New Zealand Jan/Feb 2004:

Ten of Kyushin Ryu Ju Jitsu Association members set off on what was to be the trip of a lifetime, first it was to Singapore for a short stopover on the way to Melbourne, Australia for another night to break up the long flight before we took the short three hour flight into Christchurch to be met by Ian Murphy and Ian Houssmann who were our very fine hosts for the time we were to spend in the beautiful "Land of the Long White Cloud".

Teaching during the evenings and sight seeing during the day left little time to relax but who needed relaxation in this beautiful country, Rain Forests leading to Glaciers, White Water Rafting, Jet Boating and Quad Bike Safaris filled the time on the South Island which was followed by a wonderful drive to the northern tip of the island and the ferry from Picton to New Zealand's capital Wellington where we spent another night. Murph and his lovely wife Georgie accompanied us on this part of the journey and using two people carriers we drove through the North Island to Rotorua where we experienced the geophysical phenomenon of the geysers and the hot mud pools. Staying for two nights we had a wonderful visit to one of their villages. Ian and Sensei Roger also visited Dave Burton's Ju Jitsu club in Rotorua and we now have contacts within the group on both Islands .

Soon it was off to Auckland where we said cheerio to Ian and Georgie as we flew off to Sydney for a three night stopover, enjoying the sights of the city as well as "Bondi & Manly Beaches". All too soon it was back onto another plane and a flight to Bangkok for our last stopover in the spellbinding country of Thailand before the long flight back to the UK . Bangkok was pure R & R as well as our opportunity for shopping. The Grand Palace was a must as were several of the markets, all too soon it was time to return to the UK , a very long flight but a life time full of memories. .

Several of us have travelled with Ju Jitsu before but this was without a doubt the best ever, the other side of the world for three weeks with a group of people who were the finest hosts anyone could have wished for. Ju Jitsu in New Zealand has grown through our support and we are very please to have been a part of it

Belgium , April 2004:

	Our third visit to Yoshimi Ju Jitsu International's annual Belgium Congress came in April 2004 when we are very proud to announce that 74 members and friends made the journey The King's Ferry of Gillingham again supplied us with the coach and Christine was our very capable and friendly driver.
	After the ferry and a short stop off in Bruges it was all aboard again for the short journey to Aalst and the Ibis hotel, our home for the weekend.

Belfast Ireland 2004

Ten members of the association flew from Gatwick to Belfast 's City airport late in June to attend the Irish Ju Jitsu Organisation's annual international course and although quite a small event the weekend was a resounding success. Friday evening was spent at the "Hard Rock Cafe" while the course, on Saturday, was in the Anderson 's Town Leisure Centre, where Sensei's Roger Wilkes and Philip Friend were the two coaches from our association. Saturday evening was spent socialising, firstly in a superb Chinese restaurant in the city and afterwards in several of the local entertainment venues. Another great weekend with our Irish friends who we look forward to meeting very soon on the next Yoshimi international.

Yoshimi Ju Jitsu International, Great Britain Congress, Kent 2004

	Bonfire night, or rather that day, saw the members arriving for the third annual congress here in Great Britain , they came from Belgium , Hungary , Ireland , Scotland , and from many parts of the UK.  We were able to enjoy 14 international coaches ranging from 8th. Dan to 4th. Dan and the level of expertise was evident for all to see. We were also celebrating Sensei Philip Friend's 25 years with the association and with his being one of the coaches it was a fitting celebration to a very loyal and trustworthy senior coach. The weekend also saw many presentations to Philip, especially at the party night which rounded off the weekend. I'm sure there will be many more, so until Yoshimi meet again, thank you all it was a fitting celebration and a fine course.

Hungary 2004

	Eight members from England along with ten members from Belgium made the journey to the beautiful Hungarian city of Budapest for the third International congress hosted by our eastern European colleagues. Although we have enjoyed three visits now the city never ceases to amaze, its beauty and splendour leak out from almost every building, a new Budapest
	is also beginning to appear with the large international companies moving into this newly admitted European country. From hot natural springs at mid-night to breathtaking cathedrals and the parliament building, Hungary is a country of true beauty. As hosts the Hungarians would take a great deal of beating and the feelings of everyone who made this year’s trip was "same time next year?" Picture; The British & Belgium groups with our hosts.