Over 50 Instructors and Students attended the Australia Day Special Class, with the students given the opportunity to train with their Instructors and under Sensei Daniel Tregenza and Sensei Joe van Strijp. The large number of students attending required three rows for comfort, and following the bow-in, they were put through an extensive warm up. Interesting to look at the style with some jumping to the left, some to the right and others finding it a bit of a yawn.
On to basics, and Sensei Daniel took time to point out the particulars of each block, although the students sometimes did not quite work out left from right. Sensei Daniel then incorporated the Basic into combination work, which tested the thought process. Meanwhile, outside the BBQ Crew, Ray Spiteri, Drew and Jenny Andrew were intently discussing the finer points of the after training BBQ with the official BBQ Sensei, Jeremy Thompson. The students split into two groups for sparring. Sensei Joe took the white belts through some one-step sparring drills to introduce them to the basics of sparring, with the coloured belts with Sensei Daniel. The grades were mixed up to allow feedback from the higher grades or the Instructors monitoring the session. Sensei Daniel also took the opportunity between bouts to point out different aspects of correct sparring technique.
Meanwhile, outside in the BBQ area, things were hotting up, with the cooking proceeding in earnest, with the cooks satisfied with their work. More sparring bouts followed, and then Sensei Daniel spoke about the reason for correct technique when sparring, using a focus mitt to demonstrate. The class finishing with a warm down and stretch. Following the bow out, many students took the opportunity to indulge in the BBQ and socialise. Thanks to Ray Spiteri, Drew and Jenny Andrew for giving up their time to cook and serve the BBQ,
