November saw the visit of an old friend of the school and one of our Honorary Life Vice-Presidents, Sensei Tony Davis from Yate near Bristol. This coincided with the annual Disability Games organized by the Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled.
Davis Sensei gave aikido classes to the school students throughout the Saturday with much interest from participants in the Games and the helpers. All students warmed quickly to Davis Sensei’s unique take on aikido which also means that we were subjected to many more ”shaggy dog stories“. Although this time some were actually funny. Nice one Sensei.
At the end of the session Nick Pitman presented Sensei with a certificate marking his appointment as British Technical Adviser - Aikido to the School. Sensei Davis then presented Nick with a 5th Dan Certificate, signed by the Council of Dan Grades, in recognition of his years of hard work and dedication to the teaching of Aikido, and more recently, the introduction of Disability Martial Arts to the Island.
On the Saturday evening Nick Pitman, Freda Pitman, Sensei Davis and Betty and Mike Glancy were guests of the Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled at their annual dinner at the Merton Hotel. Betty and Mike were in Jersey to officially hand over the Geoff Glancy Memorial wheelchairs (five of them) bought with money raised in memory of the late Sensei Geoff Glancy.
On the Sunday morning Ashley Jehan, Liane Guillou and Andrea D’Ulivo-Rogers presided over a movement class for people with Down’s syndrome and Learning Difficulties. Although the class started small it eventually increased to nearer twenty people.
At 10.20 with the dojo full with disabled students and interested able bodied people aikido student Tyrone Nicholson undertook a demonstration of his art. Using both Liane and Andrea as uke Tyrone executed a fine and inspiring demonstration which drew cheers and gasps of amazement from assembled spectators.
At 10.45 just prior to the Wheelchair Basketball Challenge match, in an emotional moment especially for Geoff’s mum Betty, the five Geoff Glancy chairs were wheeled out by members of the Jersey Wheelers led by Alan Ronxin. Betty and Mike stepped forward to shake hands with all five ”chair“ jockeys but tears were brought to Betty’s eyes when all five spun around to reveal Geoff’s name and inscription on the back rests. A fitting tribute to an ”aikido innovator“ as described by Chairman of JSAD Paul Patterson MBE.
Sensei Mike Smith, long time mentor to our School’s Head Nick Pitman, made a return visit to Jersey recently. Accompanied by his wife Ann, Mike Sensei had stopped off in Jersey for a few days prior to moving on to Guernsey to visit their daughter.
Nick first met and trained in Jersey with Mike Sensei back in 1981 when he taught at the dojo of Ezio Chatrian, Nick’s first Sensei. Thus started a long friendship that saw Nick travel many times to stay with Mike in Towcester and study under him personally.
Mike Sensei, now his mid 70’s has spend sixty years in the martial arts and although in failing health, he still managed to instruct at Nick’s dojo for the whole of Saturday and an hour on Sunday. Occasionally requiring a jo to aid his balance, Mike Sensei still showed students and instructors alike that while the body might be failing, the mind is still active. His precise instruction and slow deliberate actions assisted students and potential instructors to understand the mechanics of techniques that they themselves will end up passing on to new students later.
During Saturday Mike Sensei was introduced to Tyrone who had asked if he might put on a demonstration of wheelchair aikido for our visitor. Tyrone, with his training partner Liane, then proceeded to demonstrate for the next five minutes. Upon conclusion of the demo there was universal applause for Tyrone’s courage, technique and enthusiasm for aikido. It was left to Mike Sensei to say, ”In almost sixty years of martial arts I have never seen anything quite like that in my life, it was wonderful to watch and a testimony to Tyrone’s determination and courage“.
Also on Saturday Nick presented Mike Sensei with a Certificate of Appointment announcing his position as the School’s European Technical Adviser for Aikido. A further certificate inducted him into the Phoenix Circle of Friendship and on a personal note Nick presented him with an embroidered silk black belt in recognition of Mike Sensei’s recent elevation to 7th Dan in the British Aikido Association. Mike Sensei mentioned that many years ago he gave his original embroidered belt (presented to him by his own Sensei) away and had always regretted it. He now had a replacement and was honoured.
At the conclusion of the weekend the following promotions were announced:
Addendum: On the following normal training session where Nick Sensei was in attendance the following were presented:
On Thursday 17th July 2008 the School held its Annual General Meeting, there were fourteen members present. Prior to the meeting being declared open, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of the late Sensei Geoff Glancy who sadly died in January.
A brief summary of the meeting is as follows:
After apologies for absence were declared, the Hon. Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting held in July 2007. The school report for the previous twelve months was read giving updates on all the sections before the Hon. Treasurer presented the Accounts for the Year 2007/08. This showed that we made a small profit over the year, which was good despite a quiet year on the student front.
Carl Ashcroft-Nowicki had, prior to the meeting, declared his intention to step down as President after eleven years at the helm. Nick Pitman thanked him for his leadership and opened the floor to nominations. The results of the elections were as follows:
The Insurance and Monthly Fees were set for the year with just one slight amendment to the status quo. That being that Old Age Pensioners would only pay the Junior rate on Monthly Fees. This was passed unanimously.
Any other business mentioned trips away and visits for the year including the impending visit of Sensei Mike Smith (7th Dan) sometime in August / September. A request was made to include Sensei Ian Bailey in that seminar with a date to be confirmed.
With the official business being completed the meeting was officially closed at 7:50pm.
The following presentations were made:
3rd Dan Aikido certificates presented by Sensei Nick Pitman to: Sensei Deborah D’Ulivo-Rogers and Sensei Andrea D’Ulivo-Rogers
The Graeme Pitman Trophy was awarded to Lukasz Wlodarczyk for the Most Improved Aikido Student of the Year
The Pitman-Blampied Shield for the School Person of the Year was awarded to Tyrone Nicholson
Deborah D’Ulivo-Rogers with 3rd Dan Certificate
Andrea D’Ulivo-Rogers with 3rd Dan Certificate
Lukasz Wlodarczyk with the Graeme Pitman Trophy for the Most Improved Aikido Student of the Year
Ty Nicholson with a certificate for the Pitman-Blampied Shield for the School Person of the Year
At the recent weekend seminars held in Jersey by Sensei Tony Davis – 5th Dan, the Phoenix School are delighted to announce the promotion of three of its senior instructors and long serving students.
The weekend started in a somewhat sombre mood as friends gathered at St Mark’s Church in St Helier for the Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Sensei Geoff Glancy who died in January. The service, administered by Reverend Jane Ilton, was attended by Geoff’s mum Betty and brother Mike as well as past and present Aikido students, old work colleagues, representatives of other martial arts as well as friends. A large poster of Geoff adorned the front of the altar and eulogies were given by Sensei Nick Pitman and Mr Paul Patterson MBE before Mike stood and thanked everyone for coming.
After the service, a small gathering attended La Braye and Geoff’s ashes were scattered on the beach.
The Aikido seminars took place on the Saturday (all day) and Sunday morning and precise instruction in Tony Sensei’s own unique style was regularly interspersed with the now infamous “shaggy dog” stories. We believe that Sensei is now world famous in this department.
At the conclusion to the proceedings Ian Michel, Aikido section Chief Instructor, was promoted to 4th Dan Aikido, having trained with the School for some 14 years and Deborah (Senior Instructor) and Andrea D’Ulivo-Rogers were promoted to 3rd Dan Aikido after both commencing studies with Pitman Sensei in 1992. This is just a reward for their loyalty, dedication, technical and teaching skills and all the hard work that goes into training and running a successful School. Many congratulations.
At a grading held recently at the dojo in Jersey, Chris Clark was promoted to 2nd Dan by School Kai-Cho, Sensei Nick Pitman. Chris came from Shotokan in 1998 to join the Aikido school. He was graded 1st Dan Aikido in 2002 and became a registered instructor in 2006. Chris also studies Iai-Do at the school with Sensei Ashcroft-Nowicki.
Also graded on the same occasion were:
Lukasz Wlodarczyk to 3rd Kyu
Jessica Perchard to 4th Kyu
Terry d’Orleans to 4th Kyu.
17 August 1953 to 25 January 2008
Geoff arrived in Jersey in the mid 70’s, via Liverpool and Sunderland and moved into temporary digs for a couple of months with Kevin, Marilyn and Christina Hayley. He stayed with them for 29 years.
Geoff was in the catering business and it was while at the Longueville Manor that he met Ezio Chatrian and the conversation soon moved on to martial arts. Ezio was a ateacher of Aikido and along with other catering staff, Ezio began teaching Geoff at the South Hill Boxing Gym.
Geoff proved to be a good student and was often on the receiving end of six foot plus Ezio’s technique, which would normally not be a problem but Geoff was only five feet three inches and a bigger mi-match you will never find.
Geoff took a break from Aikido in 1980 and in 1982 while working with Kevin at the Lemon Place Fish Bar in Grosvenor Street he met a wet and thirsty policeman, Nick Pitman, who was invited in for a cup of tea and thereupon started a friendship that would last for twenty six years.
Nick told Geoff that he was studying Aikido and a couple of years later Geoff returned to that art which was now at Fort Regent.
In 1988 The Phoenix School as launched and Geoff and Nick spent hours training together at the Police Station. In1990 the school moved to Fort Regent ad Geoff became a co-instructor with Nick as they launched Aikido to the Jersey public.
Geoff always had an easy going style when he taught and people liked and respected him. He was promoted to 1st Dan black belt in 1992 and when he stopped training a year or two ago he held the rank of 3rd Dan.
Geoff practised Aikido in Jersey, the UK, Italy and Malaysia and always did so with a smile.
Geoff was inducted into the Phoenix Circle of Friendship while visiting his mother and family in Liverpool. He was considering a return to Aikido before his life was cut so tragically short.
Geoff was survived by his mother Betty and bother Mike. To that and the whole family in Liverpool and to his many friends in Liverpool, Jersey and around the world the School and I extend our heartfelt condolences.
To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rate, eleven members of the school went out to dinner at The Star Chinese Restaurant at St Peter for a banquet. The food and company was excellent and our table won three of the raffle prizes on offer.
Since November last year the Aikido section has been joined by Tyrone “Ty” Nicholson, a differently abled person who has lit up the Dojo with his humour and infectious laugh. After two months of training on Thursday 31st January, Sensei Nick Pitman with the endorsement of Sensei Ian Michel, awarded Ty his 6th Kyu, 2nd Mon in Aikido from a wheelchair.
On the morning of the 25th January, Geoff Glancy, an Aikido instructor and founder member of the school, collapsed and died outside his home. He was 54 years old. He will be flown back to the UK or a funeral on the 8th February. Full obituary later.
January 2nd marks the School’s 20th Birthday. Nick first registered his club, then the Phoenix (Jersey) Kai-Shin-Kai School of Aikido, with the Kaishinkai in 1988, beginning sessions on a Sunday morning from the gymnasium at the States of Jersey Police Headquarters at Rouge Bouillon. There will be a celebratory course held in April.
On Christmas Day, Geoff Glancy of Liverpool and Jersey was inducted into the Phoenix Circle of Friendship. The certificate was presented by Geoff’s Mum Betty at her home in Olive Grove, Wavertree.
During the weekend of 15/17th November Jersey hosted the 16th annual Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled International Games at locations all over the island taking in over 15 disciplines.
On Saturday afternoon in front of the Lieutenant Governor, General Andrew Ridgway, our school representatives, Nick Pitman, Ashley Jehan and Liane Guillou led the procession of over 200 athletes from all over the UK. After the official opening ceremony our school put on a demonstration of disabled martial arts beginning with Nick executing a blind folded 31 Jo kata, followed by blind aikido with Liane as uke. Ashley then completed a very therapeutic 24 step (blindfolded) Tai Chi. Lastly Nick and Liane executed Jo partner practice with Nick seated in a wheelchair and this was followed by a free flowing defence from the chair against Liane. This whole demonstration was warmly received and many were asking about taking part in the Sunday morning movement session.
That evening Nick and wife Halyna along with school Life President Freda Pitman attended the annual Awards Dinner at the Merton Hotel. The Graeme Pitman Memorial Trophy for Endeavour was awarded to Martyn Miles, an autistic 17 year old gymnast, along with a bursary of £100 by Freda and Nick.
On the Sunday morning Ashley and Liane were inundated with approximately 25 students from many of the local and visiting clubs to take part in a very uplifting Tai Chi movement class. Taking part were students with Down’s, learning difficulties, cerebral palsy and visual impairment along with several carers and coaches. This is proving to be a very popular part of the JSAD Games curriculum.
Martyn Miles with his trophies flanked by Freda and Nick Pitman
At the end of October Debbie D’Ulivo-Rogers, Liane Guillou and Vinny Clarke accompanied Jersey Kai-Cho Nick Pitman to Italy to visit Nick’s first teacher, Sensei Ezio Chatrian. In the picturesque village of Fenis in the Italian Alps, Nick instructed two seminars for Ezio’s adults and children in what has to be one of the most beautiful areas of Europe.
The Italians, with their legendary hospitality, entertained the Jersey party and treated them like royalty. Nick was highly impressed with the standard of Ezio Sensei’s students and the support given by the parents of the younger members.
Near the end of the second seminar Nick presented Ezio with a certificate welcoming him and the Associazione Arti Marziali Valle d’Aosta into the Phoenix Circle of Friendship. As well as some highly impressive junior students who received grades, notably 10 year old Sebastian Buha promoted to 2nd Kyu, Nick was asked to view several senior grades with a view to considering promotion.
It was an enormous pleasure to award the following grades to three very talented and dedicated members of Ezio’s club, who all are instrumental in the running of the younger section:
Massimo Barone - 3rd Dan
Rino Zanchetta - 3rd Dan
Franco Bugnano - 2nd Dan
A further student was surprised with a promotion, Nick had kept it secret for the whole weekend, when he removed his black belt and called forward Liane Guillou. Thinking she was due to sit her grading in December, Liane was wondering what was going on until her name was called. Ezio Sensei did the honours and presented her a Shodan in Mukyokan Aikido. It is not often that Liane is rendered speechless. A framed certificate was presented to her along with Nick’s belt. The school’s second female Dan grade and only the third in island history.
During the visit we were driven through the mountains to Chevino at the base of the mighty Matterhorn and were shown around Fenis Castle (which we found was actually Baron Vinny Clarke’s summer home - only kidding)
Nick presenting Ezio with the Phoenix Circle of Friendship certificate
The Italian Dan grades, Rino, Massimo and Franco
Baron Vinny’s front door at Fenis Castle
During the week 17th - 23rd September Sensei Scott Lacey and Sensei Stuart Greenstreet from Oxford Aikido Club were in Jersey on holiday with Scott’s delightful partner Liz. On the Tuesday and Thursday evenings both attended the dojo to practice aikido with us.
Nick has known Scott for approximately 23 years, meeting him for the first time at Silverstone Art Aikido Club in Northamptonshire. Scott in fact was Nick’s uke during his shodan grading in Silverstone on 22nd July 1988.
At the end of the Thursday session Nick presented Scott with a certificate connecting him and both the Oxford and Silverstone Aikido Clubs into the Phoenix Circle of Friendship.
Scott Lacey, Nick Pitman and Stuart Greenstreet
On 16th August at a club session Vinny Clarke was put through his paces by Kai-Cho, Sensei Nick Pitman with assistance from Sensei Chris Clark and at the conclusion of the session was promoted to 1st Kyu (Brown Belt).
Over the weekend of 15th - 17th June, Liane Guillou and school director (Kai-Cho) Nick Pitman recently attended an aikido course under the Circle of Friendship banner, joining students and instructors from Jersey, Cheshire and Stockton, where classes were taken by Senseis Nick Pitman, Ian Bailey, Lee Karellen and Peter Hayden, covering all aspects of aikido and related arts.
At this course Nick Pitman introduced his style of aikido as Mukyokan (aikido with no limitations / boundaries), the first time that his near 30 years development had been given a name of its own. Liane worked hard all weekend taking in classes on all three days and acting as an extremely willing uke throughout that period.
Also present was a young lad called Mark Clements, who, because of a serious accident as a toddler is now virtually confined to a wheelchair, with limited mobility and body movement but nevertheless had been attending classes for approximately a year, watching, listening and taking on board all that he saw the instructors’ pass on to the students. O-Sensei once something similar to, “if you can move your hand, you can do aikido”. Watching Mark’s enthusiasm for the art I think I have started to understand what he meant.
At the conclusion of the course Nick awarded Certificates of Friendship to Sensei Lee Karellen of Cheshire Aikido Club and Sensei Peter Hayden of the Shikan Aikido Club. Mark Clements will be awarded an honorary shodan in Mukyokan Aikido (to be presented by Sensei Ian Bailey on Nick’s behalf). The main award of the weekend was that of Ian Bailey being awarded a 4th Dan in Mukyokan Aikido presented by Sensei Nick Pitman and endorsed by Sensei Ezio Chatrian - 5th Dan (Italy).
Winwick Course group photo
Winwick Course Senseis group photo
Sensei Nick Pitman and Sensei Ian Bailey
On the 19th July 2007 the school held its annual general meeting at the dojo. The following positions are held for the year 2007/2008:
Patron: Mr Paul Patterson MBE
Hon-Life President: Freda Pitman
Hon-Life Vice Presidents: Mike Smith; Tony Davis; Ian Bailey
President: Carl Ashcroft-Nowicki
Secretary: Nick Pitman
Treasurer: Andrea D’Ulivo-Rogers
Ordinary Members: Ian Michel; Chris Clark; Ashley Jehan
Dojo Manager: Liane Guillou
Web Mistress: Liane Guillou
For all the new fees and insurance payments, passed unanimously at the AGM please refer to the “Training Times & Fees” page.
After the annual general meeting was officially closed the following two awards were announced:
Nick Pitman introduced the awards for the evening starting with the Pitman-Blampied Shield for the School Personality of the Year. This was presented to Deborah D’Ulivo-Rogers for her loyalty, enthusiasm and hard work, especially in taking a large chunk of the sessions for aikido over the past 6 months due to absences and illnesses.
The Graeme Pitman Trophy for the Most Improved Aikido student was awarded to Jessica Perchard, whom Nick earmarked as having the potential for being the best aikido talent Nick had seen in nearly thirty years in the art. Both Debbie and Jessica were presented with a trophy that they keep for a year and a framed certificate.
Debbie received the Pitman-Blampied Shield for the School Personality of the Year
Jess received the Graeme Pitman Trophy for the Most Improved Aikido student
In November 2000 Soke Francis Ramasamy AKA Samy of Malaysia visited Jersey to instruct on an international Mushin-Do Festival which was sponsored by Lloyds TSB Bank Ltd. As well as the main seminar Soke Samy also taught some more private classes in the School’s dojo. The photo shows Soke Sammy and School Director Nick Pitman in front of the kamiza during a quiet time of reflection before the students arrived.
The school were thoroughly delighted to receive a visit from Sensei Thierry Cevey of Villars in Switzerland this month. He was in Jersey with his wife Helen (a former Jersey student) and a group of youngsters on a field trip to the island. Thierry was able to interrupt his busy schedule to attend the dojo for some aikido training under Sensei and old friend Nick Pitman. It also gave Thierry the chance to renew old acquaintances and meet new friends.
At the end of the session Nick Sensei presented Thierry Sensei with a certificate inducting him into the Phoenix Circle of Friendship and made the following gradings:
Terry Luce - 3rd Kyu
Jessica Perchard - 5th Kyu.
The photograph shows; back row (L-R) Terry, Liane, Rafal, Chris Sensei, Front row (L-R) Jessica, Nick Sensei, Thierry Sensei.
The course started off in positive spirits with the introduction to the assembled students of Master Martin du Feu, the founder of the Taoist Way Wushu Academy in Jersey and now residing and training in Toulouse, France.
It was obvious from the start that Master du Feu had spent his four and a half years in France diligently studying and developing his arts to a very high physical and spiritual level and all thoroughly enjoyed his instruction. The time however was too short and before we knew it the session was finished. The exercises were uplifting both mentally and physically and at the end of the session there was a buzz around the dojo.
Saturday morning was the time to introduce Sensei Ian Bailey from Cheshire Aikido Club, a regular visitor to Jersey for the last ten years. Because of the mixture of students from t’ai chi, aikido and iai-do Sensei Bailey showed movement and technique in an easily understood format, but also showed the effect that those techniques would have at speed by using experienced students to receive his energy.
Mid morning completed the trilogy with a session of iai-do under Sensei Carl Ashcroft-Nowicki. Once again because many of the students were new to the art he introduced it in an easy to follow system, showing basic etiquette and movement and expanding the instruction to include partner practice which was enjoyed by all.
After lunch we were able to undertake two more sessions, aikido under Sensei Bailey and T’ai Chi with Master du Feu.
In the evening approximately twenty five students, their partners and friends attended the annual dinner at the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club at St. Aubin. A fine meal was enjoyed by all which included guests Paul Patterson MBE (our Patron) and his wife Dorothy, Honorary Life-President Freda Pitman, Master Martin du Feu and Sensei Ian Bailey.
Thanks must go to the outgoing steward of the Club and his wife for a fantastic meal and to Ian and Bev Michel who organised the evening.
After the meal, Master du Feu was awarded with a certificate inviting him into the Phoenix Circle of Friendship.
Gradings at the weekend were undertaken and the following persons were promoted:
Liane Guillou - 1st Kyu (brown belt)
Vinny Clarke - 2nd Kyu.
School Photograph
Sensei Ian Bailey, Master Martin Du Feu and Sensei Ian Michel
Sensei Nick Pitman, Sensei Ian Bailey and Master Martin Du Feu
The Winter Seminars will be held in the Graeme Pitman Memorial Dojo, Fort Regent between Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December. The seminar will will cover:
Aikido - with Guest Instructor Sensei Ian Bailey (3rd Dan); Cheshire Aikido Club
Tai Chi - with Guest Instructor Master MArtin Du Feu; Toulouse, France
Iaido - with Guest Instructor Sensei Carl Ashcroft-Nowicki
Training Schedule:
| Friday 1st December | 19:00 - 20:45 | Tai Chi |
| Saturday 2nd December | 10:00 - 11:30 | Aikido |
| 11:30 - 13:00 | Iaido | |
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch | |
| 14:00 - 15:30 | Aikido | |
| 15:30 - 16:15 | Tai Chi |
Seminar Cost: £10 (access to all seminars)
The new school T-shirt is now in. It is a black T-Shirt with the school logo on the left breast and the name of the school on the back.
£12.99 each
Available from the Dojo office
The seminar will run from 10am - 4pm on Saturday 16th September, in the Graeme Pitman Memorial Dojo. Please come prepared for Tachi Uchi No Kurai (partner practice).
School Director Sensei Nick Pitman has appointed Liane Guillou (pictured on the left of this pic.) as Dojo Manager of the Graeme Pitman Memorial Dojo with immediate effect. She will answer directly to the school's Management Committee. Liane has also agreed to be the website's new 'Web Mistress'.
The School has just renewed its annual insurance which will run until July 2007. The following are the registered instructors for the next twelve months.
As we start a new School year I would like to welcome all new students to the scholl whichever art or arts they are studying. I would also like to give a warm welcome back (after over an eight year gap) to old friend and aikido shodan Avelino Suco who seems to have settled back in as if he had never been away.
At the recent annual general meeting of the School the following presentations were made. The Graeme Pitman Memorial Trophy for the Most Improved Aikido student was announced in May and the trophy was awarded to Vinnie Clarke by Honorary Life-President Freda Pitman. Vinnie received his magnificent trophy which he will keep for the year and a small commemorative plate that he will keep.
Pictured left is Vinnie Clarke and Freda Pitman with the Graeme Pitman Trophy.
The Pitman - Blampied Shield for the School’s Personality of the year award was announced and the winner was Liane Guillou.
The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Phoenix (Jersey) School for Therapeutic Arts will take place at the Graeme Pitman Dojo commencing at 7.30pm on Tuesday 11th July 2006.
The evening will include a short demonstration from our newest group, Tai Chi (and possibly others) and a short DVD of the Founder as well as the main business of the meeting.
The meeting will be followed by the presentation of the Graeme Pitman Memorial Trophy for the most improved Aikido student of the 2005/2006 season, which was Vinni Clarke; and the presentation of the Pitman-Blampied Shield for School Personality of the 2005/2006 season (as yet still a secret). Both winners will hold the respective trophies for 12 months and will be able to keep a small plate marking their awards. These awards will be presented by the School's Honorary Life-President and Tai Chi student Freda Pitman, mother of School founder Nick.
Election of Officers - If any student wishes to serve on the School Management Committee please make themselves known either before the meeting or at the meeting proper.
Any Other Business - If any student wishes to include “any other business” to the meeting please email to nickpitman@localdial.com prior to 11th July.
Nick has great pleasure in informing all instructors and students that our school has been contacted by old friend and aikido instructor, Sensei Bruno Sinquin, of Quimper and Douarnenez in Western Brittany. We have an open invitation to visit him and his students and to take part in or teach a "stage" (course) whenever we wish. It was good to hear from Mr Sinquin again whom we first met at Soke Ramsamy's Jersey 2000 seminars.
In the past we have visited him many times and enjoyed a unique relationship with our Breton brothers and sisters. Here's to the next organised visit, hopefully in the next 2-3 months. Watch this space.
At the recent AGM of the Fort Users' Association, the body that supports all the users of Fort Regent, School Director Nick Pitman was elected the new Chairman, taking over from Ann Chamier. Nick, who has held the post in the past, will hope to liaise with Roy Travert of the Support the Fort Liaison Group to better represent the interests of the users of this facility.
At the Graeme Pitman Dojo on 25th May Nick Pitman and Ian Michel assessed and successfully promoted Natalie Dale to 6th Kyu. Natalie has worked very hard over the past few months and her determination and never-give-up attitude has paid dividends. Congratulations.
For the first time in three years the Graeme Pitman Memorial Award was awarded to a School student. In a change to the format, the Trophy, now named the Graeme Pitman Memorial Trophy for Most Improved Aikido student, was announced on the nearest training session to the anniversary of the death of Founder Honorary Life President Graeme Pitman (14th May). The Trophy will actually be presented at the School's Annual General Meeting in July.
The winner this year is a student who came to us very soon after the School was re-opened in July 2005 and has not only impressed local students and instructors but also high ranking officials from the UK. He is hard working, personable and technically able in his approach to aikido and is fast becoming a fine martial artist with the right attitude. The winner for 2005/2006 who will receive the Trophy and a plaque from current Life-President Freda Pitman is Vinnie Clarke
Sensei Tony Davis visits Jerseyfull story...
Sensei Mike Smith's Jersey Seminarfull story...
