The end of year course was held at Leigh Sports village this year, on Saturday November 22nd, and what a superb venue it was! Students and instructors from all local clubs were in attendance, plus we had a very special guest of honour present: Prof. Charles Spring from the university of Derby.
Charles is a high grade karate instructor, as well as having extensive experience in several other martial arts such as Krav Maga and kick boxing. Prof. Spring is a founder fellow of the institute of martial arts and sciences and it was in this capacity he was in attendance. Not only did he teach an interesting and exciting kata to all those in attendance, but also imparted information concerning the university courses that are now available to members of the IMAS through the university of Derby.
The gathering was further blessed by a visit from Eric and Mark Hayes Sensei from the Yoshin Ryu Judo club. This Father and Son team have been running the local martial arts club in Leigh for as long as anyone can remember, and are incredibly well respected for the time and effort they put in to doing this. Jaimie Lee-Barron had actually had the distinct honour of teaching at the Yoshin Ryu almost twenty years ago, so it was a very warm reunion for all concerned, with an invitation being extended for Jaimie to teach at this legendary club once again.
A special session on safeguarding and child protection was delivered by Jacob Sibley Renshi of Dojo Ikiyoyo in Manchester. Jacob is the chief safeguarding officer for the Yamabushi, and helps ensure that all of our instructors stay up to speed on such important matters. While most of the instructors attended this special class, it was up to Gareth Waite Renshi of Dojo Shugenja, Atherton to keep everyone busy which he did with his usual infectious enthusiasm, teaching some of the devastating jiu jutsu techniques he is so well known for. This segment was well received by all those participating.
Mention must also be made of David Yates Renshi also from dojo Shugenja, who taught a very enjoyable segment on Iai jutsu, as well as acting as uki for the ken jutsu class. David is a long serving, long suffering uki, and his presence is always appreciated.
Pete Houghton Renshi was also present, but contented himself with training hard throughout the day with his students from Dojo Sohei, Billinge. Pete is a quiet, modest stalwart of the yamabushi who is always there to help and support the group. He might think we don’t notice, but we do, and we count ourselves very lucky to have him. During the course of the proceedings, an official photographer showed up and proceeded to take several pictures for the local paper. These pictures, together with a short article, appeared in the Wigan Evening Post on Friday, November 28th. They did a fine job, giving us a centre spread of two full pages, good text and lots of pictures. As the training drew to a close, there was just enough time to conduct our own photo shoot to commemorate the event, before making our way to the local hostelry for some much needed food and drink. Needless to say, everyone who attended this part of the proceedings enjoyed themselves immensely, and it was a fitting end to an extremely enjoyable and successful day.
It must be said that this type of event would not have been possible without the help and support of people like Mark Calland Tachi, who was awarded his Yondan on the day and, in particular, Dannial MacKenzie Sensei, who worked so hard for so long to make the day a success. Dan was awarded his Sandan, and our heartfelt thanks go out to both of them. Also to Gareth Waite Renshi for helping with securing the venue and Graham Parrott Sensei, our grading examinations officer and, last but by no means least, Prof. Charles Spring, Godan, who travelled quite a way to share his knowledge and expertise with us all. Well done to them, and to all who took part and made this day so special.
With such energy and enthusiasm, it is clear that, not only are the history and traditions in safe hands, but the future of the school as well.