Newsletter: January 2005 [Jan] [Feb] [Mar] [Apr] [May] [Jun] [Jul] [Aug] [Sep] [Oct] [Nov] [Dec]

January 2005


 Word from the Editor
By Larry Chin

Lately we have had a few incidences of students being injured while grappling, this, despite the vigilance of instructors. I know first hand that some of these injuries have been accidental, but I have also observed students, doing things like pulling hair, scratching, pinching and of all things, spitting. This type of behaviour is unacceptable, is certainly not condoned and is actively discouraged by instructors.

While there are many facets to this problem, some of which can be addressed by the instructors, you, the parents, can help by reinforcing to your children that Jiu Jitsu is about control and the effective use of Jiu Jitsu techniques as opposed to the use of brute force and "dirty" street fighting techniques.
Given the incidences of late, we will be taking steps to limit any future occurences as seen recently, and some of the measures will include:

  • Reminding students what Jiu Jitsu is about, at the beginning of class and before any grappling matches.
  • Students will be given ONE warning if the use of excessive force or unacceptable technique is observed and then asked to leave the class if further incidences are observed.
  • Should there be repeat offences, there is the possibility that a student will be reduced in rank until such time as the appropriate level of control and use of technique can be demonstrated.

Some may judge this latter measure to be drastic, however the safety of the students has always, and continues to be, the number one priority in our dojo and if a student presents a danger to themselves or other students, then measures to reduce that danger are indicated.

In addition, the code of conduct for our dojo is posted on the web site under "Dojo Etiquette". If there is any question as to the manner in which one should conduct themselves in the dojo, this is a handy quick reference.


As always, we are open to, and welcome, your comments and feedback, and for your convenience I have listed the email addresses available through the web site should you choose to make your comments via email. We look forward to seeing you all in 2005 and with your help we will continue to work towards making our dojo the best it can be.

  • Sensei Larry: sensei_larry@kumojiujitsu.com
  • Hanshi LaFrance: hanshi@kumojiujitsu.com
  • Feedback: feedback@kumojiujitsu.com

 

Housekeeping

  1. Well we are into a new year and with that will undoubtedly come change as the only thing sure in life is change. One of the first changes has been the departure of Sensei Murray and Sampei Paul Stark taking over his clasess. Sampei Paul is currently a green belt in Kumo Jiu Jitsu, has a number of years of prior grapping experience, has placed in the top three at a number of tournaments, including the Abu Dhabi trials, teaches Kumo Jiu Jitsu at Wasdale Montessori, and now brings his experience to the Tuesday and Thursday night classes.
  2. Another change is the timing of the newlsetter. I'm going to be trying to get the newsletter out at the end of the month instead of the beginning. If ANYONE, has anything they would like to see put in the newsletter, either as a one time thing or as a regular feature, please email it to me at: sensei_larry@kumojiujitsu.com. I'm always looking for material for the newsletter.
  3. If you do not receive the newsletter by email, please send your email address to me at sensei_larry@kumojiujitsu.com, and I will add your name to the email distribution list. This list is also used for dojo business ONLY, things like sending last minute or emergency notices and of course the newsletter. We don't use email addresess for anything else, nor do we release email addresses to anyone.

 

Dojo Closures

The following are the dates that the dojo will be closed. Please keep this handy for future reference. A copy will also be posted on the lobby bulleting board.

Good Friday: Friday March 25
Easter Monday: Monday March 28
Victoria Day: Monday May 23
Canada Day: Friday July 1
Civic Holiday: Monday August 1
Labour Day: Monday September 5
Thanksgiving: Monday October 10
Christmas: Friday Dec 23 2005 - Monday Jan. 2 2006

If there are any public holidays that I’ve missed please let me know and I’ll add them, but I think that’s all of them.

 

World Kobudo Federation (WKF) Membership 2005 Fee - $20.00

Don’t forget that  your WKF fees are now due. The fees can be given to Alison in the office.
For only $20.00, your WKF membership fee includes some of the following benefits:
  • Being part of A recognized world wide organization
  • Invitation to special events, conventions and tournaments for a discounted price (eg.  Capital Conquest)
  • Exclusive invitation to special seminars given by world renown instructors (eg.  past seminars held with Dan Severn and Renzo Gracie) WKF Belt Certificates and WKF Badges available for a minimal price
  • WKF Passport Membership Handbook
  • $2,000,000 liability insurance per member covered up until March 31, 2005.

 

What is the “parent executive committee” ?
Basically, the parent executive committee are  just a few parents that represent all of you.  They have the interests of all the children at heart when planning any event.  And their time is given voluntarily.
In our dojo, we are very fortunate to have the ongoing help and support of many people.  Over the years, many parents of students in the dojo have helped out at the many events and functions we have held and, in the past year, a few of these parents became a more organized body known loosely as the “parent executive”.  These dedicated parents have had their children enrolled in our school for several years, and have seen their children progress, and have seen many changes occur.  They saw a need for a more organized body and have come forward, on their own initiative, to volunteer their time and skills..  Without their help, many things at the dojo would not get done, and many events would not be organized, planned, or followed through.
Currently, our parent executive committee consists of the following people:   Jeannie Buckland, Divina Buencamino, Carolyn Chin, Bruno and Peggy Elsier , Janice Graham, Shelley Henebury, Vince Pileggi, and Cindy Young.  As a group, they have meetings once a month, with either Hanshi or myself sitting in,  and they plan events at the dojo such as the Halloween and Christmas parties for the children, tournaments, and sale of club merchandise..  They also have provided  much needed help to do things such as paint walls, and help improve the physical appearance of the dojo.
The work they do helps us to provide the kind of dojo we believe in.  We are very grateful to them for all the help they have given and for the work that they continue to do. If there are any other willing bodies, we would always be happy to hear from you.  Remember, many hands make light work!!    
Things that we can always use help with include things like set up and clean up at tournaments and club events, bringing munchies to parties, or helping with the running of club events.
Hanshi and I believe in this dojo.  We truly appreciate all the help and interest and support of all our students and parents.  This is a new year, and we have many new things on the planning table.  Let’s all help to make 2005 an amazing year!!
Sincerely,

Hanshi and Alison LaFrance

 

Instructors at the CCGA

The Canadian Centre for Grappling Arts, which teaches the art of Kumo Jiu Jitsu was founded by Hanshi Darrell LaFrance.  At first, Hanshi was able to teach all classes, but as our dojo has grown over the years, other instructors have been trained, and some hired, to teach.  Hanshi LaFrance continues to teach classes, but cannot be at the dojo for every class as he used to be..

All of the instructors at our dojo, teach for us in the evenings, but also have regular jobs during the day.  It is the same for Hanshi.  Hanshi Lafrance is a Police Constable with the Durham Regional Police Service, working in Clarington.  In general, his shifts are during the day and this makes it possible for him to teach in the evenings at the dojo.  However on occasion, there are shifts he  must take, overtime he is required to work, or situations at work which either make him late for class or unable to teach his regularly scheduled class.  Although he regrets these occasions, it is unavoidable, but when they do occur classes continue to run, as there is always an instructor to teach the class.

We realize that it would be wonderful to have Hanshi at all classes, but this is not possible, and our other instructors are very capable and great with the children. Hanshi loves to teach Jiu Jitsu, and he will always make it to class whenever humanly possible.

Thank you
Alison LaFrance