Griffith Shukan News

Thursday, 24^th January 2008 

CONTENTS:

1.     Asocial Violence – Realities And Tools For Extreme Situations – Saturday 2^nd Feb

2.     Guest Instructor  - Catherine Schnell Sensei Feb 16-17

3.      February Gradings - Saturday 23^rd Feb

1.     Asocial Violence – Realities And Tools For Extreme Situations – Saturday 2^nd Feb

Guest instructor, Mike Allen Sensei

Saturday 2nd February, 

10:30-12pm

12:15-2pm

Nathan dojo

Hi Everyone,

I'm delighted to announce that Mike Allen Sensei will be a guest instructor Saturday morning (and an extra session in the afternoon) on the 2nd February. Last year I had the privilege of attending one of Mike’s seminars at Andrew Sunters Sydney dojo. Mike has been training martial arts for not-quite 30 years and is a recognized instructor in Kempo, Aikido and Yang Mian. In real life he is also a practicing physiotherapist. Recently he has been studying a system called target focused training, which he regards as 'the pointy end of the stick' for personal protection. I believe it embodies many aikido principles, but with the gloves off. Mike sensei is an approachable and articulate instructor with a genuine interest in sharing this method in a safe environment. 

For me the introduction to the reality of 'Asocial violence' was quite confronting. It was good to learn more about how our bodies and minds can and do respond as a way of being prepared for such a situation. When coupled together with some of the tools Mike presents I think this rounds out our understanding of Aikido in the realm of Personal Protection. It nicely complements the methods that Catherine Sensei will present later in February and will help prepare us even better as we continue to develop our Personal Protection workshops for the community.

With the gradings and Catherine’s visit coming in February I realize it’s a very full calendar but hope you support this. 

Full casual fees apply for visitors to the dojo.

Danny James

2.     Guest Instructor  - Catherine Schnell Sensei Feb 16-17

Saturday Feb 16 - Sunday Feb 17, 2008

Catherine Sensei is a professional Aikido instructor, with a full time dojo in Melbourne from which she also operates her Personal Safety Concepts program. Sensei joined Maruyama Sensei over 3yrs ago building on her extensive Aikido experience, including with the Yamaguchi and Takeda lineages, her 'personal protection' program won a national violence prevention award in 1995.  She also has a very successful kids program, so if you teach kids I also encourage you to come to the aikikids class as well

Sensei will be guest teacher at all classes on the weekend including the aikikids class 
Program Feb 16- Saturday:

- Aikikids  9.00 – 10.00
- Aikido  10:30 - 12:00 (open sessions)
- Personal safety 12-1:30pm (open session)

Program Feb 17 – Sunday:

Sunday AM train the trainer session (Griffith Aikido seniors only)

- Aikido 10:30-12:00

and maybe an afternoon session as well

 Danny James

3.      February Gradings - Saturday 23^rd Feb

 The last Saturday in February, February 23rd is our next quarterly grading for the club; this will include Aikikids, Kyu gradings and possibly some Dan grades as well.  Regular visitor to the dojo Andrew Sunter Sensei has expressed some  interest in taking Ukemi for the occasion.   See Jutta Sensei for details on who is grading.

Griffith Aikido Newsletter Editor

Shirin Mohebbi

Email:  shirin(AT)internode.on.net