Weekend Seminars

Don't forget to book your tickets for this weekend's seminars, and make sure that you let all of your martial arts friends and associates know. This will be Kurt Graham, sensei's only official seminar in South East Queensland this time around, and almost two years since Andrew Seyderhelm has been up to Toowoomba to teach.

Kurt, sensei, is coming off the back of a highly successful series of seminars in Adelaide last week, and will no doubt be providing phenomenal value in his sessions. Do have a look at the Ittoshinkan Facebook page and give it a like!

I'll look forward to seeing folk on both Friday and Saturday. We already have people confirmed to travel up from Brisbane for the Saturday sessions, which is excellent. Make sure you don't miss out and book through the Club's website: http://www.bbrd.org.au/memberships-and-courses/easter-2017-seminar-series

In particular, if you have ever done any Philippines Martial Arts, or just been curious about them, you should not miss the opportunity to train with one of the world's best exponents. And the Systema and Jujutsu sessions should simply not be missed.

Congratulations Lauren Ole and Dave Johnston

I would like to express our warmest congratulations to Lauren and Dave on the arrival of their son, Magnus Viktor, early on Monday 3 April.

Both Lauren and Magnus are doing well, and we wish the whole family all the best as they settle into their new routines!

Reminder: Dojo clean today

Just a quick reminder that if you are free this morning, we will be at the MEAC helping Jim to move the heavy stuff in order for the MEAC floor to get a good scrub down.

We will also take the opportunity to give the storage area a thorough tidy, dust those forgotten corners and make everything beautiful in time for the weekend seminars!

So if you can, I'll be there from approximately 9.30 am and will appreciate any assistance that can be provided. We ought to be finished by 11.30 am. Text if you are in doubt whether we are still there!

School holiday training

Just a reminder that Holy Name Primary School is on Easter holidays for the next two weeks. This means two practical things for training over the next fortnight. First, we will be able to leave the training surface down this week, though we will have to pack things up on Saturday so that the major floor clean can be accomplished on Monday 10 April. Second, I would ask that Jujutsu Ka be ready to start class by 6.05 pm Tuesday and Thursday given that we do not have to either set up or pack away the mat. 

We will be using the next week to beautify the dojo space ready for the Easter weekend seminars, including putting out our posters, and tidying up the storage area. And if you are available for next Monday (10 April) please come along to the dojo in the morning so that we can give Jim a hand with the floor scrub.  

Congratulations Cat Brennan and the EXEQ team

Just a quick word of congratulations to Club member Cat and the team at her business, Excavation Equipment, for being recognised in the services category of the Australian Small Business Champions Award over the weekend. 

Cat went down to Sydney this weekend on behalf of the business to collect the award. Well done, and we'll look forward to seeing you back at training this week!

AGM wrap up

Just a quick notification to say that in accordance with the Club's constitution, the Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday. Reports from the various Executive members, including the discipline and activity coordinators will be made available online shortly.  

Elections for the Executive positions of President, Secretary, Treasurer and General Member reappointed Michael, Matt G, Sian and Brady to those respective positions.  

On behalf of the renewed Executive, I would like to thank everyone's contributions over the past twelve months and look forward to an even more productive and enjoyable time in the twelve months ahead. 

Show Holiday this Thursday (and training Tuesday night)

Just a quick reminder that this Thursday is Toowoomba Show holiday, and as a consequence, we will be taking a break from training that night.

Given that Tuesday will be the last training session in the month, can I ask that folk please bring an old t-shirt that they don't mind being bent out of shape as we will be going through some shime wasa that can be successfully applied without the aid of a heavy jacket.

Reminder: Taste Tester and AGM

Just a quick reminder this week that the Club's Taste Tester kicks off this Saturday at 2 pm with Jujutsu. We will be following that with the Club's AGM at 4 pm.

Just a few administrative matters are a result. First, could you please ensure that you have paid your 2017 dues no later than Friday, and either e-mail your completed membership form to enquiries@bbrd.org.au or hand them in to your discipline coordinator at training this week. 

Second, the MEAC dojo clean will now start at 1 pm so that the Taste Testers can have a sanitary facility to train in. 

Third, for this week, Jujutsu will be integrated as part of the Taste Tester, so if you are a regular class member, please come along and lend a hand.  

Finally, make sure that you spread the word through your networks about this, as we would love to see as many new folk come and get a feel for what we all love to do! 

Congratulations Dave Da Silva and Jodie Krosch

Congratulations to Ittoshinkan Arnis 5th Dan and all round nice guy Dave Da Silva and his partner Jodie on the arrival of their first child on the 25th of March. Both Alera Mae and Jodie are reportedly doing well, and now begins the next chapter for them all!

It might be some time before we see Dave back up the hill to run a seminar, but I wanted to reiterate that we would always love to see him when available!

Condolences for the Tootle family

On behalf of the Club, I would like to pass on deepest condolences to the Tootle family for the passing of Clyde Tootel.  

Clyde was father to Aaron, Ryan and Lauren, husband to Letitia, a long standing member of the Queensland Ambulence Service, having been OIC at the Crows Nest station for 25 years. Aaron and his wife Reina have both been long time members of the Toowoomba Kendo community, and Reina an Australian University Games champion, representing USQ in 2009. 

Clyde had been battling from ill health for some time, but his death sudden and unexpected while away on a caravanning trip with Letitia and friends. 

I will post more details regarding memorial services and other arrangements for those interested when they become available.