St Athan Dojo
September 2007
Paul Rudd Sensei

St Athan Dojo with Soke. This month has seen the club, like many others, get back to normal after the summer holidays. The first few sessions back on the mats saw one or two cobwebs cleared away with the odd few pounds gained during the time out. September also saw a contingent of eleven travel across to Thetford for the Shochu Geiko. We all had a great time and enjoyed the training and although it may be quite sad, even Shihan Macs warm-ups! It was nice to see so many friendly faces once again, something I think all involved with Ishin Ryu should be proud of, a great friendly atmosphere in which to train and share ideas. The mutual respect demonstrated throughout the weekend and the top class coaching helped to make this one of the best seminars yet. We are already looking forward to next years. Travelling with us this year saw our first junior attend the seminar. Bill and Eddie Rudd along with Adam Hodges all demonstrated excellent behaviour and trained just as hard as the adults around them, well done guys! To top of the whole weekend, the club was honoured to be present when Soke awarded Sensei Jane with her Nidan. Soke presents Sensei Jane with her Nidan. Thanks Soke, it meant a lot to Jane and to have members of the club there too made it extra special for her. This month we have also been involved in grading one or two of our juniors who missed out on the July grading due to their holidays. So far congratulations go out to Brooke and Ashley Vines, Jessica and Jack Lamb and Daniel Read. Only one or two more to go, so good luck to those yet to grade, you know who you are. We have a number of new students on the junior mat this month and welcome goes out to each and every one. Student of the month was named as Rhys Squires. Rhys has attended every session and demonstrated excellent behaviour and a good attitude to training. Well done Rhys, keep up the good work. Well that's it for this month, but I would just like to wish Sempai Chalky and his good family all the very best for their new posting to Germany. We await with anticipation the start of Chalky's Dojo 3, The International! Best of luck mate! Paul Rudd Sensei St Athan Dojo