Summer School Mat Moving Volunteers

Events, National Schools / By

As the end of the year approaches, so does the next Summer School… and we are looking for YOU to help with one of the most important tasks – moving and laying the mat!

We need at least 20 people to help at Caulfield for both the pick-up and then return of the mats at the end of Summer School. If we get another 20 people at the dojo, getting the mat set up should only take 1.5-2 hours at both ends.

That’s at least 40 people in total – please help us get there!
Of course, the more people we have helping, the faster it will all go.


Pick up and load in: Saturday 3rd January

9am: Loading Trucks at Caulfield

  • Eastern side dojos (Mornington / Berwick / Bon Beach / Caulfield / Glen Waverley / Monash Uni / Warrandyte)
  • Meet at Caulfield Dojo
  • Contact: John Watson Sensei

10:15am: Unloading Trucks at Melbourne Uni

  • All other dojos (Clifton Hill / St Albans / Heidelberg / Interstate Visitors / etc)
  • Meet at Melbourne Uni Sports Centre (Tin Alley)
  • Contacts: Simon Pearce Sensei and Charles Addison

Dismantle and return: Friday 9th January

Schedule to be confirmed during the school. Please expect it will be the reverse of loading in after the morning Shihan class.


We ask for everyone’s patience and enthusiasm. Summer School is always Victoria’s biggest event, and the 60th will be bigger compared to the last 9 years. If you’ve never volunteered before, just an extra hour with the mats (especially on the first and last days) can turn a massive job into a smaller load.

Remember, we don’t just need people at the dojo – we need people at Caulfield as well.

Anyone handling mats at Caulfield does not need to help load the trucks at Melbourne Uni.

Thank you and please volunteer to help. This is a huge task that can be made a lot easier by everyone contributing a bit of their time and effort.

It is important for us to know who is coming to help!

If you can help at Caulfield, please email John Watson Sensei at JWatson20@gmx.com.

If you can help at Melbourne Uni, please email Simon Pearce Sensei at simon.aikido@gmail.com or write your name on the list on the noticeboard at Clifton Hill Dojo.