June 04 Newsletter

How rich are you? - over the last month or so our schedule has been very busy - many of you have put your name forward and have experienced some great events and have gained a great deal from doing so.
Life is about experiences and the more experiences we have the richer our lives become - like in the Martial Arts - the more we experience - the richer our knowledge and the more we learn about ourselves and the Art.
How many Martial Artists can boast they have been on stage in front of 1000's at the biggest Martial art exhibition in Europe, how many can say they have tested themselves - one on one in the ring, feeling the adrenaline and nerves first hand. How many can say they have been taught by a 10th Dan Grandmaster and one of the true greats in Martial Arts - Not many - can you? - if not why …all these were available to you all over the last 6 weeks.
Next time - Take the opportunities that come your way grab them with both hands and enrich your Martial Art expirience.

Soke Dossett Seminar - Review - For full report & pictures click here
Sat 22nd May was another great day for all that came to enjoy the teachings of one of Britain's greatest Martial Art Grand Masters. From 12.30-4pm Soke had the groups working on many different areas of our AikiJutsu Syllabus. With his legendary humour and wit - Soke had the group relaxed yet focused and developed many aspects of the Aikido flow elements in our syllabus.
"The Harmony Kata is a dialogue of movement" Soke explained and he showed with effortless ability and grace its effectiveness - not only as a great training exercise but its uses in a "self-defence" type situation. After almost 4 hours the group were buzzing about the techniques developed and it was over all too soon. I for one cant wait for next time he graces us with his knowledge.

2nd Dan Grading results - Top Sensei's Promoted
Soke started the day at 10am with the Black belts and a select few senior grades - he took the group through the 2nd Dan Syllabus - including the Aikido harmony kata and advanced self-defence techniques. For 4 gruelling hours Soke perfected the Aikido 2nd Dan Kata - then the Black Belts were then assessed on their ability to translate this to the rest of the group. Soke was very pleased with the techniques, attitude, effort and teaching ability of all that took part - and all deserved this promotion to 2nd Dan.
Well done to all - and so the learning continues….!
Sensei's Steve Pride, Andrew Docker, James Lloyd, Chris Whiting and Richard Barrett have all been long standing Black Belts with a proven track record for top class profesional instruction, reliability, commitment, dedication and excellent technical ability - Therefore I was very pleased to see all these deserving Black Belts promoted to 2nd Dan.
During this Grading Soke was assessing me in the same way and I was delighted to be promoted to 3rd Dan by him.

Gradings
Next Grading for all remaining members 10th - 7th Kup. Thursday 24th June - Plantsbrook School - starts 7pm.
Junior Grading - Arthur Terry Sports Centre - Thursday 24th June - Starts 6pm - all junior Grades

Full Contact Kickboxing
There is another oppetunity to test yourselves in the ring June 26th - Surrey - anyone interested should see me ASAP.

KO'd IV - FIGHT NIGHT - MIDLANDS
We are still hoping to stage another Fight Night - (our 4th promotion) here in the midlands. (Possible venues are Sutton or Walsall)
Day time - Semi-Contact for many to experience this adrenaline rush first - all ages and abilities welcome. Then an evening show with Full-contact - featuring many of our top kickboxers including - Ben Vowles, Richard Barrett, Dave Roe, Phil Williams, John Farreley. Also fighting for Semi-contact Titles will be James Ecceles, Jamil Aslam, Sarah Fryer and maybe a few more - look forward to this night of great kickboxing action. Dates TBC - (October sometime)

Meditation / personal awareness day Wednesday evenings 7pm - 10pm -Wed 9th June
Mainly for all those who attended last time - another step forward to enlightenment! This training and development course is on for one more evening - put your name down and enjoy the benefits of Meditation. Meditation is a skill - a discipline - a tool - this course will help you develop the techniques to meditate well and use it for every day purposes E.G ..stress relief, problem solving, relaxation and techniques to improve confidence etc. A rare chance to allow your body, mind and spirit to be in peaceful harmony! - for more details see accompanying memo.
Wednesday 9th June - only 15 places - first come first serve - put your name on the form below.