The new Midland Area Committee ran their first Randori Day on November 26^th at the BJA Performance Centre and it was a big hit.

Open to players from both within the Midland Area and beyond, the day was organised into three sessions. A masters session ran on one half of the mat area whilst a minors and pre-cadets session ran on the other half, then after a short break there was a session for players of cadet, junior and senior ages.

There was a big entry: 45 on the minors and pre-cadets session, 25 on the masters session and 62 on the cadet/junior/senior session. The GB Women’s Team supported the session and there were large contingents from Wirral and Yorkshire amongst others.

The sessions were planned to give randori opportunities but in an atmosphere of support and working on technique rather than too much “hard randori”. Emphasis was also on transition to groundwork. Lead coaches were Bill Kelly (Wolverhampton), Andrew Haffner (Samurai) and Anne Loughnane (Wirral), supported by numerous others, but all coaches were there to help all players.

The Midland Area AGM followed on from the sessions.

After this success, two more similar sessions are planned for February 12^th and June 18^th next year, with another session date for autumn to be decided later. All sessions are open to clubs and players both inside and outside the Midland Area, with AJA and BJC clubs and players also welcome. The sessions are free.

Our thanks to the GB Performance Centre for supplying the venue and supporting the event with players, and to all those who attended and supported the event.

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