friend Sarah Johnson (a Black Belt from Sensei Roman Lutak’s group in New York) joined Sensei Claire for the day to get an overview of what the day is like ‘behind the scenes’! Impressed, but slightly bewildered, she took away some helpful hints and advice in preparation for a possible future United Nations Congress/Championships in New York.
Thanks to the total professionalism of our own Rob Green as PA, Referees, Judges, Mat Officials and helpers, we rose to the challenge and exceeded our own expectations. The day ended with a Grand Finale of magnificent Pairs Demonstrations.
A full list of all medal winners is below.
This Course and Championships was a huge event and numbers were well up on last year. For this, we would like to express how grateful we are to all the BJJAGB instructors and their students who attended and to all the groups within the BJJAGB for their continued support and encouragement. The atmosphere was one of sporting friendship which we can only hope
to build on in the future.
Celebrations began with a meal back at the Essex County Hotel and a party until the early hours of Sunday Morning!
INSTRUCTORS IN ATTENDANCE:
T. Parker - 9th Dan/GB
M. Rogers - 7th Dan/GB
M. Fitz-Gerald - 5th Dan/GB
I.Arbon - 5th Dan/GB
M. Dixon - 8th Dan/Chairman BJJAGB
K. Blundell - 8th Dan/GB
J. Pietquin - 7th Dan/Belgium
G. Sargeant - 5th Dan/GB
H. Demant - 7th Dan/Denmark
C. Shepherd - 5th Dan/GB
M. Player - 8th Dan/GB
S. Dixon - 7th Dan/GB
J. Hunt - 7th Dan/GB
J. Angotti - 6th Dan/GB
L. Randall - 6th Dan/GB
Medal winners
JNR RANDOM ATTACKS (PEEWEES) – U7’s
GOLD - Millie Bendall (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Jack Turner (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Adam Prince (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Ben Purves (Park Lodge)
JNR RANDOM ATTACKS – WHITE/YELLOW/ORANGE
GOLD - Harry George (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Tom Stojanovic (Shenley)
BRONZE - George Purser (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - Jenner Craigmile (Park Lodge)
JNR RANDOM ATTACKS – GREEN/BLUE
GOLD - Robert Harvey (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Amy Waterhouse (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Matthew Ayres (Park Lodge)
BRONZE - Ryan Comley (Park Lodge)
JNR RANDOM ATTACKS – PURPLE/BROWN
GOLD - Jonathon Bugden (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Oakley Woodhouse - Masters Martial Arts
BRONZE - Doug Purves (Park Lodge)
BRONZE - Danni Comley (Park Lodge)
JNR RANDOM ATTACKS –BROWN 111 TAG/ BLACK)
GOLD - Dean Johnson (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Brandon Upton (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Chelsie Stansfield (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Sam Norton (Wakarishin)
JUNIOR GROUND FIGHTING – EXTRA SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT (16-23K)
GOLD - William Booth (Bu-Jitsu)
SILVER - Ryan Comley (Park Lodge)
BRONZE - Millie Bendall (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Maisie Jarman (Park Lodge)
JUNIOR GROUND FIGHTING – SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT (24-29K)
GOLD - Ted Turner (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Elliott Cox (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Reece Conor (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Andrew Riggs (Solent)
JUNIOR GROUND FIGHTING – LIGHT WEIGHT (30/40K)
GOLD - Mathew Birbeck (Wanstead Jikishin)
SILVER - Fatma Salum (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - Jenner Craigmille (Park Lodge)
BRONZE - Hayley Bettenson (Kokoro Kai)
JUNIOR GROUND FIGHTING – MIDDLE WEIGHT (41/50k)
GOLD - Morgan Gray (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Joe Alefounder (Haverhill Jikishin)
BRONZE - Daisy Waterhouse (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Harry George (Wakarishin)
JUNIOR GROUND FIGHTING – HEAVY WEIGHT (51/65K)
GOLD - Chelsie Stansfield (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Richard Wheatley (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - Jack Argent (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Max Lewis (Wakarishin)
JUNIOR GROUND FIGHTING – SUPER HEAVY WEIGHT (66+)
GOLD - Sam Norton (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Joseph Mulreany (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Greg Kellegher (Park Lodge)
BRONZE - Dean Johnson (Wakarishin)
JUNIOR SPARRING – SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT (>29K)
GOLD - Ted Turner (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Albie Newman (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Elliott Cox (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Rosie Flynn (Wakarishin)
JUNIOR SPARRING – LIGHT WEIGHT (30/40K)
GOLD - Tom Philips (Shenley)
SILVER - Connor Hassledon (Park Lodge)
BRONZE - Cameron Harvey (Park Lodge)
BRONZE - Jake Wilkinson (Park Lodge)
JUNIOR SPARRING – MEDIUM WEIGHT (41/50K)
GOLD - Daisy Waterhouse (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Morgan Grey (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Austen Harris (Solent)
BRONZE - Lee Upton (Wakarishin)
JUNIOR SPARRING – HEAVY WEIGHT (51/70K)
GOLD - Richard Wheatley (Kokoro Kai)
SILVER - Joseph Mulreany (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Brandon Upton (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Tara Chipperfield (Wakarishin)
JUNIOR SPARRING – SUPER HEAVY WEIGHT (71+)
GOLD - Dean Johnson (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Tommy Grainger (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - David Ball (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Daniel Cossington (Wakarishin)
JUNIOR EMPTY HAND KATA – NOVICE
GOLD - Joseph Spriggs (Kokoro Kai)
SILVER - Hannah Humphreys (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - Harry George (Wakarishin)
JUNIOR EMPTY HAND KATA – BROWN/BLACK
GOLD - Harry Fitz-Gerald (Kokoro Kai)
SILVER - Charlotte King (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - Morgan Grey (Wakarishin)
JUNIOR WEAPONS KATA - NOVICE
GOLD - Greg Kellegher (Park Lodge)
SILVER - Tommy Terry (Park Lodge)
BRONZE - Billy Chapel (Park Lodge)
JUNIOR WEAPONS KATA – BROWN/BLACK
GOLD - Eva Sun Wai (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Oakley Woodhouse (Masters Martial Arts)
BRONZE - Harry Fitz-Gerald (Kokoro Kai)
SENIOR RANDOMS – WHITE/YELLOW/ORANGE
GOLD - Richard Randall (Kokoro Kai)
SILVER - Michael Coyle (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Kelly Etches (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - Richard Whiston (Wakarishin)
SENIOR RANDOMS – GREEN/BLUE
GOLD - Gerard Gillan (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Ben Freese (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - S. Wilkinson (Park Lodge)
BRONZE - Amin Alidousti (Kokoro Kai)
SENIOR RANDOMS – PURPLE/ BROWN
GOLD - Grant Walduck (Kokoro Kai)
SILVER - Richard Beasley (Seishin Ryu)
BRONZE - Lee Harris (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - Tom Morris (Seishin Ryu)
SENIOR RANDOMS - BLACK
GOLD - Carsten Lindebjerg (Denmark)
SILVER - Maria Nyvang (Denmark)
BRONZE - Adam Byne (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Kristian Lord (Wakarishin)
SENIOR GROUND FIGHTING – LIGHT WEIGHT (>68K)
GOLD - Jonathan Perez (Cheshunt Jikishin)
SILVER - Michael Doyle (Solent)
BRONZE - David Booth (E. of England)
BRONZE - Simon Kirkpatrick (Jikishin)
SENIOR GROUND FIGHTING – MIDDLE WEIGHT (69-80K)
GOLD - Leon Jackson (Goshin)
SILVER - Greg Walsh (E. of England)
BRONZE - Demetrious Anastasiou (Goshin)
BRONZE - Ben Russell (Solent)
SENIOR GROUND FIGHTING – HEAVY WEIGHT (81-90K)
GOLD - William Murley (Jikishin)
SILVER - Richard Gallazzi (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - David James (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Daniel Krokou (Goshin)
SENIOR GROUND FIGHTING – SUPER HEAVY WEIGHT (91K+)
GOLD - Trevor Campbell (Goshin)
SILVER - Luke Shipwright (Harlow Ju-Jitsu)
BRONZE - Ady Cherrington (Solent)
BRONZE - Reginald Mpawulo (Goshin)
SENIOR GROUND FIGHTING – FEMALE (OPEN)
GOLD - Sophie Wilkinson (Kokoro Kai)
SILVER - Ellie Wheatley (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - Sabrina Fletcher (Mind Body Spirit)
BRONZE - Karen Williamson (Seishin Ryu)
SENIOR SPARRING – LIGHT WEIGHT (>69K)
GOLD - Justin Green (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Kristian Lord (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Adam Bettesworth (Solent)
BRONZE - Allan Rees (Solent)
SENIOR SPARRING – MIDDLE WEIGHT (70-80K)
GOLD - Kevin Gibson (Kokoro Kai)
SILVER - Gerard Gillan (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Sean Rowell (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - James Tegerdine (Kokoro Kai)
SENIOR SPARRING - HEAVY WEIGHT (81-94K)
GOLD - Ben Freese (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Kirk Reed (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - Piotr Kukulski (Goshin)
BRONZE - Peter Kaul (Wakarishin)
SENIOR SPARRING – SUPER HEAVY WEIGHT (95K+)
GOLD - Reginald Mpawulo (Goshin)
SILVER - Ady Cherrington (Solent)
BRONZE - Luke Shipwright (Harlow Ju-Jitsu)
BRONZE - Keld Balling (Denmark)
SENIOR EMPTY HAND KATA (NOVICE)
GOLD - Hayley Gardiner (Kokoro Kai)
SILVER - Ben Freese (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Justin Green (Wakarishin)
SENIOR EMPTY HAND KATA (BROWN/BLACK)
GOLD - Gary Hewitt (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Adam Byne (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Ellie Wheatley (Kokoro Kai)
SENIOR WEAPONS KATA (OPEN)
GOLD - Kyle Hargreaves (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Ellie Wheatley (Kokoro Kai)
BRONZE - Paul Smith (Kokoro Kai)
JUNIOR PAIRS DEMO
GOLD - Emily Kille & Marie Baggot (Solent)
SILVE - Eva Sun Wai & Rheanne Sun Wai (Wakarishin)
BRONZE - Morgan Gray & Lee Upton (Wakarishin)
SENIOR PAIRS DEMO
GOLD - Nathan Byne & Adam Byne (Wakarishin)
SILVER - Tina Due & Maria Nyvang (Denmark)
BRONZE - David James & Gary Hewitt (Wakarishin)
Sensei Geoghagen course
(April 2009)
Wakarishin Ju Jitsu and Kokoro Kai Ju Jitsu, jointly, hosted a Seminar by Sensei Paul Geoghagen 8th Dan, Bushido Association, as part of the BJJA GB seminar series. It was held in the Courage Hall in Brentwood on a sunny Sunday afternoon in April. Sensei Paul was introduced by Sensei Ian Arbon, 5th Dan, and founder of Wakarishin Ju Jitsu, and Senseis Mark and Claire Fitz-Gerald, also 5th Dans, and founders of Kokoro Kai Ju Jitsu.
Sensei Paul was himself supported by his own Dan Grades who included Andy Walker 3rd Dan, see under.
The theme set by Sensei Paul was one of individual techniques that stood alone in their Application but also doubled as part of Defences Against 3 Man Attacks. With one exception, all were different from our original syllabus set down by Sensei Parker, 9th Dan, so it gave all students both Dan and Kyu grades an opportunity to broaden their existing knowledge within an intelligible framework. This was an excellent theme and idea by Sensei Paul as it meshed so well: had the techniques been too dissimilar we might have struggled but as it was, it allowed for 4 sets of 3 techniques to be taught both individually and in group.
The warm-up was led by Sensei Dave James, 3rd Dan, as Sensei Gary Hewitt, 3rd Dan, was going through a period of shyness…After that little jollity, it was straight in. Sensei Paul noted the sunny warm weather and with a high turnout of both Dan and Kyu Grades, he told everyone to take water as and when they needed it.
Sensei Paul opened with a simple response to a Push to the Right side of Chest in which you yield whilst stepping back and bringing your Right Hand to trap his Hand. Simultaneously, your Left Shoulder checks (or Breaks) his Arm. Ouch. You then bring your Left Hand over to join your Right and execute a Wrist Throw. The “yield” is a soft skill that allows you to snare the attacker by his own aggression. In refusing to meet ‘force with force’ and, instead, opting for the Step Back and Take, your softness has allowed you to take control and re-direct him with your Finishing technique: a perfect interpretation of the meaning of Ju Jitsu as the “Art of Compliance”. Personally, I have only ever once seen a similar gambit in yielding and that was by a US Ranger Close Quarter Combat Instructor in a programme on “Discovery”. Yes, the elite US Rangers train in Ju Jitsu!
I had the good fortune to train this technique with Sensei Andy Walker, 3rd Dan, last seen winning Gold in the Sparring, and Silver in Groundfighting (Kokoro’s own Richard Gallazi won the Gold) at the UNJJ Congress in Gibraltar last October.
The Second technique was wholly different in that from a Straight Punch, you evade whilst issuing a Block with Palm Uppermost, which you then turn over to grasp the arm and draw the Uke. Simultaneously you then kick with your Right leg which then extends to allow you to take out his other leg. You are then positioned to issue a Finishing kick to the Uke. This technique is deliberately made vague here because you might attempt it. This would not be wise as you should only practise under the experienced eye of a qualified sensei…otherwise you will injure yourself or your ‘training’ partner. This is not a ‘do it yourself’ teaching note(!)
Upon Sensei Paul teaching the 3rd technique of the set, which had a similar opening gambit to the initial technique, we broke into groups of 4 and practised all as a “Defence Against 3 Man Attack”. In this, I joined Senseis Mark and Claire and also Sensei Matt DeBono, 3rd Dan. We then drilled the techniques in turn to familiarise and incorporate into Muscle memory and more. Sensei Andy was captured by another group and because he was part of the Bushido Association.
As Sensei Paul warmed to his theme, he introduced more single techniques – and in which contact was made. Ouch. I felt for his Uke…After learning and drilling these single techniques we then again formed groups of 4 and drilled them in a more practical sense. Before long, I was gasping for Air, Water and very aware of the build-up of Lactic Acid. My Gi was soon drenched in sweat and I revelled in it. This was how I was taught to train so it made me feel, er, “virtuous”. A good sweat, indeed.
As I glanced around the room, I saw most of the men sweating as well. A good sign that all was going well, and with full commitment. The women? Well, they don’t sweat…they ‘glow’ or they ‘perspire’ but they never, ever “sweat”. How could you think such a thing? Don’t you know anything??
Anyway, I spotted Senseis Richard Gallazi, James Bagot, Wendy Seager, John Hardy, Michael Sun Wai, Pat Mulreany, Martin Hunnable amongst the many on the mat. All were in full flight.
Sensei Paul also checked students’ interpretation of his technique and at one point corrected this writer. As he ‘entered’ my stance having evaded my strike, he issued his own ridge hand to my Carotid/Jugular as his other hand applied pressure to my lower Back to arch it in preparation for his Finishing Throw. Blimey. Both arms felt like iron bars to me and I remain thankful that he focused just on that aspect of the technique because the Throw would have done for me. You see, it’s not just how the very senior senseis show a technique: you often have to literally feel it to appreciate how their full weight is behind the arm, hand, block etc and integral to it. Additionally, their understanding of Balance also shows itself as they execute Throws with minimal strength. In this, Posture will also play a part and Sensei Paul took time out to explain some of the nuances of Stance, Hips, Centre of Gravity and placement of the uke following the Throw.
The afternoon soon began to fly by and before we knew it, the allotted 3 hours had passed and we had 12 solid techniques, which we had worked in paired exercises and as 3 and 4 person groups. Now, usually you can only take 1 or 2 techniques away from a seminar but in this instance I’m delighted to say that I think I’ve got about 11. Why not 12, you may ask? Well, because one of the Throws was superb but I can’t do it. To clarify, I can’t do it yet… but even so, the seed has been planted and perhaps I’ll do it one day. That’s part of the value and merit of attending a seminar led by such a senior sensei. You take the ideas into your Mind and your Ju Jitsu and one day it emerges. You likely won’t remember where you learned the initial idea or technique but suddenly it’s there. So, it’s a reminder of the need to constantly re-visit Technique or Posture or Balance awareness and that you have learned or inherited from someone more knowledgeable and skilled than you. That’s one reason to be grateful to your seniors, they pass the knowledge down to you. It becomes your responsibility to pass it on in turn when you become the senior of tomorrow.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable seminar with excellent Ju Jitsu from Sensei Paul ably assisted by his Dan Grade students. Thanks to him and them for making it so worthwhile and to Senseis Ian, Mark and Claire for hosting the seminar. Finally, thanks to all those taking part who made it such a conspicuous success.
Dan Gradings
(December 2008)
Sunday 7/12/2008 was the date the Christmas Dan gradings. Congratulations to everyone who passed. The standard was again very high, so keep up the good work everyone.
Those who passed were.
First Dan.
Rustem Halili
Joshua Williams
Ellena Wheatley
Second Dan
Richard Gallazzi
Third Dan
Martin Hunnable
James Cottee
A big thank you to all the grading officers.
Lastly from Sensei Mark and Claire a big well done to everyone.
