December 2007 Newsletter

December 8th Course

On Saturday the 8th of December there was a course held at Wakefield City High School which was instructed by Sensei Peter Alexander. The course was well attended by both local students and those who had travelled down from Durham.

During the morning session a number of techniques were taught including Kokyo, Sumi Otoshi and Iriminage. Sensei emphasised the use of movement whilst maintaining good zanshin and centre.

In the afternoon a number of senior gradings took place.
Our congratulations go to:
Anthony, James and Terry who all achieved the rank of 1st kyu and were given permission to wear hakama.
Joe Maugn who achieved the rank of Ni Dan.
Well done to everyone who passed. The standard across the board was very good and the individual preparation showed through on the day!

Following the senior gradings Sensei Mick Hajdysz taught a number of techniques with his trademark practicality; accompanied by looks of shock and horror from those who hadn’t previously had the pleasure. Needless to say everyone enjoyed the session and no-one was damaged in the process (not seriously anyway!).

The final session was taught by Sensei Alexander with a variety of techniques using the Bokken 

In the evening there was a meal for Sensei Alexander with a number of the senior students. This gave the students a chance to talk to Sensei Alexander about his experiences in Aikido on and off the mat whilst acquainting themselves (once again) with several of the local ales.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sensei for travelling and for sharing his Aikido with us. The course was both enlightening and enjoyable and we would hope to see him again soon!

Christmas Class Plans

I have spoken to Sensei Heseltine and Sensei Danford regarding the plans for the classes over Christmas. 
Sensei Heseltine has informed me that the last Durham Class of the year will be held on Sunday the 23rd of December and the classes will recommence on Monday the 7th of January. 

There will also be a break for the Christmas period in Yorkshire as well.  The last class will be on the 19th of December and classes will start as normal back on the 2nd of January.
PLEASE NOTE that Sunday classes will continue throughout the season so there will be classes on the 23rd and 30th of December

On the 27th of December Sensei Riley will be taking a specially arranged class at Dewsbury. This will start at 3.30pm. This class is for all students who wish to shake off the cobwebs and burn off some calories (or who just can’t wait until the New Year to get back on the mat)!

Final Note of 2007

White Rose Aikido would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the association during 2007 including all the instructors and students and also those students who have visited to and shared our classes.
In particular we would like to thank our guest instructors - Shihan Cottier, Shihan Bayliss and Sensei Alexander. Hopefully we will have the privilege of seeing them again in 2008.

In conclusion we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at White Rose Aikido.

If there are questions regarding anything mentioned or if you have any news that you wish to be published in the first newsletter of 2008 do not hesitate to email me.

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Newsletter by Nick Smith.