Autumn in Kyoto + IJF 2015 Report

Today is the 6th week I have been in Kyoto, and it's almost two months since leaving Toowoomba. Kyoto is in a valley and is a cesspit of heat and humidity in August, and I'm glad to say that is over and clear and dry days have brought much relief. I've been crazily busy getting my clinic started, and so I apologise for the lack of communication.

The Australian contingent at the International Jodo Gasshuku in Malaysia.

From 1st to the 8th of August 73 participants from 19 countries gathered to practice, share their knowledge and just have lots of fun at the 13th triennial International Jodo Seminar. The first seminar of the International Jodo Federation was held in 1979 in Malaysia, and the major theme was a tribute to the man who was the first foreigner to bring Japanese Budo to an international audience, Donn Draeger.
The participants woke up at 6am each morning, and trained for a total of 8 hours a day. This was of course followed by refreshments afterwards and then trying not to go to bed too late each night! The whole curriculum was shown and everyone practiced what they knew and learnt new things every day. The week finished with exams and demonstrations.

Ado and one of the Spanish crew (Feru) - Jo technique is Dou Barai.

During the seminar it was motioned that the next International Seminar be held in Brisbane in 2018. So make sure you join Eric and Adam and get busy preparing for an event where the standard of Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo is world class.

I'm currently looking for a training space so I'm hoping my next update from Kyoto will feature some news to that end. Cheers all, Addo.

Good luck all competitors at the Australian University Games

Just a quick note to wish well all of the Kendo, Judo and Taekwondo competitors, officials and volunteers who are participating in the Australian University Games this weekend on the Gold Coast.

Although there are no BBRD members competing this year, I hope that there is fierce and enjoyable competition across all of the disciplines. Gambatte!

School Holidays mat (and dojo) cleaning time!

We intend to undertake our usual holiday dojo tidy and mat clean this week coming. Could you please either vote on the Club's Facebook Group page or let Michael know your preference ASAP!

School holiday program of training

Given it is school holidays, there will be a few, minor, changes to the regular timetable to reflect that we do not have to put out and pack away the mats each night.

First, can I ask that folk be ready to start Jujutsu at 6.15pm sharp on the Tuesday and Thursday.

Second, given the low attendance at recent Saturday Jujutsu classes, we are going to trial starting them at 4–5.30 pm on a Saturday for the next two weeks. Michael is fine to run the odd small class, but is wanting to get more of the Saturday/weekend chores done interrupted before doing so.

Third, Thursday Gym and Swim will be at a more friendly time of 10 am for the next two weeks.

Grapplingstore Order

Now that we have sorted out the Kendo and Iaido folk with a Tozando order last week, we're wanting to put in for a Grapplingstore order for those that might want a new dogi or other equipment. Could you please let Michael know by Tuesday (tomorrow) if you are requiring anything. Due to the depreciating currency, prices have gone up a little over the past few months, so please check with Michael to find out what you might owe.

As a rough guide, single weave uniforms are now $100, Double weaves are $140.

Thanks for the assistance!

Many thanks to James, Kris, Maaike, Tracy, and Stuart for assistance yesterday helping Melissa move.

The operation was done with a minimum of fuss and Melissa is now happily ensconced in her new digs!

Moving help on Sunday 20

Club member Melissa Pierides is moving house this weekend and would be very grateful for any assistance that can be had on Sunday 20th.

She is planning to do so after Kendo training (so around 11 am). There are a few large items and a few small odds and end to be moved. However, she is needing to do so as quickly and efficiently as possible. Please contact Michael if you are able to help out (and haven't said so yet.

We Are Upgrading Your Class Payments To 100% Electronic

Effective 30th September BBRD is converting to a cashless system for class and membership payments.

There will be 2 ways in which payments can be made from the beginning of October:

•Direct deposit to the BBRD Heritage bank account
•Via the ecommerce system on the BBRD Website

If there are any questions regarding this or you would like the bank details for making direct deposits please contact Kristina Lappin on 0412 205 925 or via FB (Kristina Kisiel-Lappin) prior to end of September.

Back to regular scheduling (almost)

Night time classes at the MEAC will recommence from tonight, and we will be checking off on regular monthly contributions for training during the course of this week.

Two Jujutsu class related items: First we may be a little delayed starting this Tuesday night as there will be Parent Teacher interviews on that are scheduled to run through till 6 pm. However, there is usually a little bit of overrun, so I ask that everyone be ready to set up and go as soon as the hall is clear. Second, there will be no Saturday Jujutsu as Michael has a family commitment that day.

This week will also see the return of Gym and Swim to the Milne Bay Aquatic Centre. Tuesdays will kick off from 9.30am and Thursdays from 8 .15am. Time to get ready for the summer season of seminars and gradings!

In addition, we will be trialling two new sessions. The first is at 5.00 pm on Tuesday (Posture and Flexibility class), and the second at 5.30 pm Thursday (Arnis study group). Both will be held outside the MEAC and before the established classes.

Please let Michael know if you are attending any of these sessions as we will need to ensure that there is sufficient equipment (and partners/lesson plans) on hand so that everyone makes the most of their time.

Artists impression of Michael attempting "The Dish" after too long out of the water ...

Tuesday Lunchtime Go

For those who are interested, we have started to regularly play Go at 1 pm on a Tuesday in the Refectory.

We have three sets to use, so it you would like to learn, please come along and join in! We are usually playing on a reduced size board in order to teach some of the basics, and complete games within the one hour we have for lunch.