Welcome to our New Website and the AJF Newsletter 

On the 1^st November we changed over to our new website.  As you may imagine with around 80 pages of information and 50 documents in PDF or word format each requiring review and bringing across from the previous site it did take some time and we hope you agree it was worth the effort.  If you find any anomalies or gremlins that may have slipped in please let us know. 

So what’s new … we’ve upgraded to the latest WordPress platform used by CNN and eBay, this should make our site look modern on any browser including iPads. New features include: facility to search the site; a selection of video favourites via YouTube; the ability on particular pages to add comments and contribute to forums; a newsletter subscription; plus other popular community links; together with new search engine optimisation … we welcome your feedback. 

Newsletter – contributions from members are most welcome, plus we can advertise special events … please give your support with feedback on what you would like to see.

Activities and Around the Schools

Queensland – The AJF has a seminar on November 20^th at Sandgate PCYC hosted by Jim Stackpoole and ‘Kyushin Ryu School of Jujitsu‘, sessions to be conducted by local, interstate and international presenters … special guest Gary Trail kyōshi 8^th Dan ‘New Zealand Jujitsu Association’. Refer to member webpage for contact details.

BJJ (NSW) – Sinosic.Perosh  - to be held at Concord: Sophia Drysdale seminar for women only Saturday 26^th November and on Sunday 27^th November Robert Drysdale – refer to Will-Machado member webpage for contact details.

Dan rank promotions – Koshinryu Jujutsu Australia – congratulations to Soon Neo, Simon Davis, and Brendan Van Haaster promoted to Shodan on 29^th October.

AJF National Training Camp – attendance numbers were down this year however a great time was had with some very special training opportunities.  Highlights of the camp aside from the venue the catering and catching-up with old or making new friends, included a session by Dr Nigel Farrier from WA on the use of small everyday articles for defence – credit card, pencil, car keys, together with revolver defences and a simple but taxing warm-up program. And an excellent aikido session was enjoyed, conducted by Oscar Mistula from ‘Takemusa Aiki Association’. Special thanks to all presenters: Stephen Cheney, Gordon Griffiths, Vince McCann, Syd Brooksby, and Roger Quick.

NCAS Program  

Accredited Coaches – this past year 105 members have either qualified for the first time under the NCAS program or renewed their accreditation in courses conducted in Tasmania, NSW and Queensland.  Courses have already been requested to be held next year in Victoria and WA. 

Policy and Procedures

Club Toolkit [extract from Play by the Rules], not sure if your club has all the policies and guidelines it needs to ensure it provides a safe, fair and inclusive environment for players, administrators, officials, coaches, parents and spectators? Or just need to update some old policies or add some new ones? The Play by the Rules Toolkit includes 10 templates for important club policy and guideline documents, is free to access, easy-to-use, and will save you time. Just add your club logo and you’re set. To find out more go to: www.playbytherules.net.au/component/content/article/777    … also check out the AJF website member’s library for ‘member protection policy’ and additional resources. 

News – State Government Funding 

Tasmania – 2011-12 grant programs now open – funding available through four grant programs that provide for clubs, not-for-profit organisations and local government entities to increase opportunities for participation in sport and active recreation. Further information on the grants is available at: www.sportandrecreation.tas.gov.au

Victoria - 2012/13 Community Facility Funding Program – applications for the Community Facility Funding Program are now open. The program aims to help build, upgrade and develop community sport and recreation facilities throughout Victoria. Further information is available on the Community Facility Funding Program grant information page.

Queensland – The Queensland Government has committed $3.5 million to the latest round of the Sport and Recreation Active Inclusion funding program. For further information about how to apply go to: www.communities.qld.gov.au/sportrec 

Legislation Alert 

Victoria – new Equal Opportunity Act 2010, which came into effect on 1 August 2011, will strengthen discrimination laws in Victoria. An important feature of the new Act includes introducing a positive duty to eliminate discrimination. To learn more about the changes to the Act go to: www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au 

NSW, ACT & QLD – Combat Sports – The AJF has made recent submissions to the relevant government departments in response to inquiries around combat sports, and will advise as more information comes to hand.  

NSW, VIC, SA, WA – note each of these States do already have Combat Sports legislation, which we cover within the NCAS course

Seasons Greetings

With just a few weeks to go, we wish all our members and friends around the world, all the very best for Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.