A Message from the Chairperson

To all BAF members and friends,

Summer School is only a few short weeks away!

It is the chance for us to come together for a good period and share our practice whether new students or seniors to share our practice time inside the Dojos and friendships outside.

Importantly Summer School gives us the chance to improve and concentrate on our practice no matter what our grade or position so it is a special time!

It is by practising and sharing with others from other Dojos and indeed from other countries rather than our own Dojo's we can truly develop!

O'Sensei hoped his Aikido would bring people together to develop his art in harmony no matter where or with who, and Summer School gives us that chance.

This year we welcome back Umetsu Shihan from the Hombu.

Those who practiced with him on his last visit will remember his clear instruction and how he shared his practice around the class.

 We will be looking forward to his return and Sensei's Aikido.

This year due to outside reasons beyond our control, the management of the University changed our normal agreed bookings and times and raised the cost.

So Summer School has been shortened but nevertheless Steve and Dave after discussion with the College have managed to come to agreement which means we could return to Chester.

Of course this has meant sorting out of the times etc for the course practice times and all other parts which make Summer School.

It has always been a lot of work for Steve to sort out a time table to make sure everyone has a positive time but this year it has been like trying to get a gallon in to a pint glass for which I take this opportunity to thank Steve.

So we hope you will take this opportunity to come together and we will make this Summer School together a success!

We look forward to welcoming those who can come to Summer School otherwise we look forward to catch up in the future

Peter Gillard

BAF Chair