Newsletter #02 - 14 May 2009

I manage to catch up with Sensei Bob as he has been quite busy over the last couple of months with significant growth in his club and a visit in April 2009 from Hasegawa Sensei. Bob informed me that Hasegawa Sensei would be visiting but unfortunately I was away trekking on my horse and time was not available. Sensei Bob has indicated that another visit is likely next year so hopefully I will have an opportunity to meet with him then.

Sensei Bob and Nicky will be in Noumea from the 23rd -31st May, teaching at a Shitoryu club, specifically passing on certain kata. The weather will certainly be warmer and I look forward to hearing about their travels on their return.

Dojo Finally comes together

My Dojo is now finally complete after adding a few more enhancements. After a particularly cold night and suffering a few muscle injuries we finally fired up the heaters and fixed a couple of others. I have now added a work bag for punching and kicking (which is getting a bit of a work out from all of us) as well as a forth mirror which now cover a decent side of the wall. With the Manawatu Champs and the Nationals coming up, we now have a extremely awesome dojo to train in and it is place we are proud of.

Many thanks goes to Gregor McLaclan in supporting me (see NewsLetter #01 (21-2-2009)) and our goals to continued Shitoryu training in the Manawatu and for allowing me the use of his spare mats, and to Ann, for providing the facilities.

Comming up- Manawatu Champs 14th June 2009

Gregor McLachan is running the Manawatu Champs this year on the 14th June 2009. The last time I attended, it was well represented with many of the local club participating. Gregor has been running weekend squad trainings in preparation for his tournament as well as the NZ Nationals which will be in 11th - 12th of July.

We are looking forward to this event and will give it full support to ensure that it is another successful event. In addition, it will also be great to see how karate in progressing in the Manawatu.

Comming up - Sensei Bob to visit Palmerston North

Sensei Bob will stop over in Palmerston North (if everything goes to plan) and it is hope that himself and Nicky will be staying with us before the Nationals. We are currently planning to have a couple of light training sessions with Bob before we all continue down to Wellington to compete. Sensei Bob holds a wealth of information on how best to perform kata (and basic kihon) so any last minute assistance is appreciated. Sensei Bob is also introducing a number of training techniques gain from Hasegawa Sensei so I am especially looking forward to that.

Comming up - New Zealand Nationals 11th - 12th July 2009

As mentioned above, the New Zealand Nationals will be held in Wellington on the 11th - 12th July. Sensei Bob has quite a few travelling down for this event and likewise we are also looking forward to competing. This will be a time for when we will all be able to catch up with some of the other club members and I am sure we will also be treated to something special.

Regards