News Items from Ishigaki Ju-Jitsu Club

LATEST NEWS

December 2007 - 5 New Black Belts!

With years of training, and months of special preparation under their belts (the old yucky brown ones) our boys and girl put on the performance of their lives to sail through their black belt gradings last Sunday (9th December).

The jubilant (and tired) five with their proud instructors. From left to right Sandy Mackay, Tony Wilburn, Angus Swann, Quentin Parker, Ade Oyeniyi, Hannah Schafer and Simon Powell.

Every single one of them put on a really solid performance to prove that they already deserved their black belts at heart. The only thing they hadn't done was get to show the judges they could demonstrate their stuff. And demonstrate they did....for well over an hour they punched and kicked, flipped and threw - fighting for their belts - every sweaty step of the way.

Once again Ishigaki held its head up high. Not only did we have the largest number of people grading from any other club, we also had, by far, the oldest group with ages spanning 37 to 46 (average 41). Our team had a good 10 years more life experience than most of the others who were grading. Their maturity by no means blunted their abilities, with all of them scoring consistently high marks.

Our very own Superwoman!

Pride of the day must go to Hannah. Our only woman grading, our first female black belt for the Brighton Club and, at 44 years old, Hannah was the only black belt at this level to grade with a credit. Judges from across the board acknowledged her fine technique and energetic attitude. Hannah is our first woman to get a credit at a black belt grading and she really did herself and Ishigaki Proud. Those of you who decide to train in Brighton will be very lucky to have her teaching you. Look out for Hannah's Instructor Biog in the near future.

So we enter into the Christmas period walking on air with a fantastic set of results under our belts. Really well done to everybody!

Hannah shows off her certificate, her brand new black belt and the guy she took along to abuse to get it. Thanks Sensei Keith.

December 2006 - Brighton Black Belts ... or is it 'Belles'?

Huge round of applause to Michel le Borgne and Sean Tonkin who passed their black belt grading - Michel gaining a high credit for his performance. It was a tough grading with a very good standard all round. Sean stood head and shoulders above everybody else and Michel threw him around like a rage dolly. In true Diva status - like we would expect anything else - Michel was awarded a credit after his tough - and very long (5yrs) - preparation for this moment.

This marks a watershed for our brighton club as it comes into its own with two home grown black belts. A sterling performance - we are proud of you both. Well done Sean & Michel!

June 2006 - ROB EARNS HIS STRIPES
Congratulations to Rob Muir who peeled himself off the floor on Sunday to receive his promotion to corporal - oops - Nidan.

Rob joins Roger and Benji as our ranks of senior black belts swell. Rob showed real grit as he was made to do most of his techniques twice. His was a truly inspiring effort and he worked through pain and fatigue to do us proud. When you can move again we look forward to seeing you in class.

December 2005 - NOW WE HAVE A FOURTH DAN
Ishgiaki took another stride onwards and upwards with Simon achieving his fourth dan (Yondan) in December 2005. Joining Simon in the list of accolades were Keith Johnson who attained his black belt (Shodan) and Roger Bunnage who upgraded to second dan (Nidan).

 2005 What a year:
Two brand new black belts - Isobel Hochet and Keith and
Our very own fourth dan.
Loads of gold medals at the Pink Power event

 

Michel le Borgne and Sean Tonkin take charge of the Brighton classes as Ishigaki's newest Black Belts.


Michel and Sean

 

The December 2005 Grading team.
How tough are these boys. Dan gradings last between an hour and two hours. In Roger and Simon's case this time is non-stop and at fighting pace. Not for the faint-hearted nor the unfit!


Sandy, Keith, Simon, Roger and Rob

 

Debbie Herman, Richard Jermyn, Matthew Beumer and Rob Muir joined us in the ranks of black belts in June 2003. All performed extremely well at the grading and special pride for Rob and Matthew who attained Credit ratings - no mean achievement - I can tell you.


Richard, Matthew Debbie & Rob

 

Roger Bunnage and Stuart Palfreyman graded to black in December 2003. Another outstanding performance form Ishigaki and a testament to dedication to their training. A really good grading from both of them, special praise to Roger who surprised and delighted us all by gaining a Credit. This rounds off a fantasitc year!!


Roger & Stuart
Chi - earth: Stability.
Standing your ground. Immovable strength.