A big thank you to go out to Ryan Lambotte and his Jersey club for looking after all of us that travelled to Jersey for training and course. Everyone really enjoyed the time with you all.

On Thursday the 5th Instructors and students arrived at Jersey airport prior to the Saturday training. Ryan organised transport from the airport to the hotel in St Helier which was really appreciated by all and went smoothly. Thursday evening gave the opportunity for some students to train at the Jersey Club which was enjoyed by those who attended.

Friday was a day off to take in the sites of Jersey and a trip to Jersey Zoo.

Saturday we were all collected from the hotel and went to the training course venue. Good attendance on the course, after the initial bow in, students were separated into groups and covered basics, kata and Ipponme.

A dan grade was organised for Robert Cragg looking to achieve promotion to 3rd Dan under a dan grading panel consisting of, WKU Chief Instructor Alan Flook 9th Dan, Ryan Lambotte 6th Dan, Kevin Barrett 6th Dan and Rob Smith 7th Dan. Robert Cragg completed the grading to the required standards and was presented with his 3rd Dan (Sandan), congratulations to Robert for this achievement. While the dan grading was being completed everyone else continued with training.

The evening on the Saturday a buffet and presentation was organised by the Jersey Club, the evening was a lovely end to the day and enjoyed by all.

Sunday the flights out were later on in the day so all had chance to some more sight seeing and enjoying the glorious weather. Again, Jersey Club arranged all the collections and travel to the airport.

A big thank you must go to the following. Mark and Kate Treasure parents of Riley and Ruben, the two guys really seemed to enjoy the training and trip. Mike O’Brien who keeps trying to retire, thank you Mike, Gary and Terry from Yeovil and Deano from Clevedon, and I must not forget the wife’s and partners who hopefully enjoyed the trip as well. Again, Ryan, Martin and Steve, and all the Jersey Club for all the efforts in arranging everything while on the Island and making us all very welcome.

Looking forward to the next course with our friends from Jersey.

Rob Smith
WKU Chair