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Thursday, 7th August 2008
CONTENTS:
1. Sunday Self Defence Class – August 3rd
2. Steve Dows Sensei – Sunday class
3. First Impressions Last – Kristie McQuillan
4. Billeting Required for Japanese Visitors
1. Sunday Self Defence Class – August 3rd
As many of you may know we have been advertising our monthly Sunday Self Defence class in the Southern Star courtesy of grant money received from the National Community Crime Prevention Program, part of the Australian Government Attorney General’s Department. It is a self contained 2-hour lesson that provides a number of practical ways to deal peacefully with confrontation without resorting to violence. The aim is always to stay safe or to regain a position of safety if compromised. On the first Sunday in July we attracted six people and last Sunday we attracted three young women. Although the class size has been small, it is interesting to find out why people come to the course. Two of the three women who came to last Sunday’s class were friends and both worked as carers in a foster care facility. The children range in age from very young up to 17 years old and some have disabilities. Because they have had no parental guidance, these kids know no boundaries. So the reason for their interest in self defence was to learn how to better cope with physical assaults and boisterousness from the kids in foster care in an environment where striking them is strictly forbidden. They very much enjoyed the lesson and asked quite a few questions about how to break up fights and escaping from particular types of grabs. One that sticks in my mind is where the children commonly lie on the floor and grab their ankle quite strongly in a two hand grab. Another was being pinned off-balance up against a wall. I half expected the two girls to turn up at Tuesday’s beginner’s course. As I told them on Sunday, Aikido fits their need perfectly.
2. Steve Dows Sensei – Sunday class
Steve Dows' Ki classes on Sunday are relaxed, insightful and funny. You benefit from his years of experience on how to utilise Ki and the mind in your training and everyday life. The tips picked up in Steve's Ki class complement the training received in the other classes, whether it is proper breathing or relaxing and extending Ki during a technique or weapons kata. You'll even learn how to use Ki while driving your car. Our own local William Reed. Bargain.
Craig Mann
3. First Impressions Last – Kristie McQuillan
First Impressions Last
Upon walking through the doors of the Dojo at the Nathan Campus I expected to instantly be out of my comfort zone.
However, I was greeted by who I thought was just another enthusiastic (possibly another new comer) me.
It wasn't until the ice had not only been broken but had well and truly melted away within a matter of minutes, Gabi Sensei had changed into her Hakama and she'd mentioned that she'd been practicing Aikido for eight years that I realised I had just met one of my teachers.
In a very short amount of time I learned that the art of Aikido is somewhat different to other Martial Arts.
Instead of using the 'traditional' kicking and punching methods, you learn to redirect an opponent’s energy to throw or immobilise them through a series of joint locks, throws and pins to neutralise an attack.
Aikido trains the mind through the body and is often referred to as the Art of Peace.
After much training your habitual pattern of struggle will be replaced with a resourcefulness which will show you your choices in any situation.
If you are looking for a martial art that connects mind, body and soul and gives you the satisfaction of Personal Growth, then Aikido is for you.
Kristie McQuillan
4. Billeting Required for Japanese Visitors
We have four (4) people coming from
Two (2) Males and two (2) Females, I know that one has reasonable English as for the rest I have no idea.
If anyone can help much appreciated. Please email aikido@...
Thom Hansen
Shirin Mohebbi
Email: shirin(AT)internode.on.net
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