Don't worry, I'm not suggesting that you adopt MY cat.  I wouldn't
impose that on anyone.

Sadly, some neighbors moved out last week and left behind their
kittens!  These cats lived indoors until about 2 weeks before the
owners moved.  They are now living outdoors, but stay close, so they
could be indoor or outdoor cats.  They are not super-small kittens,
but are still pretty young, and extremely loving.  Our neighbors
across the street have been feeding them and they come running as
soon as they get home. They have two cats, so can't keep these - and
I can't keep them because (as some of you may be aware) I have an
evil cat that would not permit another cat to live in the house.
  Let me know if you are interested in taking either one or both of
them - we are hoping to find someone before we call the Humane
Society.  Or forward this email on to anyone who might be
interested.  I have pictures if you want to email me back if you or
anyone else is interested - they are shorthaired and really really
cute - a white calico and a grey.

Thanks!

M

Sometimes we miss the big picture when we are training.  I have
noticed some of you forget to listen, forget to follow, and forget
that you don't know everything.  Some of the sempai have noticed this
too.

It is therefore with great regret that I must sign your death
warrants and arrange for each of you to be assasinated immediately.
Sorry...

Seriously, this is a problem because it disrupts the learning process
of aikido and that will eventually cause you confusion and
frustration later.

I want to bring this up because most of you have been training long
enough you will be able to understand the balance of questioning and
doing.  Specifically, I am going to harp on your uke skills and ask
each of you to read a small article I posted on the website:
http://www.emoryaikikai.com/articles/ukewaza.html

This is tough stuff, and not easy to understand.  We will spend more
time in class discussing ukewaza skills because each of you needs to
improve your ukewaza so the class can move on to more complicated
technique.

As we approach testing, I want to take a few minutes to explain what
testing is, and how I feel about it.  I have a couple of articles up
on the website (Articles section) that also help explain testing,
please take some time to read through the articles on Progression in
Aikido and testing.  http://www.emoryaikikai.com/articles.html

I have a very classical sense of aikido training.  My martial
education was deeply embedded in traditional Japanese culture.  I
grew up in an environment that ignores individual achievement and
rewards communal obligation.  In my world my obligation is to honor
my sensei, my dojo, and my organization.  "I" does not appear on the
list.  In American culture, individual goals are generally considered
paramount, communal obligation is fast becoming a thing of the past.

Testing is individual recognition for dedication and committement to
training.  Testing is your chance to show everyone how much to know
about aikido.  Testing is your opportunity to publically demonstrate
your knowledge and skill.

I do not take testing lightly.  Your rank and skill directly reflect
on me, my instructor and my instructor's instructor.  The same can be
said for Michael.  Emory aikikai represents direct lineage of aikido
that can be traced back to Saotome Sensei.  You have big shoes to
fill, and I want to prepare you to fill them.  I wholly expect every
student to realize the obligation they have to be the best they can
be.

You'll notice that this entire tirade I have not mentioned physical
skill.  Aikido is not about physical skill, it is about sincerity and
truth.  I will never judge a student by their skill on the mat, but
you can be damned sure I will judge you on your attitude and
sincerity.

I have said many times that you cannot hide who you are on the mat.
Testing is included in this statement.  My advice to you is:
1. Face your test with courage.  Testing can be scary and
intimidating.
2. Test with humility. You will not know everything, and you will not
test prefectly, get over it.
3. Relax and breath.  You will be excited and nervous, RELAX!!

For those of you that Michael and I have not chosen to test, DO NOT
BE OFFENDED.  We have carefully selected candidates for testing.  I
promise you we are not insulting you, degrading you, or otherwise
ignoring you.  The are many considerations that go into selecting
test candidates, only one of them is your physical skill.  We have
our reasons, please trust they are good ones.

Since its no longer "PC" to beat students with a shinai, at least
allow me the courtesy of public ridicule through testing.  It is my
honor to pass along what I know to you all, and I hope you are
learning something.

As we prepare for testing, I would like everyone to plan on attending
class on Thursday.  We will go over some basic techniques for testing,
and practice some mock testing procedure.

It is important for everyone to be there to get a clear picture of what
will be expected during testing.  Please come.  I will have little
patience for those that do not attend class but show up unprepared to
test...

I believe Dan and I were thinking of leaving early on Friday, so we could
make the Friday night class. Chances are good we're doing that. We'll talk
about it.

Matt LaScala
BBA Class of 2005
404.251.8546

OK.  The Saotome Seminar trip is getting close, and we have some
issues ahead of us.
1. To Date, the folloing individuals have reserved a seat on the
rental I will be driving:
Jon
Melissa
Matt
Dan
Kerry
Andy
2. The following people have expressed interest in attending, but
currently do not have transportation:
Mert

If you have previously reserved a seat, but have since changed you
mind, please let me know immediately so I may speak to Mert.

We will leave from the Emory WoodPEC parking lot on Friday, Aprill 22
at 1:00PM, estimated arrival will be Friday night around 8/9PM.  I
will arrange for hotel accomodations shortly, with 2 students per
room.

I will confirm our attendance with Shindai Dojo next week.

Hey All,

So if you are interested in perfoming in the international cultural
festival please respond.  The Festival is on April 2, 2005 and
performacnes will be held between 12:30 and 4:30.  If you are
interested in a doing a demonstration please also include the best
time for you and I will try and make sure that we have a time that
will accomodate the most people.

LaRose

Ben,

I have a few floating around that you can have.  I
think there may even be one in the closet that you can
have.

Craig


--- "Benjamin J. Silk" <bsilk@...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Does anyone have an extra white belt they might
> sell, barter, or gift me?
>
> Thank you!
>
> Ben Grasshopper Silk



__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site!
http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/

Hey gang, I am placing a weapons order with artha gallery.  Below is
the updated pricing for 2005:

Ebony Bokken - US$45
Ebony Shoto - US$30
Ebony Tanto - US$20
Ebony Jo - US$60
Ebony Sword Set - US$90
Ebony Aikido Weapon Set - US$125
Ebony Weapon Set - US$150
Ebony Suburito - US$60
Ebony Tsuba for bokken, shoto or tanto - US$5

Check out http://arthagallery.com/index.shtml for descriptions and
pictures.  The weapons are nice ebony wood.  Apparently, Their
pricing increased due to logging sanctions by the Phillipines
government.

The order will be placed March 31, 2005.  Delivery is expected by
early May (5 weeks).

If you are interested in ordering the weapons, please e-mail your
order and make a check payable to Emory (WoodPEC) for the cost;
put "aikido weapons order" in the memo.  Payment must be made by
Tuesday, March 29, 2005.

Hi Jon,
I can't miss Saotome.

Mert

--- Jon Reading <jonreading@...> wrote:
>
> Hey gang, I will be travelling to Orlando to see
> Saotome Sensei April
> 22-24, 2005.  I am renting a van with 6 seats, I
> have 1 spot left if
> anyone wants to go.  So far the following have
> confirmed:
> Jon
> Melissa
> Matt
> Dan
> Kerry
>
> If anyone else is interested in making this trip,
> please e-mail me.
> It may be possible to discuss a second car if there
> is significant
> interest.
>
> Because space is limited, I will finalize this trip
> On March 31,
> 2005.  The files section of this website has the
> flyer with seminar
> information.  Anticipated costs are:
> Seminar ($110.00)
> Gas (split equally)
> Room (split equally amongst each room)
> Food (on your own)
>
>
>
>



__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site!
http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/

I'll drink one for you in Winston!
Eric

--- curlieq_grl <melissareading@...> wrote:
>
> Happy St. Patrick's Day!
>
> You all should know by now that I love any excuse to
> drink a Guiness,
> so I can't miss out on the largest Guiness-fest of
> the year!  So, Jon
> and I, and his cousin who is visiting (the reason we
> won't be in
> class tonight either) are heading over to the block
> party at Limerick
> Junction to celebrate St. Paddy's day.  We'd love to
> have you join us
> after class for a pint!
>
> M
>
>
>
>
>



__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site!
http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

You all should know by now that I love any excuse to drink a Guiness,
so I can't miss out on the largest Guiness-fest of the year!  So, Jon
and I, and his cousin who is visiting (the reason we won't be in
class tonight either) are heading over to the block party at Limerick
Junction to celebrate St. Paddy's day.  We'd love to have you join us
after class for a pint!

M

----- Original Message -----

From: Dirk Gorissen

To: emoryaikikai@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 9:43 AM

Subject: Re: [emoryaikikai] e-bogu

It turns out Ben could get his gee from somebody else so this means I will be
taking over the order.
I will be placing my order Friday evening so let me know before then if you
need anything.
Cheers
Dirk

> I'm going to order from www.e-bogu.com soon.  If you want something, please
> send me a reply (bsilk@...) with the details. I'm fine putting it
> on the old credit card, then you can reimburse me later. I'll also be in
> class Sunday if you prefer to discuss then.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ben "Grasshopper" Silk

--
Dirk Gorissen
University of Antwerp (UA)
Homepage: http://dirk.campinaria.be/

It turns out Ben could get his gee from somebody else so this means I will be
taking over the order.
I will be placing my order Friday evening so let me know before then if you
need anything.
Cheers
Dirk

> I'm going to order from www.e-bogu.com soon.  If you want something, please
> send me a reply (bsilk@...) with the details. I'm fine putting it
> on the old credit card, then you can reimburse me later. I'll also be in
> class Sunday if you prefer to discuss then.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ben "Grasshopper" Silk

--
Dirk Gorissen
University of Antwerp (UA)
Homepage: http://dirk.campinaria.be/

I'm in.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jon Reading [mailto:jonreading@...]
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 7:50 AM
To: emoryaikikai@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [emoryaikikai] April Seminar Trip



Hey gang, I will be travelling to Orlando to see Saotome Sensei April
22-24, 2005.  I am renting a van with 6 seats, I have 1 spot left if
anyone wants to go.  So far the following have confirmed:
Jon
Melissa
Matt
Dan
Kerry

If anyone else is interested in making this trip, please e-mail me.
It may be possible to discuss a second car if there is significant
interest.

Because space is limited, I will finalize this trip On March 31,
2005.  The files section of this website has the flyer with seminar
information.  Anticipated costs are:
Seminar ($110.00)
Gas (split equally)
Room (split equally amongst each room)
Food (on your own)







Yahoo! Groups Links

Hey gang, I will be travelling to Orlando to see Saotome Sensei April
22-24, 2005.  I am renting a van with 6 seats, I have 1 spot left if
anyone wants to go.  So far the following have confirmed:
Jon
Melissa
Matt
Dan
Kerry

If anyone else is interested in making this trip, please e-mail me.
It may be possible to discuss a second car if there is significant
interest.

Because space is limited, I will finalize this trip On March 31,
2005.  The files section of this website has the flyer with seminar
information.  Anticipated costs are:
Seminar ($110.00)
Gas (split equally)
Room (split equally amongst each room)
Food (on your own)

Spring break will be March 14-18, 2005.  During this time, class will
be held on the break schedule:
Tue/Thu: 6:30PM-8:00PM
Sun: 2:00PM-4:00PM

Class on Tuesday March 15 and Thursday, March 17th will be afected.

I am still alive.  I am also going to be back in class.

I wanted to remind everyone to pay their Emory dues if they have not
(shame on you if you haven't).  Checks to Emory WoodPEC; make
sure "aikido club" is in the memo.  $30 for members; $75 for non-
members.  Let me know if you don't pay through the club.

I also wanted to remind everyone to pay their ASU dues (shame on you
if you haven't).  Checks to Emory WoodPEC; make sure "ASU dues" is in
the memo.  $35 for white belts; $5 for a patch.  Let me know if you
don't pay through the club.  I WILL PAY ASU DUES NEXT WEEK.  IF YOU
DO NOT PAY DUES, OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH ME TO PAY DUES, YOU WILL
NOT TEST IN APRIL.

That said, I have a special treat tonight.  Steve Fasen will be
joining us from Orlando, and hopefully teaching class.

I've been out of class since Dec. and not sure if I'll be back this
semester. First I went to Sudan then holidays then Malawi. Then an out
of town retreat for work. Then just when I thought I'd be ready to go
back to class, I broke 2 bones in my foot (odd story, even for me, and
I've seen odd stories galore when I practiced as a family doctor)! So
I'm on crutches for at least the next month. And as things go, I'll
probably have to travel as soon as I can walk. Hope to come back to
class and thanks to the teachers and students for helping me learn as
much as I did last semester.

J. Jina Shah, MD, MPH
Medical Officer, Strengthening Childhood Immunizations
Global Immunization Division, NIP, CDC
1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone 404-639-8475, Fax 404-639-8573
Email zat5@...


-----Original Message-----
From: emoryaikikai@yahoogroups.com [mailto:emoryaikikai@yahoogroups.com]

Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 2:32 PM
To: emoryaikikai@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [emoryaikikai] Digest Number 37



There are 3 messages in this issue.

Topics in this digest:

       1. Hey
            From: "Adam" <asepste@...>
       2. RE: Hey
            From: "JONATHAN READING" <jonreading@...>
       3. Re: Hey
            From: Lizabeth Martin <lizabeth.martin@...>


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 1
    Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 00:45:34 -0000
    From: "Adam" <asepste@...>
Subject: Hey


Just reporting in, I know I haven't been to class in a couple weeks.
After spraining my ankle I got really sick, and recently I have turned
my sprain into a full stress fracture, so I will probably not be able
to come to class for a couple weeks. But I'll be back soon. Meanwhile
I am doing as much training on my own as I can.

-Adam





________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 2
    Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 22:07:02 -0500
    From: "JONATHAN READING" <jonreading@...>
Subject: RE: Hey

Well, add the 6th kyu stuff to your menu.  We are testing in early April
and
if you get up on your technique and get back to class, I want to test
you.

By the way, bad timing on the ankle - I am not going to hold it against
you.
   Obviously I don't want you training until you are back healthy.  Get
better, then we'll talk.



Jon Reading
jonreading@...




>From: "Adam" <asepste@...>
>Reply-To: emoryaikikai@yahoogroups.com
>To: emoryaikikai@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [emoryaikikai] Hey
>Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 00:45:34 -0000
>

_________________________________________________________________
Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/


[This message contained attachments]



________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 3
    Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 23:15:12 -0500
    From: Lizabeth Martin <lizabeth.martin@...>
Subject: Re: Hey

You probably got "emory death disease"  I think that's what I had...
and now that I'm over it we have nerdoscience recruitment, so I won't
be in until Sun or Tues.  :(

Take care,

lbth


On Wed, 16 Feb 2005 00:45:34 -0000, Adam <asepste@...>
wrote:
>
> Just reporting in, I know I haven't been to class in a couple weeks.
> After spraining my ankle I got really sick, and recently I have turned

> my sprain into a full stress fracture, so I will probably not be able
> to come to class for a couple weeks. But I'll be back soon. Meanwhile
> I am doing as much training on my own as I can.
>
> -Adam
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> ADVERTISEMENT
>
> ________________________________
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/emoryaikikai/
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> emoryaikikai-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


--
Lizabeth Martin
404 394 9147


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________



------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links




------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Guys,

I just went to check on info for the seminar this weekend and found
the following note on their website.
http://www.aikidowestflorida.com/

ATTN RESCHEDULED:

Friends, Dennis Hooker Sensei has had surgery, is resting comfortably
at home and must remain on bed rest for a couple weeks.  Our seminar
scheduled for Feb. 25-27 has been canceled and will be rescheduled
when he's back on his feet. Patty West Florida Aikido Pensacola,
Florida

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but hopefully this will allow for
more people to go down and see Hooker Sensei when they do
reschedule.

See you all on Tuesday.

Hey everyone!
Just thought I'd send an update from NC. I think I
told at least Michael and John that I would be down
this coming weekend for a committee meeting for
school. Unfortunately, science never works the way
it's supposed to and things have been delayed. I'm
unbelievably busy with school for the next month or so
at least, so I probably won't get to see you guys for
a while. Tenatively, my committee meeting has been
rescheduled for April 14th. So, hopefully, I'll be
able to make it down (and test?) then. I really miss
all of you and can't wait to get thrown around by you
again--then we drink. I hope everything is going well
there. Congratulations again to the Magno family!
Later,
Eric




__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more.
http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250

Dear All,
Greetings from a strange and distant land (the natives refer to it as
"college"). First I want
to wish Adam a speedy and safe recovery—as well as Elizabeth and any others who
are
suffering from this "Emory death syndrome." There are so many things I want to
talk about
but I think I'll hold my tongue (fingers?) and ask how ya'll (yay!) are.
Preemptory good
wishes to all who are testing in the spring. I hope everyone has an excellent
week,
~ Michelle Hoekstra

You probably got "emory death disease"  I think that's what I had...
and now that I'm over it we have nerdoscience recruitment, so I won't
be in until Sun or Tues.  :(

Take care,

lbth


On Wed, 16 Feb 2005 00:45:34 -0000, Adam <asepste@...> wrote:
>
> Just reporting in, I know I haven't been to class in a couple weeks.
> After spraining my ankle I got really sick, and recently I have turned
> my sprain into a full stress fracture, so I will probably not be able
> to come to class for a couple weeks. But I'll be back soon. Meanwhile
> I am doing as much training on my own as I can.
>
> -Adam
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> ADVERTISEMENT
>
> ________________________________
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/emoryaikikai/
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> emoryaikikai-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


--
Lizabeth Martin
404 394 9147

Well, add the 6th kyu stuff to your menu.  We are testing in early April and
if you get up on your technique and get back to class, I want to test you.

By the way, bad timing on the ankle - I am not going to hold it against you.
   Obviously I don't want you training until you are back healthy.  Get
better, then we'll talk.



Jon Reading
jonreading@...




>From: "Adam" <asepste@...>
>Reply-To: emoryaikikai@yahoogroups.com
>To: emoryaikikai@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [emoryaikikai] Hey
>Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 00:45:34 -0000
>

_________________________________________________________________
Don’t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/

Just reporting in, I know I haven't been to class in a couple weeks.
After spraining my ankle I got really sick, and recently I have turned
my sprain into a full stress fracture, so I will probably not be able
to come to class for a couple weeks. But I'll be back soon. Meanwhile
I am doing as much training on my own as I can.

-Adam

I was wondering if it is possible to borrow a few people from aikido
tomorrow before or after aikido to shoot a quick segment for a movie
for film festival.  It would equate to me running around a few
people practicing aikido when one of them kicks me.  I will stop by
before class tomorrow to see if this is possible.  If you get this
before class and you know whether or not it is possible to do this,
then please email me back.  My email address is akahn@....  I
don't want to disturb the class though, so I would like to do it
before or after.  This semester is a little time consuming, but I do
intend to hopefully come back to classes when I am able to.  Thanks.

Adam Kahn

Hello All,

As we approach seminar season, it is important we start talking about
the way we train.  I will try to keep this brief.  Over the past few
weeks I have had the opportunity to lead class a few times which has
given me a lot of insight into the way I train and others train as
well.

One of the key things that I have seen is the need for shoshin.  I do
not exclude myself in this.  Shoshin, as I understand it is the idea
of training like it is your first time seeing a technique.  It
doesn't mean throwing your understanding of principals out, but often
times it does require that you move past the way you believe a
technique is "done".

Whether you agree with what is being done at that time or not, it
will help your training immensely to attempt to try what the person
instructing is showing and incorporate the positive aspects into your
training.  This goes for our classes as well as at other dojo's and
seminars.  As has been said before, how you practice is how you
perform.  If you don't keep an open mind in our dojo then it is hard
to have one at others.

See you Thursday

Craig

hey everyone~

just wanted to give everyone an update on my wife's condition. angi was admitted
last
week to the hospital and spent a few days there. long story short, she is now
fine and
confined to home and bed rest. i apologize for missing the last couple of
classes but hope
to be in thursday. i will update then on the upcoming seminar in pensacola.
thanks for the
kind support and prayers.

with warm regards,
michael