www.shudokandevon.com newsletter June 2011

June 7th, 2011

Hi all,

Website changes

Please take a look at the new website here. There are some big changes to the way you access information. The BLOG and Facebook pages will now be taking care of news as well as the scrolling bar for headlines at the top of the site.

Adults

Belt Test

Saturday 25th June 2011 at 4pm

The lessons this month will have preparation time in every class.

RRAT

Thursday 16th June 2011 at 7pm
Cost: FREE

Restraint and removal class that is open to the public. This is cool stuff so all students would enjoy it. A big attendance is good for the school so please make the effort.

facebook it

Juniors

Buddy Party

Saturday 18th June at 9:30am (Little Dragons) and 10:30am (Cobra Kids)

Little Dragons will be having a Nunchakku session where they get to show their friends how to use the Nunchakku. The Cobra Kids will be having a NERF war.. Please can Cobra Kids provide their own Nerf if possible. If not we have a few spare. All children will be included whether they have Nerf or not.

Invites are out this week so please return them ASAP!!

Grading Results May 2011

Cobra Kids and Little Dragons

Red

Riley Hacking
Lily Cushion

Yellow

Harry Rolfe
Harry Trantham
Jacob Webb
Zachary Blyth (CK)
Charlie Baglow (CK)

Hi Yellow

Thomas Harries

Green

Sam Annear-Hill
Cameron Huxtable
Olivia Sullivan
Jack Owen
Mateo Ogunuga

Hi Green

Chloe Passmore
Jaime-Lou Patterson
Noah Cullerne

Blue

Daniel Treanor (CK)

Hi Blue

Ciaran Overend (LD)

Orange

Lewis Andrews
Zachary Blyth (LD)

Hi Orange

Alex Hookway

Brown

Jacob West

Hi Brown

Charlie Baglow (LD)

Brown/Black

Jo McCaffrey

Samurai of the Month – May 2011

Charlie Lester and Riley Hacking!! Well done guys!!!

Osu

Sensei Med

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Ego and fear

May 27th, 2011

In my humble opinion, and you may have to bare with me on this, the key factor that leads to fear; anger and low self esteem is ego.

Everybody has an ego. Letting it go is the lifelong task taken on by monks and the similarly dedicated. I believe as martial artists this is where we should mimick those people.

The more I train, the more I study and the more I live this fact reasserts itself to me over and over again.

The secret to shaking it off, I believe, lies in the symbiotic and juxtaposed art of ‘uke’.

I just wanted to share my thoughts. As always, peace.

Med

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Newsletter June 2011

May 21st, 2011

Nice and early on this one because there’s a great deal happening so please read this carefully.

Juniors

Changes to the Little Dragons Class and NEW Reception Class

Contrary to earlier literature, the timetable for the Little Dragons’ class is NOT CHANGING in June. We are, however, introducing a new half hour class for some of our youngest members. This reception class will allow us to standardize the entry level of students in the Little Dragons. Therefore making the 45 minute class more productive.

The new class will focus on the children’s ability to work with others; discern direction, shape, body parts; counting; gross motor function; proper in class response and much more.

New Syllabus

The Little Dragons and Cobra Kids will be working by two brand new syllabi as of June. A great deal of effort has gone into these to reflect the age ranges and push allow the kids to reach new heights in their physical ability. There are even some patterns, exclusive to our Dojo, that link our ideas together toward performing freestyle Aikido.

I am constantly looking for ways to enrich our classes and I am very happy with the new material. Best of all, this stuff is great fun so it will be a pleasure to teach and perform.

Take a look at the new stuff here (some of it is in phonetic Japanese but you are welcome to ask…)

Cobra Kids – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1op9jqyl6Aeoi6t2YwyyjI0pvyjxksxcdmFrKx8Ay-Vw/edit?hl=en_GB&authkey=COy9wpcB
Little Dragons – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cqkr01WyzKzLZvR3Fo2utn1kf2JPG2ph8tg2VJUuv_k/edit?hl=en_GB&authkey=CNWmw84I

Nerf Wars!! (CKs)

This Cobra Kids Buddy Party will be held on Saturday 18th June. Invites winging their way to you next week!

Nunchakku Buddy Party (LDs)

On the same day (Sat 18th) the Little Dragons will be bringing friends along to teach them how to use the Nunchakku!

Adults

Open Week

This week (the last week of May) I’d like to invite you to bring any friends or family along that you like. Allowing someone to sample Aikido could be the nicest thing you do for them ever!!
RRAT

Thursday 16th June at 7pm. This Restraint, Removal and Arrest Techniques course is open to the public as well as regular students.

Adult Belt Test and Party

Saturday 25th June:

Test @ 4pm
Party @ 8pm BYOB

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Spring Challenge Report 18th – 22nd April 2011

May 14th, 2011

The bi annual ‘challenge’ week is one of the most challenging events that we currently hold at our little dojo in Barnstaple, North Devon. The training is arduous and tough, and the hours are difficult to maintain. This is especially the case if you are also fitting in evening training and a daytime job.

The course runs from 6am – 8am from Monday to Friday. Challenge students are encouraged to train in the evening as well but it is not required (unless you are training toward a black belt). There are, in fact, very few stipulations. However I personally vet everyone who takes part through an online form and an interview.  I do not charge for this training. So literally the only thing dragging ones backside to the dojo in the early hours is your own will and determination, or alternatively, your ego. By the nature of the training however I’m fairly confident that ego would only bring you back one morning.. From there onward we’re back into will and determination.

I arrived around 5:30am, a little nervous and bleary eyed. However physically demanding this course would be for the students, it was going to be similarly tough on me especially if the numbers were low. A strong cup of coffee later I started to welcome people in.  At around 6am there were still one or two in the changing rooms so I gathered people round for a quick briefing.

I explained the itinerary for the week. I set out my decision to concentrate on a different section of the ‘Kihon Dosa’ (Basic Movements) each day, starting with ‘Tai no Henko’ (changing direction) on Monday.  The group looked nervous so I tried to settle their nerves a little.

It was important for me that they didn’t begin by thinking I was just going to shout and scream at them and make them do things that just hurt for no reason. So I talked a little about my targets for the week. I mentioned that I had not come along at 6am to make a bunch of people fail at something. The week was about achievement, self discovery, confidence and spirit.

After a short warm up we began the first hurdle. As there were beginners (including one complete novice who had never trained before this class) I decided to keep it simple with 100 back drops.

We moved on to basic movements, working hard on Tai no Henko (changing position) with deep positions and many repetitions.

This movement was then built upon to form a basic technique called ‘Side approach entering throw’, first slow and to the count and then quickly to a single command. This training is very hard and I was very impressed with the way the class responded to it. I gave them a really hard time, especially the beginner, but they just kept going and saw it to the end.

I finished with a more flowing technique from the corner after a resistance excercise

I think the tension may have been even thicker on the second morning than the first. On the second morning the challengers knew what was coming. To step on to the mat knowing full well that there will be times you will wish you hadn’t takes a lot of courage.

Much the same as the first day we practice some breakfalling followed by basic movements and then rigorous techniques. It’s very easy to make the group work hard with hiriki no yosei! The movement is very easy to learn at a basic level. You simply slide forward into a deeper position, then on the second count slide back. Repeating this can be difficult but holding it is worse.

When the group found a rhythm I was pleased. They appeared to be working in harmony with one another. That’s amazing to watch. I still messed it up on purpose..

If the group feeds off each other too much then they have no opportunity to dig deep into themselves. So it’s not because I’m evil or want them to tell tails of how gruelling the training is at my dojo. It’s simply a duty of mine as their instructor to provide them with the opportunities that have been, and still are now and again, provided for me.

We covered the last of the basic movements on the third day which meant that the training could be opened up to other things. Leaving room for testing breakfalling practice and resistance excercises.

We covered self defence, breakfalling, groundwork, weapons practice, conditioning excercises, stomach excercises and a whole lot more. All done to a high standard. In fact at the end of the week there were two students awarded their next level, including the novice who attained her 8th Kyu. One student lost 8lbs during the 5 days. This is no mean feat and you certainly would not want to lose weight at that rate consistently.

A massive well done to those who took part and I look forward to the next event! Check out the (rather rushed) Spring Challenge VLOG

Osu

Med

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April News, Easter Opening, Matchats and New Media

April 14th, 2011

Hi all,

There’s a lot going on this month. Also check out the videos of training from Tuesday, and the delivery of the matchats.

Cadets class go outside

Adults class follow suit

Delivering the April Matchats

Self Defence

…. this Thursday 14th(Adults, and parents if you like :D ) facebook

Please let me know if you are bringing any guests ASAP

Permission Slips

back please, for the Demonstration on Saturday 30th April. (Juniors)

Demonstration wrap party

for the adults, who will be in green lanes for most of the day. All adults class are welcome to this. facebook
Juniors don’t forget there’s an ALL junior party on the 23rd April at 10. Facebook it and make sure you bring your RSVPs back with data files for buddies.

Extra Demo Training

in preperation for the Demonstration every Saturday at 5pm (probably about 30-60 minutes) until the demo.

Bokken Run

on Saturdays at 2pm also.

Please check the dojo calendar for opening times over the coming Easter holidays and onslaught of bank holidays. We are only closing for Good Friday (unless you are on the Spring Challenge Course) and Easter Monday.

Any queries should be directed to me,

Osu

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April News

March 30th, 2011

Here’s whats happening in the Dojo (and out of in some cases..)

Don’t forget the dojo has an online calendar which is constantly updated. Also the website is always kept up to date.

Demonstration (adults and Juniors)

The Shudokan Aikido Demonstration is set to go ahead on Saturday 30th April. Adults sign up in the dojo, or alternatively text me directly on 07860 546 790. Juniors there are permission slips going out, don’t forget I need them back. You can also download them from google docs here google docs link

Check out the facebook event here Facebook link

Self Defence Class (Adults, Free)

The dojo has a free Self Defence Class for you and members of the public. Please spread the word and invite your friends.

Facebook
Poster

St George and the Bunny Rabbit (Juniors Buddy Party)

Saturday 23rd April @ 10am-11:30am

Invites winging their way out this week..

Facebook
Poster

Restraint, Removal and Arrest Techniques (Adults, Free)

Thursday 28th April @7pm – 8:30pm

Aikido is used worldwide for security forces because of its emphasis on ‘necessary force’ and effective use of body mechanics.

Come and practice some practical skills.

Facebook
Poster

Spring Challenge (Adults)
18 April at 06:00 – 22 April at 08:00

This is a very tough week of training. You will be pushed to the limit, but the benefits will be huge, to your Aikido and to your life.

For an application pack and information please

email: shudokandevon@gmail.com
Call: 0800 066 5097

Facebook

………………………………..

That’s pretty much it for the events, here are the results of the gradings held in March

Adults:

White and Yellow belt (8th Kyu)

Tim Wuttke – Keary
Peter Blyth

Yellow Belt (7th Kyu)

Jamie Bridle
Sam Bridle

Green Belt (6th Kyu)

Joseph Hartley

Blue belt

Hannah Goodwin
Charlotte Vincent
Sacha Lewis

Juniors (little Dragons, 4-7)

Tom Paviour Coward (Red)
Jacob Webb (yellow)
Thomas Harries  (yellow)
Paige Busby(hi Yellow)
Jo Annear-Hill (Green)
Noah Cullerne (Green)
Ethan Cullerne(Orange)
Corey Stratton-Allsworth (Orange)

Cobra Kids 8-11

Harry Trantham (red)
Harry Rolfe (red)
Jo Thomas (Red) (Silver)
Daniel Treanor (Yellow)
Davy Stephenson (Yellow)
Kai Burton Chambers (Yellow)
Matthew Webber (Yellow)
Chloe Passmore (Green)
Jaime Lou Patterson (Green) (Bronze)
Sam Vincent (Blue)
Jacob West (Orange)
Joseph McCaffrey (Hi Brown) (Gold Award)
George Paviour Coward (Hi Brown)
Jake Harding (1st Kyu Brown)

Well Done to all and to the award winners!!

Samurai of the month for April are as follows

Little Dragon: Ciaran Overend
CobraKid: Jack Rippon

Well done you two!!

I will post weekly updates with any changes etc.

Osu

Sensei Med

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January 2011

January 22nd, 2011

I would like to use this forum as well to remind everyone in the school that I am only at the end of the phone for whatever reason. With regards to your Aikido training, your membership within the school, problems between students, problems getting to the school, maybe you lost your job, bullying, or any other issue I may not have thought of I definitely want to hear from you. My teacher taught that what was important was training. Aikido can have a hugely positive effect on your life and I consider it my position to help with that in any way I can.

Our toll free number: 0800 066 5097 will get me most of the time, or my mobile if you’d rather text is 07860 546 790.
Online Dojo

We are developing some powerful online resources for our students:
Communication
You can interact with your dojo in many ways online:
Facebook
Post comments, ‘like’ stuff and meet other Aikidoka,
this is one of the most versatile ways to interact
online. We also use facebook as a gallery for photos.
Twitter
Follow our tweets!
Youtube
Watch our youtube videos, rate them and share
with friends.
We are also in the process of creating an on line
video reference for the kyu rade syllabus (below
black belt). By the summer you should be able to
check your techniques from home as well as watch
promos and videos of events held at the dojo.

Foursquare
Check in for special rewards.


our website
The website is updated weekly with news and
events, as well as information for all students. Grading
results, systems and timetables as well as information
for parents is always available..
Email/text
The Dojo sends out news weekly by these two mediums
and is attainable using the number/addresses
we send with.
If you receive neither email nor texts from us simply
provide me with one or both details and I will add
you to the required mailing list.
This medium is a vital resource. Especially during
times of bad weather like December or times when
there is a lot going on. There are a lot of students
and this helps me connect to all of them with important
information, well dones and thanks, and even
eCards for birthdays.
Our email is shudokandevon@gmail.com
You can text us at 07860 546 790

New Team Allocation

The juniors will be allocated their teams and start competing for the monthly team titles from February. Cobrakids are split into Alpha and Bravo team. Little Dragons are now Red and Green Dragons.

Samurai of the month!

Samurai of the Month for December: Cobra Kids – Ryan Carter and Little Dragon – Matteo Migliari-Ogunugga Nice work guys

January Badges

This Months Badge is ‘the knowledge’ Pick up a question sheet any time and bring it back filled out to receive your badge!

Grading Information

Cobra Kids

Aaron Beauchamp – Hi Yellow
George Paviour-Coward – Brown
Sam Vincent – Hi Green

Little Dragons

Matteo Ogunuga – Yellow

Osu!!

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Looking back at 2010 (inc News for the New Year)

December 21st, 2010
Sensei Santa

Sensei Santa rallies the 37 juniors who turned up for the party..

We’ve seen a number of changes at the Shudokan this year folks. I thought in this last fortnight it might be a good idea to take a look back at them.

All the way back in March we had the ‘Soke Stratton Memorial Seminar’ which attracted local media attention (read the article here) and some very high ranking British instructors. Nearly 40 people turned up to honour the memory of the late Soke Eddie Stratton, my first teacher and founder of the Yoshinkan in the UK. This year the event will be held at another Shudokan dojo to be confirmed shortly.

Also in March we raised around £400 for sport relief during the ‘Trainathon’ in green lanes. This year will see something bigger and better, with a demonstration and possibly even a world record attempt..

Parent days come around twice a year to celebrate mother’s day and father’s day. We make a point that mums, dads, and/or guardians of any description are welcome to both of these events so as not to exclude anybody. This year will be no different and I expect full attendance by the parents… They are actually great fun and you get a unique insight into the junior classes.

Bokken runs and outdoor training comes around in the summer. It is often very tough but always rewarding. Especially afterwards with the nice refreshing drink in your hand. We also managed to get to the beach for some games and general socialising. I tend to plan these close to the time as they are weather dependant but I would like loads more people this year as well as parents and kids coming along..

The ‘Challenge Week’ attracted press and several victi.. brave souls. This year we will hold two such training weeks that will test (and reward) all who attempt them. facebook

Summer School 2010 was incredible. Ayman (finally) tested to Shodan, and the myself and the other Devonian instructors got a nice healthy kicking from the likes of Shihan Ken Robson, Shihan Thambu and Sensei Robert Mustard. (Aiki) Life just doesn’t get any better than that short of re-animating Shioda Kancho, O’Sensei, and possibly Yoda for a seminar. This years SS’11 looks set to be the best yet with a new venue (a full time dojo) and the same line up.

This winter we have really gone for it with the development of our latest self defence seminars, arrest techniques and special weapons workshops. We had a visit from Shihan Ken Robson (7th Dan) which attracted 35 Aikidoka and fun was had by all (mostly watching me get a beating.. :P ). In 2011 we hope to have Shihan Robson back in the late summer for another event that will be bigger and better than 2010.

Well done to Will who tested to Shodan during Shihan Robsons visit. The Journal did an extensive piece on his journey. Read it here.

Sarah Cullerne Sensei left us (again) in 2010. Sarah has been a dedicated student and instructor here for around 21 years and a mentor and friend to me for almost 20 (that will make her feel old.. :P ) and she is/will be missed.

………………………

In 2011 I want the Shudokan Dojo in Barnstaple to become a real resource for the area. I will be reaching out to young people through co-operative initiatives with other organisations and our own scholarship programs.

In January there are 3 main events laid on completely free of charge for the public.

Self Defence Class – Thursday 20th Jan @7pm – facebook

Open Week – 24th until the 29th Jan – facebook

Fitness Week – 10th until the 15th Jan – facebook

All 3 can be signed up for on our website’s news page.

Remember we are always trying to become as interactive as possible through

facebook
twitter
youtube
foursquare
our website

so please add us on whatever social network you use and interact today!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all members of the Shudokan and readers of our BLOG.

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Just give! Includes News Update

December 9th, 2010
Junior Class

'Mat Chats' in progress

Whatever creed, colour, gender, or orientation you are I think that now is as good a time as any to think about giving. In the UK it is traditionally Christmas time because of a combination of our Christian history and before that the Pagans winter festival. These days people have become cynical about the time of year. Some Christians emphatically practice a ‘traditional’ Christmas, while others suspect that the whole tradition is too connected with its predecessor the winter festival.

Ironically secular society seems to be held at ransom about the whole thing. Atheists and non affiliated people seem just as trapped by the contradictions of celebrating something they’re not sure is legit and if it is legit do they want to associate with it.

Understandably there are areas of society with no idea what the fuss is about. Other faiths have their own periods of celebration however.

Basically what I’d like to say is; “What’s all the fuss about again?”

While I agree that offence is subjective, I cannot see a reason why any group should be offended by the word ‘Christmas’. The rich nature of our population is maintained by tolerance and understanding from all sides. ‘Christmas’ is a long standing tradition for UK people and whether it has it’s roots in religion or not, does not need a name change to avoid being offensive to people.

So just to re-iterate, what is all the fuss about? Just give, or don’t as per your custom and inclination. Christmas is coming..

December @ the Shudokan

New Year’s Resolutions

There are three major events happening in January as part of our ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ scheme!#

Grading

Those adult eligible to grade, the grading will be held on Saturday 18th December.

Holiday Hajime

Tuesday 27th December at 6pm

Well done to Will Watts for passing his first degree black belt test. Check out the newspaper article

Don’t forget to ‘like’ us on facebook

Osu

Sensei Med

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Aikido is for everyone

November 1st, 2010

The late Master Gozo Shioda is famous for saying that ‘Aikido is for everyone’. He wrote that if you can lift 16lbs you can train in Aikido, but I believe this is only part of the meaning.

There’s a well documented paradigm that seems prevalent in the life of most great martial artists. When they are young they are fighting men, often unsavoury and interested in testing their skill. Ego and violence often dominates the early years of training. Then as they grow older, apparently they become wiser and start to promote peace, love, bean sprouts etc.

Our school, so closely linked to ‘hard’ Aikido often use this paradigm anecdotally to encourage young men to train hard.

I think we walk a fine line with this subject. The training for those that wish it must remain hard, and must push people to improve themselves. But we have to be mindful as teachers to not encourage our students to test themselves in combat. At the risk of being sexist, most young men will wish to test themselves at some point in their life. Its part of growing up really. So how do we approach it.

I’m just thinking out loud. I’m approaching 30, and I’m mentoring young(er) men having to deal with this machismo element. I think the best approach is to make sure that training is the experience that they are looking for. Instil confidence in their ability but not arrogance. Teach, as my teacher did, that there are specific guidelines for when your Aikido should be used:

When your life is in danger

When someone else’s life is in danger

When few disturb the peace of the many

Soke Stratton began almost every class with this, during a spoken meditation. I like it. It is clear, and has an element of trust in the judgement of your students.

This is all under the assumption that your Aikido CAN be used. That’s our responsibility as instructors. Make sure that we don’t talk about things that we don’t know of. Teaching ‘self defence’ is not a flippant matter. Explain clearly the theory and the link to Aikido principles but refrain from boasting about its supposed effects that you have not yourself experienced.

As usual just some things that have been playing on my mind..

and now the news..

Shudokan News

Details of the months goings on for Shudokan Aikido in Barnstaple the Devon area.

Adults Class

Shihan Robson Visit!

We’ve confirmed that Shihan Ken Robson is coming to our little Dojo in Barnstaple, North Devon. Check out the poster for details and RSVP to the facebook event. Facebook Event

We are also obtaining some menus for a carvery at the Cedars Lodge Inn (next to Ellerslie road park)

Christmas Meal/Party

Facebook it

Friday 17th December 2010. I would like numbers for this meal asap so I can book a restaurant with some clue of how many to book for. These social events are crucial to the school and always good fun.

Holiday Hajime (Formerly known as the ‘turkey gut buster’)

Facebook it

28th December 2010

Seriously tough class first thing after Christmas to shake off the cadburies..

Soke Stratton Memorial

Facebook it

Saturday 12th March 2011 – Soke Eddie Stratton was the Founder of Yoshinkan Aikido in the UK. He was the Teacher of Sensei Andrew Cullerne, Sensei Jenny Herniman, Sensei Sarah Cullerne, Sensei Andrew Medland, Sensei Jeremy Wedgwood and Shihan Ken Robson. It is only right and proper that we commemorate his death by training hard and with a great social in the evening.

Juniors

Mat Chats

This week we will be discussing the importance of setting goals in order to help our students remain motivated towards achieving a given task. Also explaining how we can measure our progress.

Christmas Buddy Party

The next Buddy party for the juniors is on Thursday 16th December so if they enjoyed the Halloween party this will be something really special. Invites winging their way out very soon.

Gradings

Congratulations to:

Little Dragons; Charlie Baglow, Addy Gammon, Ciaran Overend, Jo + Sam Annear, Matt Webber, Daniel Trainor

Cobrakids; Jake Harding, Michael Buckland, Joseph McCaffrey, Alex and Ben Hookway

Gold Awards: Michael Buckland and Ciaran Overend
Silver Award: Alex Hookway and Jo Annear
Bronze Award: Charlie Baglow and Ben Hookway

Samurai of the Month: Declan Barton and Archie Cockman

Badges for Oct: Sword or Warm up (testing this week)
Badges for Nov: Kihon Dosa or Breakfalling

Don’t forget:

The Shudokan now has a massage therapy clinic!! Check it out

Join our facebook to interact and be kept up to date with videos and more – http://www.facebook.com/shudokan

Andrew Medland Sensei (3rd Dan SIAI, Shudokan Aikido Barnstaple)

0800 066 5097 or 07860 546 790

shudokandevon@googlemail.com

www.shudokandevon.com

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