The 3rd Annual New Zealand Eagle Spirit Jujitsu Summercamp
Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December 2012 marked the third New Zealand Eagle Spirit Jujitsu Summercamp at Scoutlands, Lake Wiritoa.
Present were representatives from all three clubs of the organisation : Wanganui, Ratana Paa, and Dunedin; to join together for what has become a traditional Wanganui community event. Kicking off with some team building and group co-operation bringing together students, some of whom had never met before. Camp Organiser, or “Camp Mother” as she has become know, Rochelle Howard, once again made a sterling effort and the whole weekend ran like a well-oiled machine.
Saturday’s special guest was Sensei Garry Davies, 3rd Dan, from City College Judo Club. Sensei Garry is a regular visitor to the camp and is always well received and invariably can find a special little “trick” to improve a student’s technique. Sensei Garry is something of a legend in Judo tournament circles and so it is always a pleasure to experience his expertise and see his boundless patience whilst teaching on the mat.
Next we had the first of our special surprise guests in the shape of Jason Paniani, and his helper, Jessamine, running a session in the ancient art of fencing. Jason had a superb way with the children and is obviously a born teacher and mentor. For many it was the highlight of their weekend. Jason is currently enjoying a well-earned break but regular Wednesday sessions will begin again in February at the new YMCA Community Centre. Many thanks to both Jason and Jessamine for taking time out to come and share their passion for fencing with us.
The final guest for the evening arrived as the family BBQ was being served. Constable Shane, a dog handler from our local police force, provided a short demonstration to highlight the special qualities and abilities of the police canine units. Needless to say, as Kancho was busy cooking up a storm on the grill, Sensei Christian was the nominated “criminal” this year and, much to the delight of the students, came off second best. That rounded up the first day.
In an effort to clear bleary heads of early morning sleepiness, Sunday morning started with some team building. By the time Sensei Shanon Casson, 2nd Dan, from Jiu-Jitsu Life Skills NZ, arrived the sleepiness hadn’t quite been cleared !! However, he made a patient and persevering effort to engage the students brains to bodies and teach some of his techniques and skills.
A few quick team games then concluded the camp and finished off those students that had an ounce of energy left-over. There were some very tired looking children waiting for their parents to pick them up at noon. I bet they slept well on Sunday night !!
Camp Organiser, Rochelle Howard, would like to thank all of the Instructors and parents that gave up their time to help out on the weekend, a very special thanks to Whanganui Community Foundation for their continued support of this community event, and to Scoutlands for once again providing an excellent venue, and arranging perfect weather for the weekend.
Present were representatives from all three clubs of the organisation : Wanganui, Ratana Paa, and Dunedin; to join together for what has become a traditional Wanganui community event. Kicking off with some team building and group co-operation bringing together students, some of whom had never met before. Camp Organiser, or “Camp Mother” as she has become know, Rochelle Howard, once again made a sterling effort and the whole weekend ran like a well-oiled machine.
Saturday’s special guest was Sensei Garry Davies, 3rd Dan, from City College Judo Club. Sensei Garry is a regular visitor to the camp and is always well received and invariably can find a special little “trick” to improve a student’s technique. Sensei Garry is something of a legend in Judo tournament circles and so it is always a pleasure to experience his expertise and see his boundless patience whilst teaching on the mat.
Next we had the first of our special surprise guests in the shape of Jason Paniani, and his helper, Jessamine, running a session in the ancient art of fencing. Jason had a superb way with the children and is obviously a born teacher and mentor. For many it was the highlight of their weekend. Jason is currently enjoying a well-earned break but regular Wednesday sessions will begin again in February at the new YMCA Community Centre. Many thanks to both Jason and Jessamine for taking time out to come and share their passion for fencing with us.
The final guest for the evening arrived as the family BBQ was being served. Constable Shane, a dog handler from our local police force, provided a short demonstration to highlight the special qualities and abilities of the police canine units. Needless to say, as Kancho was busy cooking up a storm on the grill, Sensei Christian was the nominated “criminal” this year and, much to the delight of the students, came off second best. That rounded up the first day.
In an effort to clear bleary heads of early morning sleepiness, Sunday morning started with some team building. By the time Sensei Shanon Casson, 2nd Dan, from Jiu-Jitsu Life Skills NZ, arrived the sleepiness hadn’t quite been cleared !! However, he made a patient and persevering effort to engage the students brains to bodies and teach some of his techniques and skills.
A few quick team games then concluded the camp and finished off those students that had an ounce of energy left-over. There were some very tired looking children waiting for their parents to pick them up at noon. I bet they slept well on Sunday night !!
Camp Organiser, Rochelle Howard, would like to thank all of the Instructors and parents that gave up their time to help out on the weekend, a very special thanks to Whanganui Community Foundation for their continued support of this community event, and to Scoutlands for once again providing an excellent venue, and arranging perfect weather for the weekend.