Term 3 hit the ground running.  We reward our students for showing best effort, good manners, and thoughtfulness since we feel this puts the focus on building good character; being the strongest and fastest is not always possible for most of us.  I have been delighted with how the boys have done this term, and have almost emptied the supply of merit badges, as you can see:

Leopard – Speed & Strength

Kieran Davey-Webb
Lachlan James
Marcus Burghen
Parsa Yazdani
Slate Tonge
Justin Gao
Shea Tonge
Ethan Haffenden
Alexander Berkovich

Snake – Accuracy & Speed

Alex Wang
Connor Andrews-Gardiner
James Stevens

Crane – Balance & Control

Tristan Henry
Will Fisher

Over the final two weeks, the boys were assessed for their next grade level, with the following outcomes:

Red Belt (L1)

Slate Tonge
Gabe Gordon
Shea Tonge
Justin Gao

Red Belt with Stripe (L2)

Kieran Davey-Webb
Lachlan James
Parsa Yazdani
Ethan Haffenden

Orange Belt (L3)

James Stevens
Marcus Burghen

There is a higher expectation for students working toward more advanced grade levels. There is more content to cover and technique must be demonstrated with more intent.  Alex Wang, Will Fisher and Tristan Henry are all on track for their next level, continuing to build their skills with grace and a positive attitude.

Grading often is an intimidating process, so we are very proud of all the boys for their excellent efforts.

We encourage parents to read through the syllabus books with their son, particularly some of the younger boys; the boys get quite a kick out of knowing mum or dad have an interest in what they are doing.  Our Silver Stars programme (included in the syllabus books), encourages good behaviour and habits and is a terrific tool to use with your son, we always get such great feedback about it.  Plus he gets a silver star to put on his Evolution Jujutsu shirt.

We are offering several sessions over the holidays for students who would like to do more in-depth work on jujutsu techniques, rolling etc; please email me on ichi@evolutionjujutsu.com.au for details.  Cost $20 per session.

A reminder that Evolution Jujutsu is open to all boys in Kindy through to Year 6.  If the Friday afternoon timeslot does not suit, Newington boys are welcome to join us in our studio at Level 1 346 Pacific Highway, Lindfield.  Please see our website for class times, including classes for teens and adults.

Best wishes from Sempai David and myself for a safe and happy holiday break.

Marice Knapman
Senior Instructor