Jitsu Grading in South Africa

I had a great time running a grading in Pretoria South Africa. I was only there for the weekend of 22nd / 23rd Nov but the trip was well worth the 35 hours travelling there and back. Davis and Christiaan the instructors there were fantastic hosts. The first day it rained like it does in England. It was supposed to be their summer but it was one of the coldest in 30 years. Trust my luck but it warmed up by the time was ready to get back on the plane.

They train 2 times a week and they have a higher grade session on a Sunday which is normally the orange belt, light blue and the two instructors. They have great atmosphere at the club and I am confident that the club will grow from strength to strength.

Davis Cook the 1st Dan calls in once a week to the club but has to travel 70 miles round trip from Johannesburg to Pretoria . He has passed this club over to his brown belt Christiaan Steyn who is doing well since he only got his brown belt at Jitsu International. I am very impressed with their enthusiasm and dedication for jitsu. Davis even came to the Senior Atemis last week just for the weekend to get some extra training in.

Good news they all passed their grading

The general level of Jitsu was very good.
Break fall was of a good standard.

I was a surprised to know that it s normal for the women at the club to carry knives as a deterrent.

There is a light blue belt here that is looking to grade in May 2010.

The hospitality was great so who ever grades them next will be well looked after.

I have encouraged them to start a junior club there. I have also invited them over to Bradford to visit our jitsu clubs as well as our junior competitions. They are also planning to come over for jitsu international in 2012 which will be in the UK.

Ian Purnell is looking to visit them in May 2010 to help them develop their jitsu infrastrucre and training programmes.
I wish him the best of luck . I am planning to take my family to visit South Africa in 2011.

I have asked Davis and Christiaan to twin their club with Bradford Jitsu.

Check out their website.
http://jitsu-sa.org/

Samurairaj
www.bradfordjitsu.org.uk