On a beautiful Saturday morning, 26 students and 3 Instructors turned up for the second Beach Training of the Summer, at the usual venue of Semaphore South Beach. After the bow- in and a light stretch, the group jogged off towards the distant Jetty to warm the body up. On their return, Sensei Joe van Strijp took the group through some basics before a self defence session. The first scenario was blocking a punch, followed by a takedown and counterpunch. Soft beach sand seems to encourage people to fall down a lot easier than the dojo. The next scenario was once again blocking a punch, but this time countering with a haito strike to the groin. Bit amusing watching some of the students being very careful not to get too close. Following a break, it was time for Kata, and the students were split into 1st Kata, Saifa, Bassai-dai and Seiunchin, each led by one of the four Sensei in attendance. The higher kata groups took advantage of the venue to practice either in soft sand or water to add a degree of difficulty to their practise. After an extended session, which some took the opportunity to transfer to training in the water, each of the Instructors and a few students demonstrated a Kata in front of the group. Next, it was time to bow out and head off home. All present enjoyed themselves and the lesson content kept the students busy. The only downside was the small numbers but when the RM tells the Instructors to have a day off and not attend, not surprisingly, many students appeared to have followed their Instructors and done so as well.
Ingle Farm Dojo has relocated to the Ingle Farm Recreation Centre, Beovich Road, Ingle Farm. Classes will be held on the Mezzanine floor, enquire at Reception the first visit. Due to redevelopment and reconstruction of the Gymnasium at The Heights School, the Modbury Dojo Class will temporary relocate to Para Hills High School, Beafield Road from the first week in March. The Monday class will change to an earlier start time of 6.30pm. The well attended Wednesday Class will remain at 7pm. Both classes will still be 1.5 hours in duration, with no changes to Instructors. See your Instructor for the latest timetable.
