AFIW Martial Arts Camp

It's Mingle Time!!!

There were many opportunities throughout the weekend to mingle and connect with other Martial Artists. We trained, we laughed, we had great conversations, we even got our hair done!

Tiffanie & Tia's Fireside salon was taking in both clients and apprentice Beauticians. I think our Nick has really found his calling😜

The AFIW Weekend was a wonderful weekend of training, friendship building and memory making. Building your community is essential, and I absolutely cannot wait to see all these people again on a mat, at any one of our Dojos or Events, in the coming year! And Don't Forget! to Mark the date on your Calendar for AFIW Martial Arts Camp 2027, July 30th - August 1st!!!

See You There!

If you have any suggestions on how we can improve your experience, please email us at [email protected]

Thank you to all those who participated in the Silent Auction and Twoonie Auction at our Camp. We raised $1100.00 for the Lanark County Interval House.

Sunday, August 2nd

The day started out with our group breakfast, and sadly the weather decided not to cooperate. That doesn't stop us! In to the Dojo we go.

First class was Sifu Jennifer Ecclestone; teaching the Lion Dance. What an exciting class, so lively and beautifully executed! We learned the History and Culture behind the Lion Dance. After some instruction we had an opportunity to try it out. I'd also like to thank another Ecclestone as well. Chris Ecclestone, who offered up his services as medic for the Camp Weekend.

Up next was Shihan Helen Bienvenue, teaching our Black/ Brown belt class. The focus of this class was Pressure Point Attacks. Fascinating material, demonstrated by such a knowledgeable Instructor.

Saturday, on the Youth Mat

The day started out with everyone else, on a Yoga Mat with Sensei Carolyn Poulson. Sensei Carolyn's Yoga class in the peaceful riverside setting is an experience for all ages. Followed by Sensei Cecilia Kirkham's Warm-up and Flow Drills.

The first Instructor on the schedule was Sensei Lise Eamer! With an exciting approach to an Obstacle Course, requiring teamwork and creativity.

back for round two, was Sensei Cecilia Kirkham teaching Flow & Movement. Cecilia Sensei is an energetic and inspiring Junior Instructor.

After Lunch we had Sensei Tia & Sensei Tiffanie teaching Partner Etiquette. This charismatic pair of Martial Artists exemplify the values of good partnership and communication.

Up next was Shihan Camille Cordick, teaching Board Breaking Techniques. Because, who doesn't want to break a board??? Thank you Shihan Cam (and Sensei Brad for assisting), I know there were a lot of first timers out there. Nice work!

The final Youth Instructor of the day was Sensei Jennifer Ecclestone, teaching Basic Self-Defence & Judo. Jenn Sensei had her hands full. The youth had a full day of training and started getting a little restless. Nothing She cant handle.

Perth & District Martial Arts would also like to thank Sensei Gabriel Chartier, Sensei Mike McGovern & Sensei Lincoln McGovern of Sharbot Lake Karate. You three Gentlemen are truly like family to our Dojo. Always there with either a hand, or a kind word.

Saturday, wrapping up training.

Following the Women's Self Defence, and the Dress Codes & Conduct Workshop, were the final two mats of the day.

On Mat #1 Shihan Helen Bienvenue, teaching Pressure Point & Joint Attacks.
On Mat #2 Robyn Clayfield teaching the Goju Ryu Kata Shisochin

After all that training, We were so Hungry! The Pot Luck was a tantalizing spread of delectable dishes. It was too hard to pick a favorite. Thank you to our Karate Mom Svetlana Wood, we can always count on you to help us get everyone fed.

There are so many to thank behind the scenes. An event like this isnt pulled off without all hands on deck. We wanted to extend a thank you to Kyoshi George Lynch, for all your support, advice, your contribution to the Silent Auction, and all the work you do for women through your Gozen Self Defence. Additionally we would like to Thank Sensei Brad Baker, and Pete Hall for being part of the odd job squad.

Saturday Aug 1st, Afternoon

After lunch we had Shihan Lori O'Connell on Mat #1 teaching Structural Wristlocks and Pain Compliance, and on Mat #2, Sifu Jennifer Ecclestone, teaching the Wolverine Kata.

Followed by; Renshi Lisa Carroll on Mat #1 teaching Women's Self Defence, and on Mat #2 Renshi Niki Greenstreet, teaching Militaristic Nature of Karate: Dress Codes & Conduct

Let me start out by thanking my partners in all of this; Renshi Mark Melanson and Cheryl Bowie. These two individuals dedicated countless hours to the cause. Asking nothing in return, just to see people enjoy the fruits of their efforts.

Saturday, August 1st:

After Yoga and Warm up, we're ready to start training.

Up next; on Mat #1 & Mat #2, Sensei Tia & Sensei Tiffanie Bankosky. Their class was focused on Partner Etiquette. The group started out working together, then separated to their respective Mats.

Followed by; Kyoshi Kathryn Roe Guerin teaching her unique approach to Bio Mechanics, on Mat #1.
And on the Youth Mat, with her adult class (because we're feeling young at heart) is Shidoin Dominique Picard teaching Sanchin, and Sanchin with a Partner.

This past weekend Perth & District Martial Arts hosted our 2nd Annual All Female Instructor Weekend. A Martial Arts Camp for the whole family. We had 14 incredible instructors and over 70 people in attendance. We are so pleased to announce; our Charity Silent Auction, all proceeds going to Lanark County Interval House, raised $1100.00.

Saturday August 1st, The day began with our Dawn Cracker Yoga class, Instructed by Sensei Carolyn Poulson. Followed by a Warm Up and Flow Drills led by Sensei Cecilia Kirkham.

Well, that's a wrap on the AFIW Martial Arts Camp! What a wonderful collection of souls that joined us here this weekend. To the 14 Instructors, who shared their time, knowledge and experience with us; we Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

For all the participants and their families; I cant express enough how much we appreciate all your support. You're the reason all of us were here this weekend to begin with.

It takes a team to make a dream really come alive. Thank you so much to Renshi Mark Melanson and Cheryl Bowie for being as elbows deep in planning this as I have been.

To all of those who stepped in to lend a hand, and there were many; I keep thinking how lucky are we to have such an amazing community around us? Martial Artists really know how to rally around a cause.

I'm incredibly pleased to announce, together this weekend, we raised $1100.00 for Lanark County Interval House! WOW!!! I'm sooooo happy! Women empowering Women!!!

Correction: I made an error. In efforts to try and get a full Instructor photo, the first one was missing some late arrivals, a second one was taken to include them. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen circumstances, an Instructor had to leave before the second picture was taken. Our apologies Sensei Carlotta Riches. I am adding the photo now.

Photo's to come, stay tuned...