Today marks the start of the first full week post- my academic year. It means that for the next four and a half months I will not have to face the weekly dislocation of the approximately 1 100 Km drive up to the Bundaberg region and back. While I am certain to miss the regular contact with everyone up north, I am definitely looking forward to being able to spend the next little while on projects around the house and dojo, and indeed on some regular self-focussed training.
There are a few things to note. First, we will again be running virtual dojo sessions between Toowoomba and Gin Gin, first for Kendo and then for Jujutsu and Iaido. This will be in aid of preparing folk for gradings in December.
Second, we are still in the throws of organising a road trip for mid-November to run a weekend training event in Gin Gin across the disciplines I support. The main aim will again be grading prep, but we will also be promoting the event to the wider Gin Gin/Bundaberg community to get some local interest happening over the summer. At the moment the proposed date is the weekend of the 16-17th of November, but we will confirm the date and the program this week.
Third, it is important to note grading dates. The QKR seminar and grading opportunity for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo will be held on the weekend of 7-8 December, and the Jujutsu grading opportunity has been locked in for 2 pm Saturday 14 December. I will be providing more information regarding both events in next week’s Bulletin, but if you have any immediate questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Fourth, with Monday night fencing ceasing, we are looking to shift Jujutsu training back to Tuesday nights so as to most efficiently use our time in the MEAC. Again, I will confirm this in next week’s Bulletin, but we are looking to start this in the new week/month. Given the closeness of gradings, training will be a little more tailored to preparing folk to perform well.
Fifth, I intend to run regular Iaido classes on the Tuesday night parallel to Systema, so that the current iaidoka can clock up some regularised group training each week, which is particularly important given Queensland will be hosting the Nationals next year.
Phew!
Much to organise and work on over the coming weeks. However, with the work of the wonderful (and growing) community we have here, I am sure that we shall get everything done with panache!
I will look forward to seeing everyone in the dojo (physical or virtual) over the coming weeks.