Dave Brown Sensei will be taking a weekend seminar at the Brisbane
Aiki Kai on the weekend 24/25 February.

Class times are Saturday 0900 to 1030, 1045 to 1215, & 1400 to 1600.
Sunday 0900 to 1030 & 1045 to 1215.

Cost is $15 per class or $60 all up.

Venue:  Brisbane Aiki Kai
95 Commercial Road, Newstead.

All welcome.

Inquiries: 0412094654

<http://fudoshindojo.blogspot.com/>
<http://fudoshindojo.blogspot.com/>  Seminar: Chicko Xerri in Newcastle,
Australia, 2/10-2/11/07

Aikido Kenkyukai Australia / Newcastle branch dojo will hold a Gasshuku
on Feb.10th and 11th 2007 with Chicko Xerri sensei, at the Broadmeadows
PCYC on Young Rd.

   Chicko Xerri sensei has studied Aikido uninterupted for 33yrs and is
influenced by the Aikido of his mentor of 23yrs Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan
8th Dan. Yamaguchi Shihan was the teacher of Takeda Shihan and this
seminar is a tribute to him. All Aikido is welcome. Contact details are
on the flyer provided via following the links.



http://fudoshindojo.blogspot.com/ <http://fudoshindojo.blogspot.com/>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Aikidokas,

I received this from a woman who sent this on to me and another list, at least.
It is a wondefully powerful meditation for self-healing, peace and the beautiful
music by Laura Powers is so evocaive and spiritully uplifting that anyone who
hears, "Dance, 'Till the Rain Bgins" could not but fail to be moved. Please go
to the site and have your speakers on, and, if need be, your micrphone headset
on (if you worry it'll disturb others - but I think it is so soothing, it'll
calm people around you even at a reaonable volume. Your decision!). I am
currently 1st kyu and training for Shodan which, since I will be staying with a
friend in Bonn, Germany, from the begining of pril until the end of June, I
would like to obtain so I can attend a famous dojo in Bonn feeling calmer than
if I had not been doing intensive Aikido with my partner after many years of
irregular sesions (due to study and chronic pain from endometriosis-related
pelvic adhesions, plus surgeries and the way they ensure bed rest and fatigue
for months afterwards which is not conducive to training!). I find the website
below very relaxing, especially before I began a session working to my Shodan
and I hope other Aikidokas on this list will fnid it of some benefit - let me
know if you also find it soothing or how you felt listening to it.

Blessings,
Kharla
aka FieryHawk, HP

P.S. The initials HP, btw, stands for High Priestess and the spiritual
path/religion I was initiated into and made an HP in is known as the tradition
of feminist Dianic witchcraft (more about this can be found through studying
ther books by the woman considered to be the grandmother of this path, beringing
it from Hungary to America, Zsuzsanna Budapest, and to other notbles in the
field such as Diane Stein, Vicki Noble, Jade (author of To Know: A Guide to
Women's Magic and Spirituality, and Barbara G. Walker whose book, The Skeptical
Feminist: Discovering the Virgin, Mother, and Crone (which I purchased at the
start of my second year in my BA degree at the University of Sydney in 1992,
having just taken up Gender Studies (then, unfortunately, called 'Womens'
Studies')) greatly upset my zealous Baptist mother! Everyone who studies Aikido
will find the beauty of Aikido is that is is compatible with all religious and
spiritual paths. For me, it is about harmony and balance (and hara, ki and
kokyu) which is what I find in my Goddess religion (known as feminist Dianic
witchcraft) or my Dianic path, as I often call my spiritual beliefs and
practices (I prefer the term Dianic Occultist and Occultism to the term
witch/witchcraft, largely due to the very negative connotations centuries of
misogynistic propaganda, through the Church from thr Inquisition time
epeciially, onwards, has created, and because what I know and practise goes
beyond the traditional teachings of witchcraft or Wicca). Many women who
identify as Dianics, i.e. Goddess-focused (and who do not believe in the concept
of a male deity who is the Goddesses consort - a female/male mythology most
typical of the majority of pagans, wiccans and witches) actually go into Aikido
more than any of the other available martial arts which I find
interesting....but I have also noticed more women in Aikido classes than in
other martial art traditions. I believe women are more open, in general, to
being able to receive ki so a uke's energy is dealt with by a beginning student
of Aikido who is a woman often with more potential than, at first, a beginning
male student may show...and the emphasis on being able to execute techniques
just as, if not more, effectively, without brute physical force, may appeal to
women (societal conditioning? Nature or nurture? That is a tough question & I
could write a book about it but it's not necessary here!).


"Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other peron
than about his or her reactions to you.
   When you dare to reveal yourelf fully. When you dare to be vulnerable." - Dr.
Joyce Brothers

----- Original Message -----
[details of lists and ppl sent to besides self erased for privacy reasons]
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 2:51 AM
Subject: A Goddess Meditation



A lovely Goddess Meditation and beautiful music.
Take a moment.
featuring music by Laura Powers.
http://www.selfhealingexpressions.com/goddess_meditation.html



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> I want to announce a new website about Daito-ryu
>Hi All ,
Thank for the email.
If you happen to be visiting Adelaide you would be most
welcome guests at the next AIKIJUJUTSU seminar in Adelaide
on 20 JAN 2007,  details are attached
Kind Regards
Dante


**************************************************************


  Aikijujutsu which includes forums and videos.
>
> http://www.daitoryu.net
>
> ---------------------------------
> Do you Yahoo!?
>  Get on board. You're invited to try the new Yahoo! Mail.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Start the new year in positive way with  the next Aikibudo
Australia
seminar to be held on 20 JAN 2007 in Gilles St Adelaide.

All are welcome if you happen to be visiting South Australia
at that time.
NB there are no fees if you are travelling from interstate
or overseas.
Please find attached info page...

OR GO TO www.aikibudo.com.au


********************************************************************







  Aikido Kenkyukai International Fudoshin Dojo Noosa Heads
> will conduct  Dan Gradings September and October.
>
> Further Information at www.aikido-fudoshin.com (in the
> Blog)
>
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi All,
There is a Systema seminar in Brisbane next weekend, with an
experienced instructor visiting from the HQ in Canada, hosted by
Andrew Seyderhelm at the Brisbane Systema club (which has a good
relationship with Griffith Aikido) and is a pretty co-operative
atmosphere to train in.

Systema has remarkable similarities to aiki principles though the
lineage is quite different. It comes from the SPETZ armed forces from
the russian states, trade your hakama for some combat pants an you'll
fit right in. There are rumors that its origins might have been
influenced by  East Asian arts (some speculate much like the aiki
arts some think).

Anyway encourage you to check it out...alas I'm away for the w/
end...sigh...

http://www.systemaaustralia.com/DaveMerrellSeminar.html


cheers,
danny

PS sorry for the late notice..have been away
--
daniel james
griffith university aikido club
nathan qld 4111, australia
http://griffithaikido.com
+61 (0)7 3735 5036 (w), +61 (0)7 3735 5384(f) ,
+61 (0)401 683 592 (m)

"..we're continually bombarded with promises of immediate gratification,
instant success, and fast, temporary relief, all of which lead in
exactly
the wrong direction", G.Leonard







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi fellow aikidoka,

I just wanted to share an exciting experience I have had while in
Chiang Mai Thailand. With Sombat Sensei away in Chaing Rai for a
while I have been given the opportunity to lecture here at the
Chiang Mai University.

I guess what most surprised me was a glimpse of what it is like to
teach Aikido in a country where I am not a native speaker of the
language. Without the ability to explain, something that seems very
western to do, the training is quite interesting, like raw Aikido
without the embellishments ;-). I noticed that the students watch
intensely and copy exactly what you are doing. I guess it's sort of
like missing one of the 5 senses. That is, the other 4 seem to be
heightened. I this regard and with Aikido being a body art, to be
able to feel the technique or form becomes very important.

The students here are so devoted to their training with students
arriving up to 45mins before class and training classes going for as
long as they can, sometimes 3+ hours. It's winter here at the
moment, but I would say, even in the open air dojo that it is
similar to summer in Brisbane. Their thirst is insatiable, a very
wonderful thing to experience. As with all Asian dojo's that I have
had the pleasure of training in, their sense of community is
amazing. The feeling of family, for want of a better word, is very
apparent.

I encourage any student that travels to Asia to Take Your Gi! ;-)

Aikido for me is truly a way to understand the oneness of our
existence and I am extremely thankful for this new experience in my
lifelong journey.


Adrian Xavier
Seisin Dojo
www.kisociety.com.au
*Come and visit, all are welcome*

Hi All,

A great seminar in Brisbane this w/end just past with aikidoka from
all around Brisbane and the country as well joining us for some
training.
Some pictures (from a variety of sources) from the Brisbane Aikido
Yuishinkai Seminar with Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei are can be found on
http://brisbaneaikido.com/gallery.html

best wishes,
Danny

--
daniel james
griffith university aikido club
nathan qld 4111, australia
http://griffithaikido.com
+61 (0)7 3735 5036 (w), +61 (0)7 3735 5384(f) ,
+61 (0)401 683 592 (m)

"..we're continually bombarded with promises of immediate gratification,
instant success, and fast, temporary relief, all of which lead in
exactly
the wrong direction", G.Leonard







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

For those of you who knew him, Ed Watkins, retired firefighter and yoga
teacher, died this week.

Ed, who sold up his house in Eastwood and moved to mangrove Mountain,
lived in a small cabin
on the hill overlooking the yoga Ashram there.

He was a student of the late John Gay sensei (AAA) and had taught
Tomiki-style Aikido at
Willoughby Park Centre, and later to Yoga students at the Mangrove
Mountain centre.

Ed and I both started learning Tomiki Aikido together way back in 1978.

Ed's funeral will be held at 10am this Tuesday, at the McKay Family
Funeral Home,
Pacific Highway at Palmdale, New South Wales. (Enquiries to: 02
4362-2733.)

Ed's death mentioned in my blog. <http://davo-in-sydney.blogspot.com/>







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sensei Michael Williams Pre Seminar Visit

Sensei Williams, International Chief Instructor Aikido Yuishinkai
will visit Cleveland Dojo to teach a class and conduct several Dan
Grades.

Location
	 Cleveland Dojo
	 Edgar Harley Pavilion
	 Long Street
	 Cleveland

Date
	 Sat Sept 23 2006

Times
	 Class
		 9.30am � 12.00md

	 Grades
		 Commence 1.00pm
		 (Ukes needed for Grades please)

Cost
	 $25.00 (inc lunch)
		 Lunch will be Subway Sandwiches

Further Details
	 Thom Hansen
	 aikido@...
	 Ph 0419 023 700

Dinner After
	 Sands Hotel
	 Middle Street
	 Cleveland
	 Back desk
	 (This is a pay as you order venue)


This is Sensei's First visit back in Australia since his move to Fiji
and looks
Forward to seeing you all again.

Dear Aikidoka,
Preparations are going well for the Brisbane Koretoshi Maruyama
Sensei Seminar October 5th-8th, at Griffith University. With over 50
(53 at last count) people now registered for the seminar we have
replaced our viewing area with additional mats to allow an additional
10 registrations. Please contact us to secure your place now.

If you are coming to the seminar and are planning on bringing
additional guests to the dinner please let us know for catering
purposes. The dinner venue will be at the fabulous Griffith Campus
club which we have booked out for the evening and includes a live
band. http://www.griffithcampusclub.com.au

Full details are on http://griffithaikido.com/aikidoevents.html
Please down load the seminar flyer and mail in or present in person
your registration and accompanying payment to secure your place


best wishes,
Danny

PS other Seminar venues include Byron Bay, Sydney, Melbourne and
Auckland - see website for details


--
daniel james
griffith university aikido club
nathan qld 4111, australia
http://griffithaikido.com
+61 (0)7 3735 5036 (w), +61 (0)7 3735 5384(f) ,
+61 (0)401 683 592 (m)

"..we're continually bombarded with promises of immediate gratification,
instant success, and fast, temporary relief, all of which lead in
exactly
the wrong direction", G.Leonard







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I want to announce a new website about Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu which includes
forums and videos.

http://www.daitoryu.net

---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
  Get on board. You're invited to try the new Yahoo! Mail.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Aikido Kenkyukai International Fudoshin Dojo Noosa Heads will conduct
Dan Gradings September and October.

Further Information at www.aikido-fudoshin.com (in the Blog)

Sensei Michael Williams Pre Seminar Visit

Sensei Williams, International Chief Instructor Aikido Yuishinkai
will visit Cleveland Dojo to teach a class and conduct several Dan
Grades.

Location
	 Cleveland Dojo
	 Edgar Harley Pavilion
	 Long Street
	 Cleveland

Date
	 Sat Sept 23

Times
	 Class
		 9.30am � 12.00md

	 Grades
		 Commence 1.00pm
		 (Ukes needed for Grades please)

Cost
	 $25.00 (inc lunch)
		 Lunch will be Subway Sandwiches

Further Details
	 Thom Hansen
	 aikido@...
	 Ph 0419 023 700

Dinner After
	 Sands Hotel
	 Middle Street
	 Cleveland
	 Back desk
	 (This is a pay as you order venue)


This is Sensei's First visit back in Australia since his move to Fiji
and looks
Forward to seeing you all again.

Hi All,
Please find attached details of the forthcoming AIKIBUDO AUSTRALIA cross
training seminar, so if you happen to be visiting Adelaide from interstate
at that time please feel welcome to attend   free of charge
Regards
Dante



-----Original Message-----
From: Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Richard Pernatin
Sent: Monday, 6 March 2006 11:50 AM
To: Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Aikido_Australia] Doshu Visit

Good onya brother,  you sound like you are training for all the right
reasons.  So enjoy and grow and walk the path with the rest of us.  One of
the reasons for wearing coloured belts is to let others know how experienced
you are so each of you can train at your level.  ie how well you can take an
atemi etc.

   Richard

guess who? <let_us_guess@...> wrote:


---------------------------------
On Yahoo!7
   Dancing With the Stars: Win tickets to the Grand Final!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Aikido_Australia

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Aikido_Australia-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

CAUTION: Replies to this message will go to the entire list, not just the
original author.


Yahoo! Groups Links









[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi All

A reminder that Early Bird registration for Maruyama Sensei Melbourne
seminar 20-22 October closes 31st July, By registering early you also
go into the prize draw.
Seminar information and registration forms available at
www.aikidoyuishinkai.com

Please contact us if you have any questions email us at
seminar@...

Kind Regards

Catherine



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Well its true Aikido Yuishinkai has a new dojo at the Tweed (which is
a bit further south than Southport see aikidoyuishinkai.com for
details) run by some newly minted shodans.

Graham Morris Sensei has a well established aikikai dojo in Burleigh
( see http://www.aikido.org.au/qld/aikido.html  )

cheers,
dan

--
daniel james
griffith university aikido club
nathan qld 4111, australia
http://griffithaikido.com
+61 (0)7 3735 5036 (w), +61 (0)7 3735 5384(f) ,
+61 (0)401 683 592 (m)

"..we're continually bombarded with promises of immediate gratification,
instant success, and fast, temporary relief, all of which lead in
exactly
the wrong direction", G.Leonard

On 15/06/2006, at 2:52 AM, Dante Roccisano wrote:

> Hi James,
> please contact Yui Shin Kai aikido at Griffith University...
> they may be able to point you in the right direction...
>
> However if you are visiting Adelaide in South Australia,
> you are most welcome to train with us at the CBD central location
> in 125 Gilles st Adelaide Aikibudo dojo Tu, Th, Fri 7pm for a few
> freebies
>
> Dante Sensei
> www.aikibudo.com.au
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: jameswebley
> To: Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 4:37 PM
> Subject: [Aikido_Australia] Where can I learn Aikido on the Gold Coast
>
> Hi,
>
> I am looking to learn Aikido and live on the Gold Coast. Are there any
> dojo's near Southport?
>
> Thanks
>
> James
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>









[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi  James,
please contact Yui Shin Kai aikido at Griffith University...
they may be able to point you in the right direction...

However if you are visiting Adelaide in South Australia,
you are most  welcome to train with us at the CBD  central location
in  125 Gilles st Adelaide Aikibudo  dojo  Tu, Th, Fri 7pm  for a few freebies

Dante Sensei
www.aikibudo.com.au

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: jameswebley
   To: Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 4:37 PM
   Subject: [Aikido_Australia] Where can I learn Aikido on the Gold Coast


   Hi,

   I am looking to learn Aikido and live on the Gold Coast. Are there any
   dojo's near Southport?

   Thanks

   James





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

I am looking to learn Aikido and live on the Gold Coast.  Are there any
dojo's near Southport?

Thanks

James

The Best Program on The Net here
www.mamwf.com <http://www.mamwf.com>
from a group member


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

courtesy of
http://www.ki-society.or.jp/english/renew/aikidokai_002.html

Vancouver Ki Society / NWKF�@
Address:  104-11031 Bridgeport Rd. Vancouver, BC, Canada V6X 3A2
URL:  www.vks.ca
Email:  info@...
Tel:  604-726-3136  Fax:  604-244-0403



--- In Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Stephen Soymonoff <subs@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> Does anyone know if there are any Yushinkai or Ki Society dojos in
Canada,
> particularly around the Vancouver area? There are no Yushinkai
dojos
> listed on the website, but I know that new dojos are opening all
the time
> so thought I'd ask...
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> Stephen Soymonoff
> ----------------------
> In The Beginning there was nothing, which exploded.
>

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know if there are any Yushinkai or Ki Society dojos in Canada,
particularly around the Vancouver area? There are no Yushinkai dojos
listed on the website, but I know that new dojos are opening all the time
so thought I'd ask...

Thanks!


Stephen Soymonoff
----------------------
In The Beginning there was nothing, which exploded.

Sensei John Langley 7th Dan of the Institute of Aikido WA will be
visiting Cleveland Dojo on Thursday 22nd June.

Sensei Langley has 35 years experience in Aikido. His teaching is
powerful and enlightening.

Sensei Langley is only in Brisbane for one class only and should not
be missed.

Address
Edgar Harley Pavillion
Cleveland Showground
Long Street
Cleveland
near corner Smith Street

Class time is 6.30 - 8.30 pm
cost will be $8.00

Any queries to Thom Hansen
aikido@...
or 0419 023 700

hope to see you there

Cheers Thom

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the Aikido_Australia
group.

   File        : /Maruyama_BNE_Oct2006.pdf
   Uploaded by : duckonpond <duckorama@...>
   Description : Brisbane Aikido Yuishinkai Seminar  Koretoshi Maruyama, October
5-8th, Griffith University,  Nathan Campus, Brisbane

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Aikido_Australia/files/Maruyama_BNE_Oct2006.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files

Regards,

duckonpond <duckorama@...>

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd return to the days of old and write up a
small report on our visiting instructors class.

The address for the report is
http://griffithaikido.com/aikidotasmania.html

Enjoy,
Charlie

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Hi All,

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I'll be running a new
class at Seisin Dojo (Seven Hills, Brisbane). This class will be held
on Saturdays and will be run from 1:30pm till 3:00pm, starting on
Saturday the 3rd of June. This is a general class and everyone is
welcome.

Aikido has given me a great deal and I very glad to have this
opportunity to give something back. I'm really looking forward to
holding this class.

If you've got any questions about the class I can be contacted at the
following email address: njharris@...

Best wishes to you all and I hope to see you on the mat soon.

Nathan Harris

Dave Brown Sensei 6 Dan will be bringing his personal brand of aiki
mayhem back to Brisbane on the weekend of 17/18 June.

Classes will be at the Brisbane Aiki Kai 95 Commercial Road, Newstead.

Times Saturday 1000 to 1200 & 1330 to 1530

Sunday 0900 to 1100 & 1130 to 1330

Cost $20 per session or $60 for the weekend.

Everyone is welcome.

For more details contact Dave on 0409250065 or at dkolb@...

Aikido Yuishinkai Australia New Zealand Seminar Series 2006
Master Koretoshi Maruyama, the Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai will tour
Australia New Zealand in October 2006 offering a series of weekend
seminars, accompanied by Michael Williams Sensei.

An original student of O-Sensei and a professional instructor since
1967, Maruyama Sensei is widely admired and respected throughout the
world.  Maruyama Sensei has dedicated his life to communicating the
benefits of �positive mind� through Aikido training. Maruyama
Sensei�s accessible and inspirational teaching style, infused with
humour, vigour and grace, is an example of positive, non-contentious
mindfulness and �Aikido without Boundaries�. This year marks the 10th
Anniversary of Aikido Yuishinkai. The seminar series is designed to
cater to all levels of training ability. All styles of aikido are
welcome to attend.

Aikido Yuishinkai Australia New Zealand Seminar proposed schedule 2006
Brisbane,  October 7,8
Byron Bay (mid week),  (Seniors and Yuki classes proposed)
Sydney,  October 14,15,
Melbourne,  October 21, 22,
Auckland,  October 28, 29

- Most individual seminars will include a few extra sessions of
training before/after the weekend and the odd social event.
- More details will be posted on http://aikidoyuishinkai.com and on
host seminar sites as they become available(see below).
- Individual seminar locations may offer billeting for those from out
of town and possibly special discounts to those attending multiple
seminar locations

Useful seminar links
Brisbane  http://griffithaikido.com/aikidoevents.html
Byron Bay http://aikidoyuishinkai.com
Sydney  http://aikidoinsydney.com
Melbourne, http://www.aikicentre.com.au
Auckland, http://www.aikidoyuishinkai.org.nz


--
daniel james
griffith university aikido club
nathan qld 4111, australia
http://griffithaikido.com
+61 (0)7 3735 5036 (w), +61 (0)7 3735 5384(f) ,
+61 (0)401 683 592 (m)

"..we're continually bombarded with promises of immediate gratification,
instant success, and fast, temporary relief, all of which lead in
exactly
the wrong direction", G.Leonard






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Aikidoka and Senseis and Shihans,

My name is Kharla Kedgley (FieryHawk is a spiritual-religious name given to me
so I often use FieryHawk instead of Kharla to sign my emails off with!). I found
your group by searching for Aikido and specifically any groups for Australian
practitioners. Originally, I trained with Shihan Ken Maclean (who taught in
Sydney's CBD in the Angel Arcade for years, then at Bondi Junction, and also the
Paddington PCYC (sp?)) but I lived in the Blue Mountains and my father had
started Aikido with me, then his father died. He was grieving and didn't have
any heart left in him for much at the time, so he decided to stop traveling all
the way from the Blue Mts. to Bondi Junction to train. I enjoyed Aikido, even
though, coming from a background in (Shorin Ryu) Karate, I came away from my
first ever lesson/session, thinking, "I'll never get this/the hang of this!" -
something I'm sure many of you also experienced when you first went to a class
or were shown some Aikido. Mind you, when I began my first degree (BA) and had
started buying the books for my elected subjects (Archeology, Ancient History
and Classical Hebrew - yes, I was at the time wanting to go into epigraphy and
work as an archeologist in Israel) and saw the Torah - the Old Testament - in
Hebrew, the characters swum before my eyes I started thinking "I'll never get
this; I'm in way over my head!"

Well, I was awarded all of the (very few) scholarships available to the academic
best in Classical Hebrew and, coupled with my marks from my other major (I did
two, taking up Women's Studies in my 2nd year of my BA degree when it was really
new to the Uni's curriculum and I guess to ensue other faculties didn't see it
as woolly or easy, it was interdisciplinary with essential or core subjects also
and I got rhe highest marks which were Distinctions; I never managed a High
Distinction in Women's Studies, but always in the other subjects and esp.
Hebrew).

Then, in the middle of my degree, I received an offer of membership (which is
always by invitation only) based on my academic results to join the
(US-based/created but now international) Golden Key Honour Society. Knowing it
was from the US I was a bit suspicious but one of my teachers said, it'll look
good on your resume and looks genuine, so join up - you've nothing to lose
(joining is lifelong and free)


My point isn't to flout my marks but to explain how useless I felt after my
first Aikido lesson, that I'd never learn or grasp it as I had much more easily
grasped Karate, was the same way I'd felt when I looked at trhe Old Testament in
Hebrew and became fearful, wondernig if I had indeed gotten myself into
something too difficult for me.

As it turned out, I graduated with Honours and my partner, Shihan Harry Hall,
(who I first met in Aikido class but we didn't become friends till later and
then eventually partners - long story to tell one day <g>) has taught me with
his own students since we moved from the Blue Mountains (Katoomba, to be exact)
in '96 to the Redcliffe Peninsula, North Brisbane (QLD) and had his own dojo.
Previous to that he had been Shihan Ken MacLean's assistant instructor in class,
and also taught the children's Aikido classes at Paddington's (NSW)
PCYC. Then when we moved to Katoomba he met a woman who owned a large property
and she invited him to teach Aikido there - I was busy pregnant and then with a
newborn during that time, so wasn't able to train, although I'd come and watch,
itching to join in!

When our baby got bronchiolitis (caused by someone passing on an RSV (sp?) virus
to him somehow), so that I was having to use a ventilator with asthma type
medication in it which he hated.. but which, along with antibiotic stuff, would
keep him live, I wondered about the suitability of our place at Katoomba. Well,
when we went to visit my parents and siblings (I'm the eldest of 6) all living
just North of the Redcliffe Peninsula (in a place called Burpengary), I
selected, intuitively, the Motel and for reasons I think Fate knows more about
than myself, chose a Motel on the Peninsula and not closer to my parents' place
than others but one I felt drawn to. I loved the fact also it was a short
crossing across a road and one was on a beach !! (we're surrounded by Moreton
and Stradbroke Island so don't get much that resembles surf) - I had grown up
with the beach being hours drive away and also it was winter but people were
able to wear t-shirts as it was so mild. I loved the place and badgered my
partner all the way home on our trip (3 days - we had stop at Motels; I was then
breastfeeding our son). By the time we arrived back to our Katoomba place, Harry
could see the contrast immediately... And, being very intuitive and both Fire
(sun) signs, we decided to take a leap of faith, make a major change and move.
We again went to Redcliffe, found a real estate agent I felt was genuine, and
saw several places before the one we live in now - and have since almost 10
years now


We saw the potential: a double garage, covered in petrol/oil stains we could
make into a dojo for us and if Harry decided to start teaching classes again.
Plus potential for a lovely garden, pergolas and a meditation hut (next to the
dojo). Anyway, after a lot of work and fine-tuning over years, we have it in
great condition
and since 1997 Harry has been teaching Shin Sen Aikido to adults (only a few
times has any other woman turn up besides myself, and that was the wife of one
of Harry's regular students).

It was interesting when Harry's old teacher sent him a white hakama when Harry
asked about teaching from his own dojo which was in our backyard (it's totally
clean, has skylights, fans, shutters/blinds on windows to keep out the views
nosey neighbours might get of our martial art work there, and the sun!). It was
meant as a symbol to indicate Harry as a Master or Shihan, or higher, in his own
right... Harry is a very humble man and continued to wear his black hakama and
the white one is still in its wrappings - never been worn! I learn something new
everyday from my partner about humbleness, gentleness of spirit, and about
Aikido philosophy as well as the techniques. I once was eager to get my black
belt and now it is getting the flow of Ki and the techniques becoming so easily
executed at a soft level that I am concerned with and not my grading for Shodan
which is coming up sometime - Harry says whenever I'm ready, but as I've had
some operations (endometriosis related) not so long ago, I'm not quite ready yet
physically although every other part of me is raring to go!

Harry himself had to be tricked or pushed into gradings by Shihan Ken McLean! He
wasn't interested and would turn up to class and suddenly be told he was being
tested for his 4th or 5th dan! And as much as he tried to avoid it, they made
him do the gradings. I admired that about him and still do. And as he is not
just my partner, but my Aikido teacher, a mentor and he is also a lot older than
myself (he is 82, I'm 34; we've a 110 1/2 yr old son and got together and have
been together since 1990 - nearly 16 years now ), I endeavour to learn from his
example in his conduct and ethics and so on as much as I can. And I am so
pleased to be able to say that my partner is my hero, mentor and inspiration.
Most people never list their husbands, wives or partners but celebrities or
sporting 'role models'. For me, it's Harry.

Anyway, Harry was conducting classes in our dojo twice a week (for about 1 1/2-2
hours from about 5-6.30 or 7pm) but one student dropped out once he gained his
Shodan citing that he wanted to follow his "inner child" (he was a Canadian and
had done some psychology studies before moving into working with autistic and
other children with special needs) although when he said that my first thought
(which I naturally did not verbalise!) was that from what I knew of him, he
needed to find his "inner adult" (i.e., be more responsible such as to his wife,
children and so on). Then one guy's work hours changed and he is so tired he
hasn't trained since last year. And one stalwart ended up having his
long-standing shoulder pain checked out at the Prince Charles Hospital,
Chermside (QLD) and actually had a heart attack in the hospital - which saved
his life... but he is in no condition to do Aikido (he hasn't been able to pas
the stress tolerance test as yet and his face looks ashen gray). One guy who'd
privately study (who is a qualified Zen Do Kai Karate Sensei) developed a
business a few years ago and now that's taking up all his time so doing Aikido
is not his first priority, unfortunately. Lastly, we had guy left and Harry
didn't want to train exclusively with him so Aikido training has been suspended
for sometime.

Anyway, I don't know if any of you have heard of Harry Hall of Ken McLean (of
Shin Sen Aikido) but I wanted to introduce you to the style (like Aikikai but I
think Ken broke away at one stage to form Shin Sen Aikido) and Harry isn't
interested in computers except for occasionally thinking about typing up some of
his profound writings on it - which I'd insist go to publisher, they're so true
and good. So when I came across the list, I and to write an introduction for
both of us to the group.

I am 34 and our son is now 10. He is really into martial arts - just as well,
considering his parents both are - and loves to be taught Karate and Aikido by
myself and some Aikido by Harry. He is very physically strong and smart and has
fast reflexes plus a sense of fairness which is excellent because it has saved
him from getting into unnecessary fights with other school kids, and when he was
being picked on at one stage, he fought back and now the bully is his friend -
Lol! It is my hope he and a good friend of is, about a year older, will want to
learn together so they can work with each other under my supervision.

Anyway, this was a very long-winded intro. I hope none of my fellow Aikidoists
aren't offended by the length. I just knew I hadn't introduced myself to the
list and thought I should, esp. when I saw a post about an even in Brisbane
soon.

By the way, I a wondering how often people post to the list and discuss
techniques or philosophy/ethics, when they believe a child can really grasp (or
begin to, anyway) Aikido... and what ppl on the list think  causes more women
than men to be drawn to Aikido than to many other martial arts?


Blessings,
FieryHawk (HP)
(NB: The HP is a title indicating I' an ordained High Priestess in feminist
Dianic Witchcraft/Wicca. I am very much a feminist and run three women's
e-groups and cyber 'covens' on the internet. Mind you, in 2001 I was made an
ordained Minister  of the organisation/religious org' Universal Ministries which
meant I could legally use the term Reverend or "Rev." before my name but I
wasn't keen no that as it connected me with the terms used in Catholic or
Protestant denominations and my focus is Pagan or, to be precise, Wicca or
Witchcraft. Dianic means we acknowledge one supreme deity - the Goddess who is i
all thing and has no male consort, so we do not believe in a male deity of any
sort, and when we work together, as a rule, it is women-only). Just thought I'd
mention it so those of you interested in what Dianic means can get some idea.

And if anyone *is* interested in finding out more they're welcome to email me at
fieryhawk@...<mailto:fieryhawk@...> or go to Yahoo! Groups and
apply to join my Dianics Of Australia group (webpage:
http://groupsyahoo.com/group/dianics_of_australia<http://groupsyahoo.com/group/d\
ianics_of_australia>

Also, I run Brisbane Dianics (webpage:
and S.O.A.R! (Sisters Of Artemis, Rejoice!) (webpage:
- the latter two are for women living in the Brisbane and surrounding areas,
from the South al the way up to Mayfield, Caboolture, Bribie Island etc).. and
are all online groups/elists but are being made into irl groups where the women
get to meet myself and each other. The Dianics of Australia has women spread all
across Australia so a get together would be difficult but we can organise
rituals done at the same time as each other, just not in each other's physical
presence).



Harry is quite content for it never to resume and to just get on with his own
workouts etc, and get me to Shodan and beyond.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sorry Dante,

There was no video I'm afraid.

The seminar was a great success, a fairly intense 3 days and one of
those things where you really had to be there.  I think anyone who
attended could attest to Aiga Sensei's qualities and ability.

On behalf of the organisers and Brisbane Aiki kai I like to thank
everyone for their support.

Plans are afoot for a reurn visit next year.

Happy Easter

Dave



--- In Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Dante" <aikibudo@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Dave ,
> How did the Ariga Sensei seminar go?
> Was any video record made and if so will it be made available?
> Kind Regards
> Dante
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of davekolb2501
> Sent: Tuesday, 28 March 2006 8:25 PM
> To: Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Aikido_Australia] Ariga Seminar Reminder
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> Only 3 more sleeps until Ariga Sensei arrives on Friday.
>
> Please feel free to come along and join us.
>
> Details below or at http://www.aikidobrisbane.org/Pages/News.asp
>
> Regards
>
> Dave
>
>
>
>
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Aikido_Australia
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Aikido_Australia-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> CAUTION: Replies to this message will go to the entire list, not
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> the original author.
>
>
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>