Seitei Iaido - Monthly update...

As all BBRD members are probably aware, the Seitei Iaido Kohokai group has moved its practise session to Thursday nights, commencing at 7:40PM. All is going well, with members travelling twice weekly to Redbank Plains to train at the main dojo with Kohokai instructor, Tom Johnson.

Tom is currently in Perth at a national seminar, training with Iaidoka such as Nagiyama-sensei (7th dan) and Raymond Lawrence-sensei (6th dan). James Archer is covering the 3 sessions at
Redbank while Tom-san is away.

The club recently had a full-day seminar at Moggill with Sydneysider Klara Lantay-Owens (3rd dan), who specialises in standing technique in her kata — a great day was had by all, and Klara taught some excellent alternative kata for those of us who may have trouble kneeling in seiza.

As always, any BBRD members who have an interest in traditional Japanese swordsmanship are welcome to come to the Thursday night session, and anyone interested in travelling to Redbank for training can contact James regarding times and carpooling.

Orders for Systema and Arnis t-shirts

Over the last few weeks we have received some enquiries about Systema and Arnis t-shirts.

We will look to make an order for shirts in the next fortnight. the 3/4 sleeve Systema shirts are $45 and the Arnis shirts will be $30 each.

Please talk to Michael this week and we will look to order them next week!

 

Dojo Spring Clean (pun intended)

I just wanted to give a quick acknowledgement to Dylan, Sean and Tracy who came in this morning to give the dojo a quick spruce up this morning.

We've given the mats a mop and scrub, swept all the dust and grit from the often forgotten corners behind things at the MEAC and, most importantly, given the storage area a tidy.

Could I please ask everyone to take responsibility for keeping the storage area in a fit state. This means putting back things that you might use in an evening session in the place where you found it (or back where it should be if it was misplaced). This also means folding borrowed uniforms where appropriate, and zipping up the gear bags, which you can see are currently neatly stored.

Dylan has very kindly offered to help coordinate tidying after training on Monday and Wednesday, and I will do the same for Tuesday and Fridays. However, if we all chip in it certainly will not be a chore for anyone!

 

A reminder that payments are becoming cashless this Thursday

Effective This Thursday BBRD is converting to a cashless system for 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.

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.

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.

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 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!