06/01/2024
Can we start by wishing a Happy New Year to all, and also reflect on what a fabulous year 2023 has been. It has been an amazing experience to see all our students near and far, progressing on their jujitsu journey. In a similar vein to the rest of 2023, to round the year off , we have recently conducted a series of successful gradings from beginner through to Dan grades.
Many thanks to Sensei Bob Serebriakoff and Sensei Dewi Ap Thomas for organising a fabulous grading event for Holyhead, Menai Bridge and Llandudno students, and a special thanks to Sensei Peter Morton for travelling over from the Wirral to help. A big well done also to the Llangefni junior club on Anglesey on their recent grading event - fantastic to see this class grow from strength to strength! Also extending a big thank you to Sensei Dan Morris for all his hard work this year in preparing students in anticipation of their junior and intermediate black belt gradings. A big well done therefore to Nicholas Cooper, Joshua Southern and Harrison Southern (Junior Black Belts) and Liam Morris, Braydon Bryan and Ethan Williams (Intermediate Black Belts). Our clubs on the Wirral also performed outstandingly in their gradings this year - it is great to see a team coming through the grades together. Again, thanks to Sensei Peter Morton for all his hard work.
Also , a special mention and thanks to Sensei Mark Rigby for all his hard work and dedication at our Stoke club.
SJJI also saw numerous Dan gradings this year ranging from our friends in Scotland, through to England and into North Wales. All such grading were conducted by Sensei Simon Rimington , Chief Instructor at SJJI . Promoted to 2nd Dan, Samantha Gilbert and Lily Morris, 3rd Dan, Hemant Parmar and Gwynedd Roberts and also with Mark De Kiewit achieving his 4th Dan. Congratulations to all on your achievements. Finally, our sister club, Kamiza Dojo Manchester hosted a fantastic grading event for both junior and senior members alike, including Alex Jackman for junior black belt, Shanelle Edwards for 1st Dan Black belt, and Darren Griffey and Jason Boulton for Senior kickjitsu.Well done to all - keep up the good work! Many thanks to Sensei Alan and Sensei James Cuthbert for organising such a successful event.
As can clearly be seen from the above, 2023 has been an exceptionally busy year for SJJI , with this year already proving to be even busier - Onwards and upwards!!!