Sad News

On Thursday 21st January both I and the dojo lost a dear friend in David McEvoy. 

Known as “Big Dave” over many years he almost single-handedly kept the junior section of the dojo running firstly at the premises in Old Hill and latterly at the current dojo in Dudley. 

Vastly knowledgeable with his background in boxing and jujutsu (as well as weightlifting) Dave was an integral member of Ren Shin Kan and a seeming ever-present on the mat. 

He also handled the registrations for a number of years with a “quiet word” to late payers when needed, all done in his own friendly yet commanding manner. 

Dave acted as a mentor to many of our younger members and was a wise head on not so young shoulders which everyone listened to. He was honest and fair with everyone and perhaps his greatest gift was that he treated everyone who walked into the dojo with respect, whether it was their first night or their 50th year of training.

Dave was also a committed family man, devoted to Debbie his wife who he cared for with great love and tenderness. Our thoughts are with Debbie and the family at this difficult time.

RIP Dave – you will be sorely missed by all who knew you, even briefly, and the dojo won’t seem the same without you.

Philip Smith Shihan

A Return to Form ( ...of sorts )

Based on updated government guidelines we will be reopening beginning the 6th August but while we are eager to return to the training we know, at first it will be a bit different.

The key points are as follows:

  • We ask that members arrive changed into their keikogi as changing rooms will be unavailable for general use. Hakama can still be put on and taken off at the dojo.

  • Hand sanitiser is provided at multiple locations, on entry at street level, on entry to the main dojo and in the mat area.

  • Classes will be non contact at present in observation of social distancing guidelines.

  • Up to date contact details of all returning members must be provided for government track and trace procedures.

  • There will be a more intensive cleaning routine after class that will involve disinfection of the mat and all touch points, please make time for this after class.

  • We would like to request that all members pay a monthly membership via bank transfer or using contactless card payments.

  • The dojo will be operating on a reduced timetable with two sets of classes, one on Monday/Thursday the other Tuesday/Friday in order to reduce the possibility of contamination between classes we would ask that students select their preferred set for the time being.

We will do our best to keep pace with the government guidelines as they change and update members accordingly.