Website updates

Over the next few weeks we will be providing some more updates to the content of the BBRD website, and making more use of the functionality of things such as the calendar found there.  

Once it is up and running, you will be able to directly import the official Club calendar into your own electronic devices so you will know when critical dates, such as grading opportunities, seminars, trips for training, and membership renewals for external bodies. We are also looking to streamline the payment processes to make it easier to put money in for purchases or training dues.

As a start, have a look at the Resources page, which Eric and I have already begun populating. We will be making note of some of the books and other documents that are well worth a read to help fill in some of the fuzzy areas and gaps in your own knowledge regarding specific disciplines, and noting which ones you might be able to borrow (if you are good!). 

Jodo taste tester this Saturday (13 May)

Hello All,

This Saturday is the Jodo taste tester (13th May) at the MEAC starting at 1400 hrs (2:00 pm) and ending at 1600 hrs (4:00 pm).

I will be at the MEAC early, and I would like to invite all BBRD sword arts practitioners to come to the MEAC at around 1100 hrs (11:00 am) and join me for an informal kenjutsu session/workshop where participants in all forms of sword styles practised in the BBRD can experience the other arts' swordsmanship. This would continue until 1300 hrs (1:00 pm) where we would break for lunch (BYO) and then feel free to participate in the Jodo taste tester.

See everyone there.

Eric

Jodo Inter-dojo training 29 April

Hello All,

Jodo's BBRD and Chushinkan Dojo combined training took place down in Brisbane this time. We started at 10:30 and continued until 3:00, with a very instructive session on kenjutsu - including kehone and the first three ken kata. This was followed with paired work utilising jo strikes against the ken, and then finishing with jo kata.

The next inter-dojo training is to be in approximately six weeks...stay tuned for confirmation of the date and venue.

Eric

All quiet on the Western front... a regular week of training

After a fairly hectic few weeks of seminars, public holidays and university assignment, BBRD is back into regular programming for the next few weeks.  

On the jujutsu front, I'm hoping that we will be returning to more regular class sizes after last week's cold snap and study deadlines appeared to sap the motivation out of some of the class members. Remember that the grading opportunity is now less than three weeks away, and it would be worthwhile to take every chance you can to hone your performance. This includes the Sunday morning "open mat" sessions, where you can generate a little more refinement on kata that do not get as frequent a dusting off. 

We may be receiving a visit from Tom Johnson sensei, on Thursday evening to see how the iaidoka are progressing, and to pass on tips and trick he had gleaned from recent seminars in Perth and in Japan. I would encourage all of our regulars and not so regulars to make it along if they can. This is especially so for those intending to participate in the July seminar and grading opportunity down on the Gold Coast. 

I will also be giving some thought to getting a little more vitality in the Sunday morning kendo classes. Kenshinkai Brisbane will be having a few sessions at the Collingwood Park facility, and we will certainly try to make at least one of the Saturday sessions there. 

And the latest student iteration of the ITSK Arnis-Escrima syllabus is close to release, so we will be working through it over the next few weeks as well.  

So have an excellent week ahead everyone and I'll look forward to seeing you on the mat! 

Training times this week

Just a quick note of confirmation that there will be no training on Tuesday night as a result of ANZAC day observance, and the Wednesday lunchtime session at the MBTD will be postponed till next week as Matt G will be away for work training. 

As has been the custom, starting this week, there will be an opportunity to use the MEAC on Sunday mornings parallel to the Kendo session (10.00–11.30 am) for those wanting to get some more "on-mat" practice in preparation for jujutsu shinsa. As I have primary responsibility for the Kendo class, these opportunities will be structured rather than taught, and will be driven by what candidates wish to focus on as they sharpen up their skills in the coming month. 

Date claimer: Jujutsu grading 20 May

The date has been set for the BBRD Jujutsu Autumn grading opportunity. This year, we shall be evaluating up to and including 4KYU on Saturday 20 May. The start time for the physical evaluation will commence at 10 am, though candidates will be expected to be at the dojo earlier to help prepare the MEAC. It is expected to run approximately till 12.30 pm. 

This year, both Steve Witney, sensei, and Jason Griffths, sensei have indicated that they will also serve on the panel to assess and provide feedback to candidates.

There are a number of people eligable to test for 6KYU at this opportunity, which represents a culmination of the nyumon portion of the syllabus, and is hence a major milestone in their budo journey. Therefore, I would like to encourage everyone who can to come along and support the candidates on the day, even if you are not being tested yourself. This can be as an uke, photographer, steward, or just moral support. We will also have lunch at the conclusion of the shinsa. Friends and family are also very welcome to come and observe. Closer to the time we will ask for approximate numbers so that we can cater appropriately.

For candidates preparing to be tested, you first step is to download the relevant grading sheet and evaluate it carefully. These can be obtained from the BBRD Group on Facebook, or you can ask Michael to email you directly. Make sure you check the requirements for the grade in the centre column, make notes/questions about items that require clarification, and ask Michael, sensei, during regular class.  

I want to wish the best for all those preparing in the next month, and as they say in the classics, your examination starts ... now. 

Jodo inter-dojo training

Hello All,

This Saturday (29 April) is planned for the inter-dojo Jodo training with Glen Henry Sensei and students. It is planned for this training to take place at the South Coast Yoshinkan Dojo in Caloundra. Starting time: TBA. I am compiling a list of people interested in attending, and due to the distance car pooling is strongly advised. Further details will be forthcoming.

Also, the BBRD Jodo taste tester is tentatively scheduled for Saturday 13 May at 1400 hrs (2 pm). Confirmation to come. Hope to see everyone there.

Eric

School back this week

I hope that everyone has had a lovely Easter break, and that you are all keen to get back into training this week. Just a quick reminder that even though University is still in recess this week, School is back for Term 2 on Tuesday. We will have to be mindful of fitting around the usual rhythms of the School, including after hours care. We are considering providing a mid-week mop before Flexi Fit in order to keep the MEAC a little more respectable and cleaner under foot, but I will let folk know when we have arranged that.  

Regular training times start from tomorrow, so do ensure that you are on time and ready to commence training when you are in at the dojo. 

Easter seminar round up

I just wanted to once again express my thanks to Kurt Graham, kyoshi, Jason Griffiths, renshi, and Andrew Seyderhelm for providing such excellent instruction over the Easter weekend. It was also brilliant to train with Peter Armstrong again, as it has also been a few years since he has made it up the hill to play canes, and it would be great to see everyone more often.

The sessions were well attended by Club members, and there was much provided that will certainly be used to fire up the Systema, Arnis, and Jujutsu sessions in the coming months.  

I will post a bunch of pictures and video from the weekend over the next day or so. Kurt sensei is being hosted by Revolution Combatives to provide another Arnis seminar this coming Saturday, so if you missed out over the weekend or want a second dose of canes, do consider going along to that session too!

Using wave motion in Systema

Kesa drill during the Jujutsu session

Using correct alignment to lift during the Core Bujutsu session  

Crossing caned with Peter Armstrong  

Jodo practice cancelled Easter Monday

Hello All,

Jodo training will not be held on Easter Monday.

Training will resume usual days and times (Mondays & Wednesdays @ 1900 hrs [7:00 pm]) after the holidays.

Everybody have an excellent long weekend.

Eric