Griffith Shukan News

Thursday, 11^th June 2009

CONTENTS:

1. Aikikids Gradings Nathan Dojo

2. Maruyama Sensei Seminar Byron Bay

3. Club Library

1. Aikikids Gradings Nathan Dojo

Saturday 30th May was gradings day. Rod closed the Everton Hills dojo for the day and joined me for the kids gradings. There are now 5 children's classes run by Griffith Aikido across 2 dojos and it was great to welcome Rod back to Nathan and a whole bunch of kids he knows very well. As always, there were children to grade, although a little fewer than usual, so not quite so hectic. We even got a chance to try out a new aikido game before the grading started. First up was an orange tip grading from Elliot who has grown in confidence and showed his class how well he has progressed. Nicely done Elliot! We were then treated to Melissa and Rachel grading to green tip. Melissa started a little slowly out of the blocks, but overcame her nervousness to match Rachels' efforts. A very nice grading Rachel and Melissa. Rachel and Melissa will be returning to Switzerland with their parents in the next couple of weeks, so we wish them the best, and trust that they will continue their aikido training in Switzerland.

I was very impressed with the nippers sitting off the mat. In the first place we had a full class, most of whom wouldn't be able to get on the mat for the class, and probably wouldn't get chosen as ukes considering the ratio of children grading and other children present. So it was nice to see these children supporting their classmates so strongly and just being there. Also impressive was the behaviour of the children off the mat. Sitting without fidgeting is obviously more difficult for younger children, but the self-discipline which is absorbed as part of aikido training meant the kids were able to put their calmness skills to good use at an appropriate time. Well done nippers!!

There were three gradings from the aikikids in the next class. These children are aged between 8 and 12 years old. Tomi, Caitlin and Mena were all very confident and their efforts in preparation were displayed as they all graded to yellow tip. Nice technique done calmly and well. Not much more to say, except excellently done.

Jade Kendall was next up to grade. She had been training very hard in preparation for her grading to Junior Black Belt. This included attending several adult classes, including mid-week classes. She has developed into a very capable aikidoka, and very willing to put the work in to improve. Many adults are very impressed when training with her. Paul, Eric, Jonathon and Chris put some decent attacks together for her individual techniques and taninzugake, but she handled them all with ease. Jade was a little quiet in her counting during the weapons katas, perhaps as a result of shyness, but her movements were precise, and she did a very nice job. Last but not least was Jade's sanningake, and she didn't miss a beat, tossed her ukes around with abandon, and clearly enjoyed the experience. Congratulations Chris (our Aikiteens instructor) on another strong aikiteens grading, and thanks to the other instructors and fellow students who helped Jade prepare.

Steve Mitchell

2. Maruyama Sensei Seminar Byron Bay

Hi all,

I just want to start planting seeds in people’s heads about the upcoming Byron seminar, October 2-8 2009. In case you are not aware, our school (Aikido Yuishinkai) conducts an annual seminar where our school’s founder (Maruyama Sensei, the one in the photo in the right hand side of the dojo) comes out to Australia to teach. As you can imagine, this is a very special opportunity for everybody to learn directly from our most senior teacher.

What makes this year more special is that in addition to Maruyama Sensei, there will also be classes given by the two next most senior instructors under him: Michael Williams Sensei (the international chief instructor) and Okajima Sensei (who is Maruyama Sensei’s nominated successor). Also, this year sees the return of the seminar to Byron Bay dojo, a large, purpose built, Japanese-style dojo only 2 hours from Brisbane.

So effectively, the three most qualified teaches in our school will all be teaching at the school’s largest dojo, within a few minutes drive of some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches in the middle of spring, and you’re invited.

Moment to let that sink in…

Ok, so, sometime soon, I’d like to start getting an idea of the number students interested in attending this seminar whether you’d like to go for the whole week or just a session or two. As a club, we would like to make it easier for students to attend, whether that’s hiring a minibus or just facilitating car-pooling, so we need to get an idea of the number of people interested to work out what will be best (for you!).

If you haven’t thought about coming to a class or the whole seminar yet, please start giving it some consideration. There are too many benefits to list here. If you think you are too junior to attend, you’re not. If you are senior enough that you no longer think you’re too junior to attend, you should be attending. Even if it’s just one class.

And to help get us warmed up to the seminar headspace, we have Hashimoto Sensei returning for a weekend seminar at the end of July. Perfect timing to allow his own personal teaching to sink in but also to flow onto the longer seminar following.

So please start giving these events some thought, as the sooner you plan for them, the easier they will be to attend.

Paul

Also, More information is available at the following webpage about days and sessions -

http://www.aikidoyuishinkai.com/events.htm

At this stage, please register your interest with me over the next 2 weeks (the earlier the better of course) at steve@..., and also let me know whether you are taking your own vehicle, or would appreciate the club's assistance (minibus or carpool).

Steve Mitchell

3. Club Library

As some of you may be aware we have a club library which has an extensive range of Aikido books and DVD's. The library is available to members 5th Kyu (yellow belt) and above. Please come and see me if you would like to borrow anything.

Narelle Campbell

Shirin Mohebbi

Griffith Aikido Newsletter Editor

Email: shirin(AT)internode.on.net