Firstly I should report that I am sitting here writing this draft with a pen in hand. Yes, you read correctly I am indeed writing this by Hand. Why? Well as of the 17th December I put down my iPhone, Switched off the iPad and unplugged the trusty Mac in an effort to truly disconnect ... something I try to do annually in December. I call this downing of Tools the 'Techless Two Weeks' if you follow me on Twitter you may already be familiar with this phrase. In a time where it becomes increasingly more difficult to switch off and relax I feel its incredibly important to spend more time with my Family especially around Xmas. So with this in mind I'll attempt to briefly describe the happenings this year.
March
Saw the first of our Tri-annual Gradings with all students passing with Flying Colours
May
We hosted the 2nd Annual AKR Spring Seminar - A well attended Event. This year saw Todd Reeves, Taran McCarnun and Dave Baker teach over 30 Students that traveled near and far to attend.
June
During the spring we also took delivery of 8x Tatami style Mats supplied from softfloor.co.uk -- giving us a 3mx3m area to train on. The proceeds of the AKR Seminar and a Donation from a local business helped the procurement of these invaluable pieces of equipment.
July
Saw the second of out Tri-annual Gradings with all passing.
August
All of our August classes were held at the Shunryukan Honbu Dojo with weather permitting all classes to run smoothly without the use of umbrella's. :)
September
Clare Merton rejoined the teaching Staff at the Academy after a period of parental leave.
October
Saw the final of our Tri-annual Gradings -- again seeing all students pass with markedly improved levels of skill.
November/December
Final classes of the year and our presentations saw to a fitting end with our Xmas meal on the 17th December.
Hopes for 2012
The Academy hopes to increase the number of Tatami style Matts to double our training area. We also plan to start work on our Dojo (See Blog for details).
We have a few Summer courses and Workshops planned with a possible once a month 'Master Class' for Black Belts. Also a note that we are in the process of applying for enhanced CRB checks for our Staff - these will be made available on request.
Anyhow thank you for making 2011 a memorable year.
<Gassho> | 
