I hope that everyone is having an opportunity to enjoy that dream-like period between Christmas and New Year where disruptions to regular habits make it difficult to pin down exactly what day it is, and what you are “supposed” to do. There are some of us, of course, who have had little break and who have had to return to their work and volunteering roles already. This I think deserves special consideration as their roles allow the rest of us to enjoy this liminal time between years. And of course special mention must be made of volunteers and communities facing continued severe and catastrophic fire dangers this week coming.
The Club emerges from its week long slumber this Thursday. Keiko hajime (the start of practice) will be held at 6 pm Thursday 2 January. I would encourage those that can make it to come along and participate, as we will again be engaging with a range of the Club’s disciplines over the course of a regular training evening. We shall be kicking off at 5.45 pm to give the MEAC a quick clean, followed by reiho, zazen, jumbi undo, then keiko. Keiko will finish around 8.30 pm followed by the serving of light refreshments.
If you are wondering what to wear/bring, the main thing is your cleanest and most presentable uniform, and training tools/weapons that you have (also checked and cleaned). Use it as an opportunity to start the year correctly with all of your budo related items in good order. If you wish to do multiple “costume changes”, please feel free to do so. However, there is no barrier to just being presentable in what you have, and do remember that there is plenty of Club equipment to fill the gaps of what you don’t own.
If you are coming, could you please let me know by Wednesday so that I can organise for sufficient tea and nibbles after the session.
I hope to see a good portion of you on Thursday night, and the rest of the broad BBRD diaspora for members, supporters and friends over the coming twelve months. As always, the year ahead is packed with many opportunities to participate at a local, State and National level, and to provide service to our various communities. I would like to wish everyone well and urge you as always to do your best — Gambatte kudesai!