Phoenix Pendants Presented to Sempais Prema, Shanti and Kristen

On Monday 7 December 2009, Sempai Prema Osborne, Sempai Shanti Osborne and Sempai Kristen Osborne were presented with Bushido Phoenix Pendants.

The 3 sempais have been training with me ever since I took over Croydon Dojo in 2007, and before that they trained with Sensei Maria LaRocca for many years. All three are always at kids class, assisting me greatly to organise and teach the kids. If I cannot make it to class, I can count on any of them to take the class themself. They have a great rapport with the students and their teaching abilities have increased greatly over the last 2 years. They are also a big part of Croydon’s adults class. As well as participating actively in class themselves, I am able to give them specific tasks relating to other students, whether it be teaching a white belt the punch routine, or taking a group of students through a hard fitness circuit. I have complete confidence in their teaching and martial abilities, and respect them as people. Most importantly, they respect each other and the other BMA students.

In 2008, all three girls gave up a lot of their time to help me with my 3rd dan examination. They were (almost) always available for Monday night 3rd dan sessions, as well as assisting me on weekends when required. I had no hesitation in recommending Sempais Prema, Shanti and Kristen for a BMA Phoenix Pendant. They are invaluable to not only Croydon Dojo, but to BMA. They are respectful, disciplined martial artists, who each puts back ten-fold into the club as they receive from it.

Sensei Vic Pisaniello