December update

Hello all.

Just a short update.

What with the sports centre, rather unhelpfully refurbishing our dojo location, we have unfortunately had to cancel several December sessions and Wednesday sessions are now in the main hall.

It's not perfect but it's the best that could be arranged.  If you don't already know, all cancelled sessions are listed on the Nokemono main website.

Due to the fact that the sessions on Wednesday are in the main hall, we have had to combine the juniors and adults classes in to one session on one mat.  I know that several of the adults have been unimpressed by the fact that so many people are on one mat and that there isn't really the room for randori or groundwork.

Personally I prefer to think of it as a time for learning.  Christmas is in the air and whilst there are so many children on the mat willing to learn, it's a great opportunity for the adults to demonstrate what they have learnt and pass on some knowledge to the youngsters.  This also includes the new adult members which is nice to see attending.

I had a brief chat with one of the instructors during the class the other day about splitting lower grade members with high grade or Dan grade members for each session (a sort of mentoring scheme I suppose) and he was informing me that some Dan grades are not overly keen on training lower grades and that when they come to sessions they may wish to train themselves against other Dan grades.

That's all good, and I fully understand the reasons, but to those Dan grades out there who may be reading this, some one at some stage has taken the time to pass on their knowledge, skills, tricks and tips to you.  You wouldn't be a Dan grade without that support from someone else, surely there can be no greater satisfaction and recognition of your grade, than being asked by lower grades for instruction and you being able to pass on that knowledge.

It's a very individual thing, teaching, but whilst the class is combined, we could all chip in and raise the standard of the whole club, rather than keeping our tips to ourselves so we don't get thrown in Randori sessions.

It is the season for giving, so lets all help out.  To those of you who have turned out early in order to put the mats out, can I personally say on behalf of the committee, club and members, many thanks.

Finally, just in case I don't get round to posting again before Christmas, I wish you all well, and hope you have a great Christmas,  enjoy yourselves and take care.