The hard-working students and instructors were back in the new academy on Wednesday evening to continue the renovations.
Work on what’s become known as ‘Studio 1′ was still the main focus, as we want to be able to train in the new building as soon as possible. The walls are now all scrubbed and sanded clean where necessary, any holes filled, and everything washed clean. Those aren’t fun jobs at the best of times, but while we’re still waiting for the electricity and water to be provided, they take on a whole new level of annoyance. Still, spirits were high and the strong work ethic instilled through our training meant that everything got down quickly, and done well.
Walls prepared and ready for a couple of coats of paint
In the area behind reception, which will become a sort of ‘lounge’ area, work continued on the floors and walls, but because of the lack of windows and electricity, everything was done by the light of some headlamps!
Tim beavering away in the darkness
Along with the hard work in the building itself, another team had the less-than-envious task of moving the rest of the matting and equipment over from our second storage area in Falmouth. A massive pile of tatami and a lot of effort later, and we finally have everything we need to get started.
Tatami and crash mats, along with the dismantled wooden screens
There’s still a lot more to do but we’re all pulling in the same direction, and with a lot more hard work and a little luck, we should be able to have our first session in there next week.
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