Happy New Year! It has been several months since our last newsletter so there is much to catch up on.

BELATED AND CURRENT BIRTHDAYS

October 4  -  Sempai Russell Lloyd 7  -  Colleen Cosens November 7  -  Julie Must 13  -  Lee Rockburne 26  -  Donovan DeCarle January 23  -  Sensei James Wright February 11  -  Chelsea Mahon

Happy Birthday to all of You!

Okinawan Seminar (November)

In early November Kinjo Sensei (8th Dan) and Gima sensei (8th Dan) visited Eastwind BudoLife Centre and Boucherville Karate Dojo. We were fortunate to have been able have several members of our dojo attend this special event. It was good to see drills, exercises and kata taught in the same way as Miyazato Hanshi taught. It reaffirmed that we are doing well in keeping this traditional form alive. Sempais Donald McLean and Franklin Lawlor attended on the Thursday class along with Sensei James. Sensei also attended the Friday black belt class with Sempais Russell, Laurie and Lindsay.

Referee Certification and Black Belt Grading Dec.2/06

The day began with a 2 hour referee certification course conducted by Sensei Brian Lowry and Sensei Laura Swywk. Sempais Russell, Laurie and Lindsay are now qualified as dojo referees. Following a short break, the black belt grading took place. This was the first time that our club has hosted a black belt grading. Approximately 7 clubs were represented by their respective Senseis and black belt students.

After 4 hours of grading, Sempai Russell Lloyd was successful in achieving his Sandan (3^rd level) black belt - the first for our club! We all extend our congratulations to him for his achievement. After 10 years of training and several years of assisting teaching, he is most deserving. We are proud of you..

Christmas Party and Lucky Draw

Our Christmas Party was held on December 20. The Junior and Youth classes enjoyed games and pizza. The adult class held a potluck ‘dinner’. That same evening we held the lucky draw for the Sakura Martial Arts Training Bag (won by Daniel Richard’s aunt) and the ‘Sumo Wrestlers’ woodblock print (won by Donald McLean’s nephew.) Coincidently, both Daniel and Donald won prizes for selling the most tickets! Overall ticket sales fell short of our expectations. Any feedback would be appreciated. Please see Sempai Laurie.

Dojo Fees

Classes for 2007 resumed Monday, January 8^th. Hope that you all had a good break! Students and parents are reminded that fees for the year are now due. Please submit your postdated cheques to Sempai Laurie as soon as possible. With the January cheque please include the annual EMAC fee.

White to blue belts	-	$10
Brown belts	-	$25
Black Belts(including junior)	-	$50

Class prices remain the same at $55/month for junior and youth classes and $60 /month for the adult classes.

SEMINARS

On Saturday, January 13^th Sempais Franklin and Laurie travelled to Eastwind Budo Life Centre to attend Sensei Mike’s "Secrets of Sanchin Kata". This informative seminar reviewed many aspects of proper practice of Sanchin Kata. Stances, posture, breathing and muscle useage were all covered in detail.

Coming up on Sunday, January 28^th, again at Eastwind, there will be a 3 hour seminar conducted by Kyoshi Jean Frenette. The cost is $45. At this point it appears that the seminar is open to all age groups and belt levels, You are guaranteed a great workout!