Jujitsu Workshop - 9th December, Milton Keynes

James and I made the journey to Milton Keynes last Sunday to attend the Goshin Jujitsu workshop at Shenley Leisure Centre, and despite having rather heavy nights, it was a relatively painless journey and we were only moderately late! Having donned our Gi's we crept into the class to catch the latter end of a presentation on where we stand under the law with regards to using force. It really is good stuff to know, Tops has information on that you may want to look over.

Some familiar faces were present, including Sensei Geoff and Sensei Dave who we know from gradings with members of their respective clubs, and of course our own Sensai Tony Henderson. After warming up, Sensei Michael Player who is 8th Dan and also head of the Goshin Jitsu Association took us through some restraining techniques that he has employed during his time as a psychiatric nurse (see second photo down).

Afterwards, we split into two groups where we were then taught some holds by Sensei James Pape, head of Bushido Association, which were pretty interesting. The highlight for us was a strangle hold using the legs where you were only seconds away from actually passing out before rolling with the Uke still in the hold. The analagy I made was to an alligator attacking it's prey and then rolling over and over with it till it stops struggling. Though my personal highlight was when in a bid to give James a taster of what competition would be like, Sensei Chris demonstrated a way to get out of this rather scary hold which resulted in him grabbing JLM's Gi and lifting him at least four foot in the air. Horizontally. To my wide-eyed amusement and just as James was preparing for the breakfall of his life, Sensei Chris gently placed him upright on his feet. Fabulous.

We then learned some self defence moves from Sensei James Pape which were mostly shortened versions of the syllabus moves and a lot of pressure point work. We all were requested to step up to be the demo person at some point as, and I quote, "Doesn't matter what colour your belt is in here!", but it was good fun to be involved. Though the more rigourous moves were demonstrated on a Black Belt and a rather stoical group of boys from the Tottenham club who seemed impervious to pain.

So, that was our afternoon which was great fun and really useful as an addition to class. Tops is likely to be organising more in 2008 so please watch this space do come along! Though I can't promise you get to see gravity-defying James again, it could be arranged. In fact next one he will be being shot from a cannon.....:-)

Merry Christmas one and all...

Debs