I wish to take this opportunity to thank all Judoka friends that were able to attend the Renshuden 30th year Reunion on 24-25th September 2004. I was taken back with amazement on how many past and present members managed to pay the visit. People came from as far as U.K., Australia, Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington and Christchurch. People that had not put on a judogi for as long as 15 years was suddenly on the mat and feeling the tatame under their feet creating past memories of their lost judo.
One member a black belt of 84 years of age put on his Gi once more and standing upright and looking the man for the Renshuden mass photo. I presented to everyone in attendance the 30 year cerificate of the Renshuden and anyone who would like one of these certificates please contact me, I will gladly pass one on to you.
The grade equivalent totaled to 91 Dan! We had high ranking 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th Dan Masters that were there on the mat to pass on their skills and friendship. Bill Vincent 6th Dan, National Coach and New Zealand three time Olympic Representative was soon into the feel of things with such happy and friendly Renshuden members, his comments were impressive regarding skill level of most of the players that had a Randori with him.
An interesting demonstration of Aikido was delightfully received by Judoka over the two days from Master John Waite 7th Dan assisted by his two high ranked students. It was a pleasure to see such close similarities to judo movements i.e. circle movements, Ukeme, avoidance’s, and directional throwing.
The Renshuden now have an Aikido section to its headquarters run by Greg Smith 2nd Dan. People interested in learning some Aikido to improve their Judo can contact me on cloynes at xtra.co.nz
Fun, judo games, and films entertained the juniors over the two days, with special instruction from Bill working on Ne-waza with them. Peter Miles and Les Brindley with their Judogi on mingled around the Dojo looking the part was great! Les and Alan Chadwick working together to gain some good action photos. Mike Smith and many Dan grades enjoyed the Renshuden atmosphere, Craig 4th Dan (Plastic Fantastic) Monaghan after only being back days from officiating at the Olympic Games in Greece said the attendance brought back many memories of the fun and judo gained whist at the Renshuden in his five years, but disapointed that Graeme Spinks was not there to share the closet Mannequin with him!
Mail poured in from past members that would have loved to be at the function but distance, cost, timing, and sickness disallowed them to attend. People like Harry O’Rourke (President) Jim McPhee, Shaun O’Leary, Chris Purcell, Paul Wong, Keven Hunter, and so many other top Judoka that have been closely associated with myself and the Renshuden.
Over the two days of Judo there would have been in the vicinity of over 100 Judoka who popped in to pay their respect and wished every success to the Renshuden. The social on the Saturday night was a great time to reminiscence with all the past members, photos of past Judoka were handed around for people to see and have a good laugh at with some photos going back 30 years.All in all the occasion was a fantastic success, we would recommend every Club in N.Z to follow suit! It gave the Renshuden much coverage in the press, it got people talking about Judo, Members became keen to help, it has encouraged some of the old stars to think again in getting back to their once loved sport and it was great for my club to see so many outside Judoka in attendance.
We at the Renshuden are already planning for our next one in 2014 (40years) pencil it in.
Brian Cloynes, 7th Dan – Founder of the Renshuden
