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Thursday, 12th June 2008
CONTENTS:
1. Congratulations on Gradings 31st May 2008
2. Share Accommodation Required
1. Congratulations on Gradings 31st May 2008
Gradings began with the young AikiNippers. The aikinippers are really very young, between 5 and 8 years old. At this age they are largely focused on games and having fun. Aikido is a wonderful side benefit. These kids turned up to support each other. I was very proud of these youngsters as they graded. They are very young, and most were doing something relatively unfamiliar, but they were still very brave, willing to try, willing to be out in front of their peers and parents, willing to challenge themselves. That’s partly what aikido is about, being willing to continually challenge ourselves. It’s a lesson these kids are learning early, and I was pleased to be a part of it.
The aikikids and aikiteens were next. The aikikids are between 8 and 12 years old. The separation of one children’s class into three age defined classes in March has allowed these kids to concentrate more on aikido compared to the Nippers, although they still enjoy some games. These kids showed they had been learning well, that they had been understanding the techniques and the value of calmness, concentration, self-discipline and confidence, as well as having fun. The progression through the aikikids grading levels show that attitude, application and practice produces results. The teens were next and lifted the skill level again as they graded to Blue and Brown tips. They have been training within the Saturday adults’ class and their transition from kids to adults was apparent in their aikido. I was very proud of all the kids.
A quick break and it was the adults turn to demonstrate their progress. It was clear everyone has been working hard over the past few weeks in preparing for grading. The aikido was crisp and effective, and very impressive. Congratulations on some fantastic gradings. As a senior now, I always remember the confusion and difficulty of grading at the junior levels. Aikido is relatively new, and form and technique is not second nature. It all has to be absorbed over a short amount of time, often as both a mental and physical exercise. It can be very confusing. While this blend of mind and body becomes more familiar and then more ingrained and unconscious as we continue to train, in the early days it is daunting, and grading is a very important part of the process of bringing it together. I believe the point is not to assess our grading negatively and search for the mistakes so we can fix them. Grading is an opportunity to place our form and technique into a stressful environment and learn from it. Aikido is a positive art, and as much as we will positively look to address perceived errors and improve, we should also recognise those aspects of our aikido that we can be happy with, and those things that we can be satisfied have responded to our efforts as we prepare for grading. It is often said that preparing for grading is as important as grading itself. I think this is true. Recognise what you did well and celebrate it, and if you felt you could have done better with some things, simply accept them positively as something to develop further as you start now to prepare for your next grading!!
Steve Mitchell
2. Share Accommodation Required
Young German IT expert is looking for shared accommodation of, either a small flat or room with bed and cupboard and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Arriving beginning of August and probably staying in
He also would like to train with us at
Please contact Jutta: juttacm@... if you know or hear of any available place.
Thank you,
Jutta
Shirin Mohebbi
Email: shirin(AT)internode.on.net
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