Honbu Dojo
October 2007
Sheila Eglen Sempai and Andrew Herbert Sensei

Katy King receiving a medal from Soke. Infants It doesn't seem more than 5 minutes ago that the kids were on holiday, and yet once again we have hit yet another half term. Those that haven't rushed off on another holiday have continued to work well, and with grading only next month every little helps. This month sees a special congratulation to infant Katy KING. Katy is so keen she attends twice a week (also going to Renshi Trevor's class) and because of this has already managed to complete a full line of "award stamps" in her award card. Well done Katy. Juniors The juniors are also working well toward their next belt's, I am sure they have noticed that Sensei Andy and I are picking up the pace with their fitness, putting them through a little fitness test in every lesson, keep up the good work, some of your press ups would put a few adults to shame. Also do not forget to learn your Japanese terminology - or you will be punished. Student of the month - Emily Smith. A family affair - The Smiff's! Student of the Month Student of the month this month goes to a young lady from the infant class - Emily Smith, well done Emily, you are a delightful little girl who can be a complete handful, however the last few weeks you have been a little angel - please try to keep it up!! Intermediates The intermediates are still full steam ahead, Congratulations to Ben Beeston who finally got around to taking his White/Red belt - thanks to his partner for the evening Jacob Freshwater. Ben was on holiday when the remainder of his class had their grading and has been "chomping at the bit" to catch up. Despite a nervous start (to be expected considering the watchful eye of Soke had only one candidate to watch) he performed excellently and is now the proud owner of a shiny new belt - so don't go on holiday again! Sheila Eglen Sempai Jordan celebrating his birthday with a bump. Sitting down on the job? Adults An "un-natural" disaster in the making! Greetings from the scientifically proven centre of the universe, the Honbu Dojo. As your humble guide I would like to take you on a journey of discovery an adventure around all that is Ishin Ryu. Now it would be easy to mislead you into thinking that the events that occur here on a weekly basis have no relevance to anything other than the small village of Caston and Ishin Ryu Ju-Jitsu. Well you'd be wrong!!! It is rumoured that events in the dojo resonate through the very fabric of human existence, breaking down the barriers of space time! Well you've heard the theory that a flutter from butterfly wings can cause violent storms on the other side of the planet well this is the same thing. Many events from around the globe can be explained by goings-on in the Dojo. We have seen many reported earthquakes that have coincided with heavy sessions in the dojo! Global warming has only become prevalent since the dojo had its central heating installed, a coincidence? I think not! Hurricane Katrina only occurred after... well if you want to know more about that one, ask Sensei Andy Tierney to tell you his curry storey?. Anyway if that isn't proof I don't know what is, so next times you are using the upstairs toilet at Honbu remember what I have said. If you have an accident you may inadvertently be wiping out a small third world country (and you wouldn't want that on your conscience!) Look! Its Will............and Will! Martin getting me back for all the sweating jokes! Simon picks on yet another person who is smaller than himself. Anyway, some cynics may say that these ramblings are only here to take your mind away from the inevitable fact that I haven't got much news to talk about. I would NEVER do such a thing! Back to proper business! The dojo has been careering along at its normal pace. Our new recruit Will has been making leaps and bounds since he has started. He hasn't missed a lesson yet and is picking up his techniques very quickly. He seems to be really getting in the swing of things and I look forward to seeing his first grading in December. We have seen, for one night only, the return of the Prof! Andy has been on half term this week (everyone say AAAAAAHH) and decided to get a little training in. I must say his excursion away from the dojo has been a much more positive affair than the last time. When Andy left for uni the first time he came back after 3 years of inactivity and put on a lot of weight and really struggled to back into things. This time he's been running every day and it really shows. He's lost a lot of weight since he left and certainly gave a much better account of himself on his first night back. Great to see he's still going to make the effort when there is a school holiday! Martin Shortland has finally returned after his hiatus. Martin has been working every hour under the sun lately (my spies tell me he was on holiday) and has spent very little time in the country. Like Andy, he certainly hasn't sat on his laurels whilst he's been away and is still in good shape. Martin is a great guy to have around the dojo so it's nice to see him back! I am beginning to get bored with seeing Martin in a purple belt and I personally think a brown colour would suit him down to the ground. I now wish that he can get his head down for a big push to the next belt. Maybe he should pick on someone his own size next time! Simon and Caroline are still pushing on well! They haven't been able to make it as much as they would have liked recently due to circumstance beyond their control but I know they are itching to get back into a regular schedule. There is still plenty of time before the gradings to get back into the swing of things and I have no doubt that they will! Sempai Sheila is working her proverbial rear end off these days. Having an unusually insightful view of her training on and off the mat I can say that I am really looking forward to seeing her grading in 2008. We are both trying to gradually build up to April next year where hopefully her fitness will peak at the right time. Anyone who was witness to Sempai Sheila's Shodan Ho grading will know first-hand how bloody minded and stubborn she is which is why she has come back from injury with a vengeance. That's it from me this fine October! All I can say is good luck to everyone who is entering the Judo championships at the beginning of the month. A small word of advice to the Ishin Ryu students, try not to punch or kick. For some reason the referees don't like it. Have a great November and I look forward to seeing you all soon. OUSS! Andrew Herbert Sensei At this early stage, basic etiquette had obviously not been explained to Simon and Caroline!