July 2007 Newsletter

The month is newsletter is back up and running, we apologize that there has not been a newsletter in a while but that was due to technical difficulties beyond our control.

June 9th Course

Firstly on the 9th of June a course was held at Wakefield City High School which was taught by Sensei Ken Cottier a long time friend of Sensei Riley and of White Rose.  The course was attended by local students as well as those who travelled from Durham and Manchester.  There were no gradings taking place at the course so Sensei Riley had the opportunity to train and enjoy the teaching over Sensei Cottier as well.  The course was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and Sensei Cotter received a round of applause at end of the course in recognition of a thoroughly enjoyable day.

In the evening there were a social at one of the Sensei Riley’s local pubs which   myself and Sensei Heseltine stayed down in Mirfield in order to attend.  Sensei Cotter enjoyed telling stories of his various travels and experiences in Aikido in Hong Kong as well as other parts of the world. 

We at White Rose Aikikai would like to thank Sensei Cottier for an enjoyable day and look forward to the next time he is teaching.

Above is the end of course photo which was taken by Sensei Paul Derrick, the reamined of the photos will be up shortly.

April 1st Course

On April the 1st we were honoured to have Sensei Terry Bayliss Shihan as the guest instructor for the first course of 2007.  The course was well attended by both local students as well as students who had travelled from Durham to attend the course.   Sensei Bayliss started off the day with tai no henko which provided the main theme of the day.  Throughout the day a number of techniques were taught including iriminage, shihonage as well as kotegaeshi.  All of the students who attended the course thoroughly enjoyed it and found it to be very informative.  Everyone at White Rose Aikikai are greatly appreciative of Sensei Bayliss for travelling up to teach and we hope they he will be able to teach again soon. 

Course Gradings

Throughout the day there were a number of Kyu taking place which were presided over by Sensei Riley while Sensei Bayliss was teaching.   In the afternoon we had the privilege of watching Mark Danford grade for his 4th Dan. I am happy to say that Mark was successfully in his grading and received high recognition from Sensei Bayliss about the high quality of his grading.  Also Dean Sheldrake and Tony Richards were awarded the rank of 3rd Dan by Sensei Riley.
 I would also like to congratulate all of the other students who were successful in their gradings.

 Sensei Ken Cottier 7th Dan

It is with great pleasure that I have in announcing the news that a long time friend of White Rose Aikikai and Sensei Riley, Shihan Ken Cottier has been promoted to the rank of 7th Dan.  Sensei Cottier was promoted to 7th Dan at the Kagami Biraki (New Year Celebrations at Hombu Dojo) 
All of us at White Rose Aikikai are extremely proud of Sensei Cottier’s recent promotion in recognition of all of his contributions past and present to Aikido.

If there is any news that you wish to be published in next months newsletter do not hesitate to email me.

Newsletter by Nick Smith.