There are still a number of outstanding memberships. If you have not already paid please ensure that you do so by May 30th. You will not be eligible for grading or competitions if are not a member. Membership is valid from July 1st 2005 - June 30th 2006.
Seniors: Fill out the appropriate membership form (see the "Documents" section) and return with your payment. Melbourne Uni Students: $50 Non-Melbourne Uni Students: $122
Beginners: Simply hand the payment to a committee member. Melbourne Uni Students: $50 Non-Melbourne Uni Students: $50
Our Ballarat Camp looks set to be the biggest ever and I hope everyone is ready for a great weekend. We have 54 members coming, as well as 11 people from Monash. A number of the kids from Ben Sensei's Brunswick Dojo will probably join us on the Saturday for training also.
Ballarat is a 2 hr drive from Melbourne and is one of the biggest cities in Victoria after Melbourne. It is known for its cold weather and while we have just had the warmest April on record, it could get down to 0 degrees overnight. (This weekend forecast: Showers High: 16 Low: 5) The stadium we are training in does not have heating and could be quite cold in the mornings!
We will be staying at Sovereign Hill Lodge, which is hostel style accommodation. Rooms will have about 10 people in each with bunk beds and heaters. There will be communal bathrooms. (Male and female separated.) Sheets, pillows, blankets and towels are provided.
Sensei will structure the training and the committee will organise meals around this schedule. Schedule: (Please remember this is only an OUTLINE and the times are only a guide.)
Friday 5.30pm - Be at UMKC storeroom to prepare for departure, organise cars etc. 6.00pm - Leave Uni. 8.00pm - Arrive at Ballarat, dinner at restaurant, then head to hostel.
Saturday 6.00am - Get up and ready for training 6.45 - Start first session training at Dojo 7.30 - Breakfast 9.00 - 2nd Session 12.00 - Lunch 1.00pm - 3rd Session 2.30 - Afternoon Tea 3.00 - 4th Session 4.30 - Head back to Hostel 6.00 - Dinner In the evening people are free to talk Kendo, shinai maintenance, sleep etc.
Sunday 6.00am - Get up for training 6.45 - Start first session at Dojo 7.30 - Breakfast 9.00 - 2nd Session 11.30 - Morning Tea 12.00 - 3rd Session 1.30pm - Lunch 3.00 - Depart Ballarat 5.00 - Arrive Melbourne at Uni
What to bring:
Shinai(s) (and maintenance equipment) Bokuto (if you have one)
Bogu (if you have your own set) Gi and Hakama (a spare set is a good idea if you have one) Tracksuit/Warm-up Clothes Warm Jacket (to wear over Kendo gear) Clothes for evening and non-training time. Personal First Aid Kit (Band-aids, tape/strapping, medications etc.) Toiletries
Towels and Sleeping Bag are NOT required.
Space is LIMITED. Only bring what you absolutely need.
If you have any further questions please see one of the committee members.
Even though we have our Camp this weekend, Friday (13th May) morning training is still on.
All Juniors (former Beginners) are now welcome to come along and you can join in with Seniors practicing basic cuts. A great way to fine tune your Kendo.
Please be ready to start training at 7am, and we usually train until around 8.30am but you may leave early if necessary.
