2023... What a Year
As we look forward to a new year at PJJC, we must acknowledge what a great 12 months we've just had. From gradings and coaching courses to competitions and club visits. The adult and junior sections have been busy and we've welcomed many new members. A massive thank you to all our members and their families for supporting our club. We look forward to expanding on our success in 2024.
Sensei Wendy Bids Farewell
After 20 years with the club Sensei Wendy has decided it's time to hang up her Gi for good. She officially retired in January after serving as Assistant Instructor and Child Welfare Officer. She has been an integral part of the club's growth and success and we wish her well as she starts a new chapter. Thank you Sensei Wendy for all your hard work over the years.
Grading Success
Congratulations to Layla who totally smashed her Junior Black Belt grading in front of the academy's senior instructors. After months of intense training and preparation with Sensei Andy and Karen, Layla made the long journey from Poole to Bushido HQ in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. She gave a great performance and was praised by Professor Paul Geoghegan, 9th Dan, for the high standards she displayed.
Moving up the Ranks
We always knew we had a great instructor in Sensei Andy so when news came through that he’d been awarded his 6th Dan his students couldn’t have been more pleased. Sensei Andy shows true dedication and passion for his art and is a great role model for all.
PJJC on Tour
We love our travels, especially when we go abroad, so when we were invited to our sister club in Gibraltar to celebrate Sensei Tony’s 30th anniversary we jumped at the chance. Sensei Andy and Karen enjoyed showing off techniques along with some of the Bushido academy’s highest grade instructors, including Professor Pape, 10th Dan, Professor Blundell, 10th Dan, and Professor Geoghegan, 9th Dan. It was a great weekend celebrating both Ju jitsu and friendship. We look forward to returning soon.
Home Grown Champions
Our presence on the competition circuit may have been less than in previous years, but boy did we make our mark! PJJC is always a force to be reckoned with and 2023 was no different. We are proud of young Adam who won Gold at the British Championships, and also Reuben who brought home two Gold medals from the East Coast Championships.
There’s a great deal of talent from our club, and we are excited to see where this takes us in 2024.
From Gibraltar to Skegness
The year wouldn’t be complete without our annual visit to Skegness, home of the East Coast Championships. We were again honoured to open the event with a demonstration before sharing skills and techniques on the junior mats. The afternoon competition was a busy one as the event had a record number of competitors, but it all went without a hitch thanks to the well organised team behind it. It was a successful weekend enjoyed by all.
PJJC Course & Interclub
Our very own Course & Interclub in October was a great success. We welcomed participants, competitors and instructors from Dorchester, Reading, Exeter, Leicester and Gibraltar and were pleased to see different Ju jitsu associations training together. 12 guest instructors took to the mats for the morning course which was followed by the afternoon competition and main event. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to all those who volunteered their time to help make it a fantastic day. Listen out for news of our next event as we look to become the number one competition venue in the south.
