This is How Much MPs Value a Human Life

I'm not sure if you heard about this last week, but MPs blocked a bill to make learning first aid part of the national curriculum compulsory.  They did by talking non-stop for the time allocated until they couldn't vote on the subject and therefore it has been shelved.

Philip Davies MP talked for 50 minutes! (you can see the article printed by The Independent here) Considering he earns just from his MP salary a minimum of £74,000 a year that is approx £130 of tax payers money wasted right there.

In these 50 minutes how many children could have been taught that you can ring 112 as well as 999 to call the emergency services or in 50 minutes learn how to do CPR?

For £130 a day, IJJA Training Solutions delivers emergency first aid to children covering primary and secondary surveys, recovery position, CPR, choking, treatment for shock, epilepsy and minors cuts and bleeding.

You don't have to be a genius to figure out which is better value for money!   We got ourselves heard on BBC Radio Cumbria last Friday (20th Nov) as they carried on the debate.  

Rather than teach children how to sit an exam, lets teach them life-saving skills!  I sincerely hope that nothing should happen to Mr Davies that puts his health at risk, but if it did would his sons or the constituents of Shipley know what to do?

Having delivered First Aid training to numerous school children over the past couple of months, we need our children to become skilful, creative members of society and they can only become this by gaining the critical skills to succeed in life.

So rather than line the pockets of our MPs who clearly aren't working for their constituents, lets pile money into the education system and the NHS and lets start looking after our own citizens for once.

Remember, we delivery accredited First Aid Courses to employers and employers on-site and at a time to suit you.  For more information on our courses, click here.

The Tough Questions

Helping to Keep Your Child Safe

Gave Me a Headache....

I was delivering a Pediatric first aid course this week at a local nursery school and was asked an interesting question…. how long do you need to keep accident records for?

Completely confident in my knowledge, I piped up, ‘Five years!’

Looking around the circle, I could see frowns and everyone seemed to go quiet, so I asked the group, ‘How long do you think it is?’

There were a number of replies ranging from 5 years to indefinitely. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, imagine the storage you would need if you had to have hard copies of every accident that had ever happened within an organisation!’

I pledged to the group that I would find the answer and let them all know in the session next week.

The next morning I arrived at work thinking that the information that I needed would be readily available. This was not the case. An hour later and I was still searching for a definitive answer, maybe this was going to take longer than I thought.

Various organisations have differing opinions. Some say 5 years, some 10 and I even found one that said 1 year so I continued my search and tried to find a legal answer to the question. I turned to the good old HSE to help me find the answer I was looking for.

I could find out all there was to know about making records and reporting accidents but nothing about how long these records must be retained. Eventually, (after changing my search parameters several times) I found a government leaflet called, ‘Guidance on First Aid for Schools.’

 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/306370/guidance_on_first_aid_for_schools.pdf

This stated that: ‘Employers with 10 or more employees must keep readily accessible accident records, either in written or electronic form. These records must be kept for a minimum of 3 years.’

But this is intended for employees rather than students. I continued my search. This time, checking out the OFSTED regulations.

Although you might imagine that this policy is available and easily found, again, I was surprised how long it took me to find out any information at all. I could find out lots about what should be retained and reported but hardly anything about time scales. It seems that different organisations have different regulations.

At last I found a document from the Records Management Society of Great Britain entitled ‘Retention Guidelines for Schools’.

www.plymouth.gov.uk/rms_retention_guidelines.doc

It is apparent from the document that information should be retained for different periods of time depending on the information.

This document states that accidents to adults must be retained for 7 years after the date of the accident and for children, their date of birth plus 25 years. This comes from the Statutory Provision:

·       Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979 Regulation 25.

·       Social Security Administration Act 1992 Section 8.

·       Limitation Act 1980

So now we all know! But I do wonder why it was so difficult for me to find out this information. 

Maybe no one wants to take overall responsibility for this.

Got a question about First Aid or need to book a course?  Call us on 01229 813989.

You won't find course dates on our website as we deliver on-site training at a time to suit you!

Self Defence: A Reasonable Excuse?

Researching Self defence has become a bit of a mission for me lately, especially as the launch date of our eBook looms.  As I trawled through the 100's of self defence stories all over the internet, one seemed to stand out for me.

A women in Scotland was found guilty by a jury of her peers, of brandishing a broken bottle after her partner and herself were attacked on a night-out.  The charges were as follows:

1) Breach of the Peace (not proven)
2) Assault - Punching assailant in the head (guilty under provocation)
3) Assault - Attempting to strike assailant with a broken bottle (not proven)
4) Carrying an offensive weapon in the form of a broken bottle (guilty)

On the face of things, it seems clear that you can not run around town brandishing a broken bottle and so justice was served?  However, would it shock you to find out she appealed and got her conviction over turned?

She relied on self defence to explain why she used the bottle and the jury were told by the judge not to accept this because "fear of an attack was not a reasonable excuse for having an offensive weapon."

Here lies the problem, she was protecting her partner from further attack.  Her right to do this is protected by Common Law, which states you have the right to:

1) prevent or terminate a crime
2) prevent a breach of the peace
3) protect yourself or someone else from harm
4) protect your property

On appeal the whole case was dismissed as a miscarriage of justice, the judge had no right to direct the jury to not accept her defence. 

SO BE CLEAR about your right to use self defence.  We have taken the headache out of this for you in our ebook, Fighting Back which will be published soon.

Why don't you pre-order your copy today!

Lest We Forget

"When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep" Maya Angelou

As long as I can remember November has forever been linked with poppies, marching to the Cenotaph and the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance amongst other things.  Sitting here I just wander whether I am indulging in habit and not truly giving thanks to all the untold number of soldiers who have given their lives, so I can sit here quite comfortably writing this post.

I have studied war in many forms.  The history books tell us about the horrors of war: trench foot, starvation, mustard gas, prisoner of war camps, the list goes on and on.  Can we ever really appreciate or understand what soldiers really went through and are still going through?

Seeing the bravery and heroism of returning soldiers like Sgt Rick Clement, who lost both legs 5 years ago after steeping on an IED in Afghanistan.  He walked a short distance to pay tribute to his fallen colleagues.  This gives us a little insight and we can empathise with their pain but that is it.  We really don't understand the sacrifice and the cost to the families who have lost their loved ones.  The more I think of their sacrifice the more I realise that I can never buy enough Poppies and no amount of Marching can heal the pain and suffering.

All I can say is:
Thank You to each and every soldier who gave their lives, who were injured, who returned home safely. 
Thank You to the families who endure life without their loved ones at their side.
Thank You to the service animals who did their duty and never knew the price they would pay.

Regardless of  Creed, Colour, Nation.  THANK YOU

'I do  not know your name but I know you died.  I don't know from where you came, but I know you died'      Kenny Martin

'Reveille sounds and the parade is done. Thhe hero remembered, forgotton by none.  They leave to start the journey back in a coffin draped in the Union Jack' Sgt Andy McFarlane 2009

' The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what is behind him' G.K. Chesterton

Fighting For Votes

So I’m sat here searching for inspiration, what can I write? When I came across this fantastic woman who until recently had been lost in the darkest pages of the history books.

Meet Edith Garrud!

She was one of the first female professional martial artists in the UK who used her skills to train the bodyguard unit of the Women’s Social and Political Unit (Suffragettes) in the ancient art of Jiu-Jitsu.

Edith and her husband who specialised in gymnastics, boxing and wrestling were introduced to Jiu-Jitsu by Edward William Barton-Wright, the first teacher in Europe. Later they became students of Sadakazu Uyenishi, the stylish and exotic Japanese instructor who ran a Martial Arts school in Soho.  On his return to Japan in 1908, the Garrud’s took over the running of the school and Edith began running classes for the women and children of the infamous suffragette movement. 

In 1913, the government introduced the ‘Cat and Mouse’ Act.  This allowed the government to release suffragettes who had been on hunger strike in prison.  Once their health had improved they could then be rearrested to serve the remaining sentence.

The Movement responded by recruiting a 30 member, all women protection unit known as ‘The Bodyguard’ or ‘Jiujitsuffragettes’ to protect the leaders from rearrest.  Edith became the head trainer teaching them Jiu-Jitsu and the use of indian clubs in secret locations to avoid the police.

The Jiujitsuffragettes fought a number of well publicised hand-to-hand combat situations with police officers and staged several successful escapes and rescues using disguise and decoy tactics.  They disbanded shortly after the beginning of World War I

Edith and husband continued to teach Jiu-Jitsu and self defence until 1925 when they left public life.  She later died in 1971 at the grand old age of 99.

So hats off to this inspirational figure who shows us that even in the 19^th Century women could fight back.

Don’t forget our fantastic new eBook ‘Fighting Back’ is almost ready for release.   Find out about my own struggle from Victim to Survivor and learn the simple techniques that could save you from 

becoming a victim.

 Don't delay, Edith Garrud didn't!

Reserve Your Copy Today!

http://www.ijjauk.com/Self-Defence/fight-back.html

Self-Defence and Feminism

Feminism is a topic which is at the forefront of today’s society. There are millions of women in the world who share a common goal; to define, establish, and receive equal liberties for females. 

Now, back in May a female kickboxer made the headlines in The Guardian for fighting off a sex attacker. The headline of the article included the following phrase regarding self-defence - “it’s the feminist thing to do.”

Indeed, martial arts classes seemed to be just as beloved to feminists back in the 70’s and 80’s as armpit hair is to modern-day feminists. There is a popular saying these days: “teach people not to rape, instead of teaching people to avoid being victims.” 

As a female and a martial artist, I strongly disagree with this. In a society to which females are frequently victimised or, on the other extreme, heralded for their bodies, it becomes difficult to change the general views of the majority. Perhaps one day, education on this sort of topic will reach the required standard to prevent it. However, realistically speaking it will take a large amount of time to train people to think of this topic in a different light.

In the meantime, there’s no harm in providing a woman with the skills that could potentially give her a fighting chance. At the IJJA, our techniques are developed for use outside, should a student require it. Jiu-Jitsu students are taught to escape from various grabs, chokes and holds, including (but not limited to) hair grabs, wrist grabs, bear hugs and strangles. Self-Defence courses are also available, which are simple, fast and effective techniques that are easy to master. You will also be taught about the lawfulness of using these techniques.

So, if martial arts is “the feminist thing to do,” then what’s stopping you? Visit us at www.ijjauk.com! 

"GAKKO NI MODOTTE"

September is finally upon us, and that means ‘gakko ni modotte’ – back to school. I bet nobody particularly is looking forward to getting up at seven in the morning to go back to class... with the exception of parents. However, school isn’t that bad – honest! I bet when you leave in Year 11 you’ll miss it… I already do!

As students of the IJJA, you probably already know the values that we, as coaches, help you to build on. Among them are self-confidence, motivation, teamwork, leadership, friendship, and discipline. It may not seem like it, but these can help you in your everyday school life as well! Take self-confidence for example: if you have a bit of faith in yourself you’ll probably realise that actually, you CAN do that complicated maths sum if you put your mind to it! Discipline is ALWAYS a good thing; being polite to teachers and peers is definitely going to help you in the long run when you get a brilliant school report and ultimately, a platinum school leavers’ reference! Motivation will allow you to persevere through all those boring maths and science classes and if you stay motivated through your entire school year I bet you’ll ace those tests! Friendship’s sort of a given really: be nice to people, and they’ll be nice to you too. Teamwork and leadership are pretty much unavoidable when you’re in a class of thirty students (but you know that already from Jiu-Jitsu!) If you’re as good at working independently as you are at working with others – and we KNOW how good you all are at working together! – then you’ll sail through your studies.

The moral of today’s post is this: remember what you’re taught in the dojo. Obviously remembering your techniques is very important, especially since Gradings are just around the corner! But also, remember those concepts of mutual respect and skill-based learning (if you don’t get it the first time, try it again until you can do it like it’s second nature!)

Good luck for the upcoming school year, guys, whatever class you’re going into! (Unless of course you’re an adult… then hoorah, peace and quiet!) Let’s see you all down at the club on Tuesday (or Monday if you’re at Kendal!) for that final push before Gradings, which are on Saturday 26^th September! I’ll be there to help you get rid of the back-to-school blues! 

Sensei Jordan Diamond - an exceptional talent!

In 2009 a 10 year old girl walked through our doors for her first lesson in Jiu-Jitsu.  She was polite but looked like she wouldn't say boo to a goose.  I suppose it's a bit like dogs, it always the small ones you have to look out for, a boy was I right!

This young girl is Jordan Diamond.  She showed a natural talent for Jiu-Jitsu and attended as many lessons as she could as her thirst for knowledge held no limit.  In November 2009 she achieved her white belt, a first of many.

In 2011 I took the decision to leave our old federation as politics and financial gain was at the heart of the organisation and not the students.  So the Independent Jiu-Jitsu Association was born.  We wanted to push our students out of their comfort zone to show them what was possible.  In the true IJJA spirit, Jordan excelled.

On Sunday 9th June, 2013 Jordan passed her Junior Black Belt.  Over the next 2 years she has completed our Advanced Level syllabus which are all the techniques on the Senior syllabus which aren't covered by the Junior syllabus.

Today (Saturday 11th July, 2015) Sensei Jordan passed her Advanced Level 4 Certificate with distinction and was promoted from a Junior Black Belt to Sensei Jordan Diamond, Shodan (1st Dan) Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu.

This blog is a personal thank you from me, Shihan Phil Newton, for all the effort Jordan has put into her training as well as the countless hours helping others.  It has been a priviledge and a honour to witness Jordan change from the shy girl who first walked through our doors into the exceptional young woman that she is today.

We hope that Jordan's story will inspire others to take the IJJA journey as the only thing holding you back is yourself!

Shihan Phil Newton
President of the IJJA

What does the IJJA Mean to You?

Dragon in Kanji

To us, the IJJA is all about family.  We have always ensured that we treat all our students and visitors like our extended family as this sets up apart from everyone else.  As family is important and my own personal family has just grown I though I would take this opportunity to share with you the oriental origins of my children's names.

On Tuesday 8th May, 2012 at 8:20am my son, Drake was born.  This was the Year of the Dragon and Drake is the middle-english name for Dragon.  He certainly has a fiery temper (like his mum) when he feels like it.

There is nothing like the proud moment you feel when you become a father for the first time.  Well at least I thought there wasn't until...

Miya in Kanji

Saturday 9th May, 2015 when my daughter, Miya was born.  In Japan, Miya has different translations meaning "temple" and "eternal beauty."  She will certainly be worshipped by her proud parents and brother.

In the urban dictionary Miya means "princess" and knowing that we are Disney mad, I am lucky to have my very own princess.


As our family has grown we want the IJJA's to as well.  We want you to help share your IJJA experience with your family and friends as we would love you to comment on the origins of your IJJA birth.  Can you remember first walking through our doors?

Do you remember that feeling you had after your first lesson?  Remember to let others share that same great feeling (http://www.ijjauk.com/Jiu-Jitsu/referral.html).

So from myself (Sensei Phil), Sensei Lynne, Drake and Miya we look forward to seeing you real soon.

Don't Put Off What You Can Do Today!

To the left is Sensei Lee Whitby of Samurai Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Chadderton (Manchester).  Lee has devoted himself to Jiu-Jitsu for the past 18 years.

I myself have known Lee all this time and used to train with him when I lived in Manchester back in 1998.  I was shocked to receive a text off him yesterday to say that after 18 years he has to hang up his belt due to health reasons.

Lee is one of the most genuine people I have had the privilege and honour to meet.  The reason for this blog is not only for me to say a personal thank you to Sensei Lee but it comes as a reminder that we are only here once.

We are all brilliant at saying "it doesn't matter, I will do it tomorrow" but life is so fragile you never know what tomorrow will bring.

I hope that Sensei Lee will be able to continue to have an input in his Club even if it's in the background as he has done so much for his students.

So my advice to you is this:

• Don't live by regrets as this is not living. 
• Surround yourself by people who make you happy.  
• For those people who try and put you down, get rid as they are not worthy of you.

So if you have been saying for ages, "I fancy having a go at learning Jiu-Jitsu or weapons" don't put if off.  Get doing it today!

Is Violence ever Acceptable?

Over the past few weeks, everyone will have heard about the fracas between Jeremy Clarkson and a senior producer of the Top Gear Show.  I myself am a massive fan of Top Gear and have watched it for years.  Even Sensei Lynne, who couldn't care less about cars watches it.

There are posts going around Social Media stating that the BBCs decision not to renew his contract has gone too far, when all he needed to do was apologise to the producer.  Ask yourself this question?

If the Sensei at your Dojo went around shouting at your child and even punching them, would this be acceptable?  Of course it wouldn't.  Not only would you pull your child from the Club you would also report them.

What has happened at the BBC is no different.  From the report that has been published, it was an unprovoked attack and the BBC's hands were tied.  Just because someone is a celebrity does not give them right to have a God complex.

Personally, I think that laws need to be tightened.  For example anyone can open up a martial arts school.  You do not have to register with a governing body.  Would you send your child to a club if the instructor had been in court for sex offences?

We know of such a club where the instructor has a right to privacy, but what about the rights of their students?

The IJJA is different as we carry out enhanced DBS checks and anyone who uses what we teach them for reasons other than self-defence are not welcome to train with us.

So make sure whatever activities you do you keep yourself self and are not subject to violence or aggressive behaviour.

Why the IJJA is like Disney

We have have always said that we are proud to be different.  But just how different are we?

Last week whilst working on our website I received an email from a local Safety Company reminding me that my First Aid at Work Certificate expires next week (12th March) and that they were running a refresher course the same week if I wanted to book myself on it.

So I sent a response back saying that a week's reminder was a bit short notice.  This was the response I received:

"It is down to the individual maintain there certificate not the providers Phil. I noticed it so dropped you an email out of courtesy. Probably best you sort elsewhere. Regards"

Needless to say another company will now be receiving my hard earned cash. 

In comparison to this a parent in January messaged me to say they were missing £5 out of their wallet and had I accidentally short changed them.  I checked the till and it added it up correctly.  When I saw the parent with their children a week later she was greeted with £5 waiting on the counter.

If I was 100% sure I hadn't short-changed them then why did I hand over £5?

Simple, the IJJA will go out of its way to look after their family.  We see our students as lifetime customers and will look after them as such.  I know that the parent will remember the goodwill gesture and therefore continue to use our services.

Some of you will know that the only place I have been abroad is Florida and love Disney to bits.  Why?  Because every time you go back you are welcomed like an old friend.  They will go out of their way to make sure that the experience you have you will remember for a lifetime.

Just like the IJJA.

How to Train for £1.87 a Lesson

Lessons from £1.87

 

That's professional training for 2p a minute!

The IJJA is proud to be different and we believe that you or your entire family should be able to protect themselves without it costing the earth.

This is why last year we introduced our monthly subscription charges which gives you FREEinsurance and a FREE syllabus.  On average our full junior membership students are taking advantage of our unlimited training attending on average 4 sessions a week.  This means that rather than pay £4.00 per session the average cost of their lesson is a staggering £1.87 or £3.33 for an adult!

We don't know of any other martial arts organisation that offers such value for money.  Do you?

So we want you to forward this email to all your contacts including your friends and family and remember the more you share the more potential you have to save with our Recommend a Friend scheme.

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P.S. To get your lessons at £1.87 all you need to do is amend your subscription to a Full Membership.