Hello BBC members and parents,

I'm excited to tell you that we've set up a series of club meets with the Central and North Florida clubs. Print the flyer and stick it to the fridge, because there will be some planning needed. First of all, these meets are meant as a preparation for the 3 big junior tournaments in July in South FL. Most years you would have to travel across the country for these. This will be a first for my club to send juniors to the Nationals. However most of my players that compete a lot have beaten medal winners from the Junior Nationals at local FL tournaments.  That's why I think we'll be competitive, maybe win some medals. What's most important for me and I hope for you as well, is the chance to measure our juniors with the best of the country and find out how each of our athletes can improve to be among the best in the future. Without the pressure of expectations, fighting hard and smart we can't lose, only gain great experiences.

The first club meet will be at our dojo on Saturday June 3rd. (see schedule).  I would like to make it a great day for all our kids and our guests (adults and masters are welcome). In the AM before we meet I could use some help making the dojo look spik and spam. Possibly for lunch we can grill some burgers out front or in the back or order pizza. Also when we go to the beach afterwards we need a good location (parking, shower) some games, drinks and perhaps some shade from a canopy since everyone will be tired and hot. The June 10 and 24th club meets I will definitely travel to, and I hope a large group will travel with me. We'll make travel plans when we get closer to it. The July 8th meet my family will probably be out of state. But don't let that discourage any of you. Please note: the week of July 4th the dojo will be closed. Concerning the competitions in July: I'm planning for my family to skip the July 14-16 one but we will enter and coach at the other 2. Again, if you like to do all 3, go for it! Also the tournament headquarter hotel is the embassy suite at $93/night. I've found a Ft Lauderdale Days Inn for $65. I'm leaning towards the Embassy for my family.

Pool party: we will have a BBC and adults party at the Selva Lakes pool Friday May 19th. Twist: we will run to the pool from the dojo (about 1 mile) after doing a very short randori workout at 6:30pm. Adults are invited to run with us or meet us at the pool around 7pm.

Important! Schedule change for the summer! Sensei Suad will be in Bosnia the month of June and since in July most Fridays are tournament days we've decided to invite the BBC to workout with the adults on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this summer until school is back in.

Please mail back with your plans for the summer and ideas for the meets/party.

See you on the mat!

Sensei John Fiege.