Copyright Peter Morton Academy of Judo Jujitsu Karate
Batemans Bay junior seminar 2002
14 September 2002
This article appeared in the 2002 newsletter.
As a maiden voyage for the Bay gang, credit must be given to the organisers of this seminar as they managed to line up the top brass to make an appearance.
Students were divided into coloured teams for the day. In this way teams had a mix of students from different branches, thereby adding to the day's competitions.
Some novel games emerged as the day progressed. One in particular that amused participants and on-lookers was the animal walk. How does Rod Patrick do the elephant walk with both arms and legs straight and still keep them on the floor? Try it and see how hard it is!
At one stage Soke Morton parked a chair near the tatami and spoke to the students. He then held a session where students could ask any question of him. The usual curiosities flowed, Frog answered, then a student asked what Soke Morton's favourite food was. Before he could answer, a small voice from among the wide-eyed gathering piped up and exclaimed "fried chocolates" (meaning fine chocolates). This just brought the roof down.
Another source of amusement occurred when Soke Morton threw our Honourable Principal to the tatami using fingers to the throat. Sounds of disbelief from junior members echoed through the dojo.
In one session, instructors helped students with various techniques. Imagine around fifty students plus instructors going full-bore. It looked like a scene from Gladiators with bodies flying through the air and ending up sprawled all over the tatami.
A seminar gives something to everyone, unless you live under a rock, regardless of rank. You get back what you put in, plus some. It was one fantastic day and there are some exceptional up-and-coming students.