Griffith Shukan News

Thursday, 25^th June 2009

CONTENTS:

1. Griffith Aikido Planning Day – This Saturday 27/6/09

2. Misogi Bell Meditation This Saturday with Jim Nicholls Sensei

3. Gradings At Everton Hills Dojo

1. Griffith Aikido Planning Day – This Saturday 27/6/09

Griffith University Aikido Club

Planning Day

2pm – 6pm Saturday 27 June 2009

The Planning Day Session will be held this weekend at the Dojo from 2pm-6pm. Please note that Steve Dows has cancelled his weapons class. There will be nibblies and a couple of drinks. Absolutely all members are welcome.

We would love to see a range of club members attend from white belts through to seniors. A range of ideas will assist in clarifying our culture and further developing the fun & involved club we have today with Griffith Aikido.

Thank you to the many members have already shared their thoughts and ideas. This is a fantastic sign towards a successful planning session.

Agenda

1. Introduction

2. Update by President – Business Goals

2. Review Mission Statement & Vision for Griffith Aikido Club

3. Define Culture of Griffith Aikido Club

4. Explore Budo vs Western Dojo culture

5. Define values and behaviours that support this culture

6. Develop Action plan 

If you have any questions regarding the planning day let me or any of the exec members know.  

Look forward to seeing you there.

Fleur Scott

2. Misogi Bell Meditation This Saturday with Jim Nicholls Sensei

Jim Nicholls Sensei from Goshinkan Dojo Byron Bay Aikido Club will be teaching us verbal Meditation this Saturday at Nathan Dojo. He will also be doing Misogi bell Meditation. I highly recommend that everyone attend this event regardless of level of aikido experience.

Details are:

10:30am-11:30am Verbal Aikido with Jim Nichols Sensei
11:30-12 Misogi Bell Meditation

followed by lunch and the club planning meeting.

3. Gradings At Everton Hills Dojo

Over the past two weeks there has been a series of gradings at Everton Hills Dojo, two Adults and four Aikikids.

Firstly, Josh Howie did his 7^th Kyu Grading. Josh has hearing and speech impairments so we teach by sign language, writing short notes and by “showing” so that Josh can feel differences between the “right” and “wrong” ways to do techniques. Josh did a fine grading and we are full of admiration for his achievement.

Fiach Antaw and Connor Woolley were next doing their Yellow Level and Orange Level respectively. Fiach is 16 and Connor is 8 and both are keen students who apply themselves well. That really showed in their gradings which were both excellent. Special mention must be made of Noah Mirosch who did a great job as uke for both Fiach and Connor.

Georgia Neilsen did her Green Level Grading to become our highest ranked Aikikid. Her grading deserved that top billing as Georgia showed fine techniques. I regularly use Georgia to demonstrate techniques for the class and am eagerly looking forward to seeing her move to the next level.

Our second Adult, Alan Barr, did a great 6^th. Kyu Grading. Alan is showing marked improvement in his understanding of Aikido principles and that reflects in some lovely techniques.

Lastly, Harry Neilsen, who only turned five last month, did his Yellow Level Grading. Harry used to come along to watch Georgia and couldn’t wait to start himself. He did a wonderful job and some nice techniques in his grading.

I would like to pay tribute to Craig who does so much to help me run Everton Hills Dojo. He provided “intensive” sessions for Josh and Alan leading up to their gradings and many others before that. He also assists at the Saturday morning Aikikids classes. I would also like to thank Michelle and David for being there to help me set up and also assist with Aikikids classes. Darren, Neil and Anna regularly help with Aikikids classes, too, and that is greatly appreciated. With the range of ages and experience levels all that assistance really allows me to pass on more to the Aikikids.

In closing, I would like to thank all my students for the enthusiasm and enjoyment you bring to training. Working with you all is truly rewarding.

Rod Sensei

Shirin Mohebbi

Griffith Aikido Newsletter Editor

Email: shirin(AT)internode.on.net