As with last term, new faces have joined both our ongoing and returning students in jujutsu classes on Friday afternoons.  It is always wonderful to see the boys grow in confidence while they enjoy themselves learning how (and when) to protect themselves and keep safe.

As you may know, we award patches to students who show consistency with doing their best in class.  During the last few weeks of Term 1, Freddie Bourne and Tristan Henry demonstrated that young Newington students can take care to watch and listen to a teacher while still having a lot of fun.  The boys were awarded their Leopard patch, with Will Fisher being awarded his Tiger patch.

At the end of Term 1, the following boys were awarded their level 1, Red belt:  Logan Gradinscak, Freddie Bourne, James Stevens, Jamie Kerr, Marcus Burghen.  Sadly, Max Clarke was absent for grading though I look forward to being able to award him his Red belt in the future.

Tristan Henry, who returned to training after a short absence, was awarded his level 2 grade, Red belt with stripe.

Will Fisher has been working toward his level 4 grade, Orange belt with stripe, which he achieved at the end of Term 1.

The higher grade levels require more effort to achieve, since in addition to new skills, we build on what students already know and work on developing more awareness of technique.  Alex Wang, working towards level 5, Gold belt, was awarded his Tiger patch in recognition of this effort.

In Term 2, we continue with our ‘Homework’ activities which include saying ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ to parents and caregivers for things such as cooking dinner or taking them to fun activities, and doing good deeds without having to be asked.

In support of parents, our Silver Stars programme (included in the syllabus books), encourages good behaviour and habits.  I have mentioned before that feedback about the Stars programme is consistently very positive and we are confident parents will find it valuable.

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 http://www.fitevolution.com.au for class times, including classes for teens and adults.

Marice Knapman
Senior Instructor