The 2nd of October brought with it the second GBASSDA national course of 2011. This time held in a very sunny Southampton, it made a change to be opening the doors and windows to keep cool whilst training instead of closing them to stop the rain water coming through. This was also the first time Sensei Scanlan of Test Valley Jujitsu got to meet the rest of the people and clubs in GBASSDA.
Sensei Richards of Goshin Ryu Jujitsu began the day, running the morning session teaching the use of geri waza (kicking techniques) against multiple attackers, followed by a session of pistol theory and defences.
In parralel Sensei Scanlan sat his first GBASSDA grading, showing excellent technique and an some beautifully accurate atemi to earn himself the grade of Shodan in self defence, and has been set on the path towards nidan for his next national course.
The afternoon began with the Japanese Jujitsu association demonstrating the use of willow tree technique (using your attackers force against him) with the use of defences against strangles, followed by another session from Sensei Richards, this time teaching some ground work - if the day wasn't hot enough on its own, everyone was sweating by the end of this session.
The final session of the day was equally hard work, Renshi Sheridan of Ten Shin Kan aikido taught ki development techniques, beginning with Orinaite (unbendable arm) and leading on to kokyu waza.
The day ended at 4pm, a safe, successful, and enjoyable days training. It was nice to see some new and some old faces, things are looking promising for GBASSDAs future.