A record number of new beginners in February and March have had the instructors working hard, teaching the Wado-Ryu basics. The young warriors class is growing steadily with Sempai Ben doing a wonderful job with his large troupe of under 10’s. They are doing so well that 2009 will see a couple moving up into the intermediate class.

In March, Marko Vasic ( 4th kyu green belt) returned to training after six years away due to study and travel. He has been training very hard and passed his brown belt grading in September along with Ryan, Ben, Chris and Matthew.

In April, Sensei Robert and Sempai Genevieve flew in from W.A. for extra training with Shihan and also to celebrate Sensei Robert’s 30th Birthday with his family and Karate friends.

On July 14th a Kobudo seminar was organized by Shihan. Held at the Honbu dojo, Sempai Mark, Tai Shi Kai’s Bojutsu Instructor took a large group of senior karateka through a thoroughly fast paced and exciting bojutsu session. Bo drills were coming thick and fast, partner work, spinning, applications and much much more.
Sensei Robert New, W.A. Chief instructor had been in training over the past 12 months for his 3rd Dan grading. He and his wife Sempai Genevieve had been flying back and forth from Perth for extra training with Shihan. As a result, Robert successfully presented his 3rd Dan grading to the Tai Shi Kai Wado-Ryu Grading Panel on July 19th. Upon completion of his presentation, Shihan had the pleasure of awarding him a Diploma of teaching along with his new title of “Sensei”
July 30th saw Taryn Wills celebrate her 30th birthday in style with a 20’s and 30’s fancy dress in the city. It was a fantastic night and all of the seniors had a great time.

Our second Kobudo seminar for 2008 was held on August 16th with Cane defence being the flavour of the day. The seminar was conducted by Victorian Chief instructor and Tai Shi Kai
Cane instructor, Sensei Evan Roberts. He took a packed class of seniors through a very informative and fast paced cane session including history, basic drills and applications.

September and October were busy months as the end of year gradings got underway. Laura McNamara, Simon Aloi and Kate Sidon all passed their green belt grading and following discussions with Shihan, have all been accepted to join the senior class in January 2009.
Sempai Ben and his partner Kylie became very happy parents with the birth of their daughter, Ebony Rose.
October 18th saw training partners Taryn Wills and Mathew Holm pass their Shodan grading. Both Taryn and Mathew have been training diligently for the past 7 years. They have trained 3 times per week since January in preparation for their big day. They have now earned the title of “Sempai”)
October 25th saw our third and final kobudo seminar for 2008, Sempai Ben (Tai Shi Kai Bokken instructor)took the senior students through a range of drills using his favourite weapon. The next Kobudo seminar will be in Feb 2009.

Our end of year night out at Emperor Court Chinese restaurant on December 6th was a superb night as always. Thanks to Sensei Evan for arranging the night.

Hearty congratulations to Sempai Taryn Wills on being voted TAI SHI KAI “student of the year” for 2008 and congratulations to the other
presentation recipients.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students for their help and encouragement throughout the year (especially my black belts) for their support, dedication, commitment and hard work helping Tai Shi Kai to grow and become the happy family it is today.
On a final note I would like to wish all students and their families a very safe and happy festive season. Enjoy the summer break and I look forward to seeing you all happy and healthy in the new year. Take care and remember to slip slop and slap (especially Sempai Mark).

Shihan