Club News

Club News

October saw the club members helping Gilliland Sensei celebrate 40 years as a dan grade, a significant achievement not only to still be practising when many others have given up, but to have been a black belt for so long. The years of training and gaining experience help all members of Ropley and indeed our association Gakushuin continue to prosper and learn valuable techniques and methods without the drawbacks of all making the same mistakes before becoming more proficient.

The evenings entertainment went very well, enjoying the disco and great food whilst reminiscing with friends over the years. Sensei was presented with a number of gifts to remind him of his time as a black belt, not least of which being a book of photographs and anecdotes contributed to by many of his "friends" and students over the years all of whom has various takes to share. Whilst only 15 copies of the book were printed, thankfully none found their way to any of the victims within the stories. Thanks to Sandra for arranging the book and to Mac who surreptitiously gained entry to Sensei's home and managed to scan some of the less freely available photo's taken over the years.

The club now is stronger than ever with three resident dan grades, in addition to Gilliland Sensei, we also have Sandra and Jenny, two great dan grades ever willing to help and impart their knowledge to anyone attending lessons with us