We are already in 2007, I believe it will be another successful year for the IPPON Judo Club. In 2007 we will face many changes, new challenges and hopefully achieve many individual achievements. Now it’s time to look back at the last few months and reflect on what we have already achieved and also look into future and set up new challenges for 2007.
One of the biggest changes has been a successful formation of the new club and move to the new location. After only seven months since the creation of the Ippon Judo Club I can confidently say that we are on the Judo map for a long time. The club is now officially affiliated by the Judo Federation of Australia (JFA) and our young players have already represented the club at the JFA run competitions. I am extremely proud and thankful to all players, parents and club’s supporters for their support and encouragement. We have a lot of talent in our club both on as well as off the mat and I am positive that if we put all our efforts together we can take the club to much bigger and better things in not so distant future.
A brief summary of club’s major achievements in
2006
Since the formation of the new club only five months ago we have managed to
achieve the following in a very short time:
• Initial creation of the new club, including
affiliation with the JFA
• Purchase of a full set of proper judo mats
• Completion of the mats frame
• Design and implementation of the club’s logo
• Creation of the club’s newsletter
• Completion of the first round of testing of all our players
• Design and implementation of club’s database of all players details
including results from testing and competitions
• Finalisation of club’s competition policy and a ranking system
• Club representation at JFA competitions
• Organisation of first fundraising activities
• Organisation of the end of year function
• Initiation and investigation of possible options for club’s sponsorship
and corporate donations
Fundraising
As you all are well aware we have already initiated some fundraising activities.
We have completed Hoyt’s Movie fundraiser, a chocolate run and a BBQ at
Bunnings. I would like to thank everyone for their help and let me assure you
that all money raised will eventually go back to our players in different forms
of individual support and subsidies to club’s functions.
Testing
The first round of testing of basic fitness characteristics for all our players
was completed mid November. The following muscular fitness components were tested:
agility, speed, strength, power and flexibility. Endurance will be tested at
the later stage. I have designed different tests for different age groups. I
have grouped test in the following age groups: under 10, under 13 and under
16 years of age. The testing matrix was already provided to all parents. For
each fitness component I have designed at least two different tests. In the
first round of testing we managed to complete at least one test for each of
the muscular fitness characteristics. All players have now their scores recorded
in a database for future improvement in performance evaluation. Where possible
I will also apply 'norm-referenced' evaluation - comparison with standard results
for a particular age group. I will also start building up a database of results
for future reference and creation of new norms for Judo specific tests. My intention
is to test all players twice a year, approx in March and September each year.
At the end of each year all parents will be presented with a summary of test
results.
Acknowledgements
A large group of players, parents and supporters has helped the club in the
last few months. I would like to particularly thank the following people:
• Helen and Geoff Randall – design
of club’s logo
• Helen Randall – creation of club’s newsletter
• Larissa Webb – Hoyt’s Movie ticket fundraiser and initiation
of corporate sponsorship and club’s merchandise
• Jenny Waterhouse – chocolate fundraiser
• Mark Hermansen – build of club’s database
• Scott Roche, Matt Parry, John Wallis, Anthony Lewis, David Webb –
mats fixing and completion of the frame
• Sarah Frew – registration of new club members with the JFA
• Ross the Rota – club’s treasurer, my very good personal
friend who tirelessly helps me with everything what needs to be done for the
club.
Arek Sensei
February 2007