Subject: Thank you
Sensei
Gordon,
Sir,
I would
just like to say how nice it was to meet you again.
My students
and I feel honoured to have received instruction from you.
It is very
refreshing to meet a senior grade instructor who is willing to give
his knowledge
and experience freely to people from outside his own organisation.
Sadly the
world of Tae Kwon-Do is full of politics and your kind of open enthusiasm
for the
Martial Arts is hard to find.
I hope
that we can stay in touch and continue to exchange knowledge and ideas.
Respectfully
Ron Davidson
7th Dan
Founder
– British Freestyle Martial Arts Association
SPANISH JUDOKA AT RADCLIFFE
By Bartolomé
Canellas, 4th Dan, rrodriguez@segur.caib.es
It took two hours by plane, one
by train, and three hours by bus for me and my senior student Guillermo
to get to Nottingham. We were welcomed at the station
by Sensei Lawson and Anne. Their warm and heartfelt
hospitality was felt from the first minute. From the station we proceed
to the hotel in Radcliffe that was to be our
home base for the next three days. The hotel had a lovely bed and breakfast
feel to it. We couldn't have stayed in a
better place.
After a well deserved rest and a good breakfast, we started the
training on the next day. Honestly, we were having
so much fun, the hours went by without us noticing. Among other things,
we practiced Zen Judo, Karate, Ju Jutsu,
Aiki Jutsu. So obviously, we returned the next day ready for more interesting
(and sometimes hilarious) drills.
What I enjoyed best, apart from the high quality of all instructors, was the friendly
environment in the dojo. Students
and instructors worked hard, but they also had fun in their work.
I should also mention
the great party on Saturday night -- it really proved we are truly a family. The sense of
friendship among every one was
truly remarkable. We are also really thankful to Sensei Lawson and his enchanting
family for the hospitality in hosting
us for a wonderful meal on Sunday.
On Monday morning as good tourists, Guillermo and I went shopping in Nottingham where
we spent most of the day.
In the evening we were back on the mat for an interesting lesson from Sensei Lawson, Anne and
several
senior students. Once again, we spent several hours on the mat without noticing the passing of time! We celebrated
the
end of the trip at the Black Lion, a typical British pub, where a few beers were enjoyed.
On behalf of Zen Judo Spain we
would like to thank all the organizers of the training and also to extend our gratitude
to those who welcomed us and made
us feel completely at home. I left England with the sense that I had gained
new friends. Many thanks for the way you took
care of us and I look forward to seeing you all at Mallorca.
