Griffith Shukan News

Thursday, 3^rd April 2008 

CONTENTS:

1.     Borrowing From Griffith Aikido Library

2.     Your First Night At Aikido

3.     Sunday Self Defence Classes

1.     Borrowing From Griffith Aikido Library

So you wish to study the kuden or hidden scrolls of the club contained within the mysterious library cabinet of doom?  Then please take note of the following:

1.      Only those who have graded to 5^th kyu (yellow belt) may borrow items from the library.

2.      The library will only be open for business after the mats are put down and before class begins (so the quicker they go down, the more time you have for browsing before class).

3.      Late fees of $1 per item per week will go towards replacing missing library items.  Those suffering financial hardship may negotiate payment in kind (e.g. vacuuming the mats!) with the Librarian.

Videos and DVDs are not yet on the new system as outlined above (please use the ledger book in the library when borrowing these items).

The books, DVDs and other items in our Library have been acquired over many years with your hard-earned training fees as well as by donation from students and instructors.  Please make use of this invaluable resource for students, and treat it with due respect.

Any and all questions regarding the Library should be directed to me or to a senior student in my absence.

Thanks…

Ben Hamley, (Librarian)

2.     Your First Night At Aikido   

Do you remember the first night you started at Griffith Aikido?  Do you remember walking in the dojo door for the very first time not knowing anyone?  I certainly do.  It was a little under 3 years ago and I still remember that is was a little daunting, even for me who is not noted for being shy and retiring.  The reason I stayed was that, apart from loving Aikido, the people in the club at the time made me feel extremely welcome.  Some of those people are still very involved in the club now and I regard them as good friends.  It is really gratifying to see that nothing much has changed.  We have always had a very alive and vibrant club and it is now magnified because three years later there are twice as many people training regularly, particularly on a Tuesday night.   

It is great to see so many people willing to help those on their first night, in the beginner’s course and those recently graduated to 7^th Kyu.  It is hard enough at the start trying to work out where hands and feet go without being left stranded without a training partner and knowing no one in the dojo.  Your willing support and assistance has certainly helped and encouraged a growing and committed group of people in their first few months of training. 

I also encourage everyone starting out to have a go at Tanninzugake (that’s the free form practice we do from 8.00-8.30pm on a Tuesday night).  We all remember how scary the first time was but I can assure you that every person sitting watching you has been through it and we are not looking at you critically.  In reality we are sitting, watching in silent encouragement and support.  Often it is in admiration of technique that is way better than ours was when we first started.  Besides, it is a great way to practice what you have learnt and when the scariness passes, it is loads of fun.

Gary

3.     Sunday Self Defence Classes

I just want to clarify that Sunday Self Defence will be held on the first Sunday of each month, commencing with the Griffith residents day, 10.00am - 3.00pm this coming Sunday 6^th April.  From 4^th May onwards, Sunday Self Defence will be open to the public.  Please note that starting this weekend the Sunday Self Defence classes will REPLACE the regular Sunday Ki class with Steve Dows Sensei on the 1^st Sunday of each month only.  On every other Sunday, the regular Ki class will be held from 10.30am to 12.00pm.

Gary

Griffith Aikido Newsletter Editor

Shirin Mohebbi

Email:  shirin(AT)internode.on.net