This years course was as successful as ever, with yamabushi students and instructors from several clubs in attendance.
The venue was Tyldesley Community Education Centre, which was particularly well suited for such a course, having excellent facilities on iste for all our needs. Once everyone was changed and on the mat, training commenced in ernest, as it was to be a long day and we had a lot to get through.
Techniques covered included biken jutsu, bo jutsu jiu jutsu and kobu jutsu (nunchaku) In addition, Jacob Sibley Rensji, the dojo-cho of ikiyoyo in Manchester and the schools cheif safeguarding officer, gave a special course for all responsible adults concerning child protection and safeguarding procedures. This was well received and is a vital part of our instructor training..
Gareth Waite Renshi, dojo cho of shugenja in Atherton gave an extremely interesting, enjoyable and informative lesson of ne-waza, explaining, demonstrating and teaching some of the finer points of groundwork and grappling, which I found to be quite fascinating Peter Houghton renshi and Gavid Yates renshi both demonstrated some devastating tai jutsu no waza, and they were enjoyed as always. I was especially impressed by the younger students who stayed on and practiced the whole day long, with such energy and enthusiasm. They did very well and we are all proud of them.
Once the training was over, it was time for the social part of the procedings to commence. We first retired to a local hostely entitled “The Pendle Witch” in Atherton. Here, the adults among us managed to regain some much needed fluid, as we exchanged chat over how we thought the day had gone so far. This was a warm and welcoming little pub, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a relaxing drink in a xosy atmosphere. Once we felt suitably refreshed, it was time to pay attention to our now rumbling tummies!
We had an absolutely delicious indian meal at a restaurant called the “Sylhet City”, comfortably washed down with a few more drinks, and accompanied by good conversation and lots of laughing. This social aspects is just as important and enjoyable as the training aspect in such events, as it helps to bring us all closer together in a setting other than the dojo, and reminds us that we are more than just a club: We are a family.
Each and ebery part of this event went smoothly, and this is thanks to none other than our own Daniel MacKenzies sensei, our events manager who organised the whole thing. So, a very big “Well done and thank you” from all of us for doing such a good job, and making the day the success it was.