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Griffith Shukan News
Friday, 28th August 2009
CONTENTS:
1. Aikikids Grading This Saturday
2. Video Tasters of Sensie's for October Seminar
3. Transport For Byron Seminar
1. Aikikids Gradings This Saturday
Hi Mums and Dads,
We have already held some gradings last Saturday. Several of the children in the nippers class were somewhat challenged by the grading and rather distracted despite plenty of preparation - I'm assuming it was the heat. As it says in our parents booklet, the gradings are not an exam, and they are not pass/fail. They are a demonstration of proficiency, and how they go in their preparation, including attitude and application, is very important. They are assessed as ready to grade before the grading and are considered to have met the requirements. The instructors take care to ensure the kids are proficient and ready for grading. Sometimes heat, or nerves, or tiredness and perhaps all three, can get the better of kids (and adults for that matter) in a grading. The point is that they are already at that level, and that they want to grade well and show their skill, and are willing to do the preparation.
I'd like to encourage newly joined kids (white-belts) and their Mums and Dads/Carers to attend the gradings and simply watch, and support classmates from off the mat. It's a good opportunity for kids and parents to see the progression through the grades and the level of skills the children develop. Kids who have been coming for a while should attend even if they are not grading. It shows support for their classmates as they grade, and the children grading also need partners. The support is very much appreciated by those grading. There are usually more children attending than can be chosen as a partner, but the same support shown by children to others is then returned when they grade.
Kids love their new belts, naturally. The club has an arrangement with RMR Martial Arts Supplies at Mt Gravatt (across Logan Rd from Garden City) in which they provide our members with a 15-20% discount on belts, uniforms and equipment. Just pick up a discount card (it's got directions on the back) from Mark at the dojo.
See you on Saturday.
Steve Mitchell
2. Video Tasters Of Sensie's for October Seminar
As we’ve been hearing more about the national seminar coming up in just 5 or 6 weeks, I thought it would be good to find a couple of short videos of 2 of the senseis teaching (I don’t know of any footage of Okajima senei, the 3rd teacher at the seminar)
The first video is of Maruyama Sensei, the founder of our style in Hobart last year. His seminars always include a mix of ki exercises, general technique and weapons. As the clip shows, he is a very calm and relaxed teacher.
The second 2 are of Michael Williams Sensei, the international cheir instructor. The video is in the dojo at Byron where he used to live and teach and where the seminar will be this year. Williams Sensei has taught many of the more senior students in our club and was actually the person who started Griffith aikido in 1981. Having Maruyama Sensei and him teach at his home dojo in Byron always attracts a very friendly crowd of people to train with.
The first video is of some nice gentle aikido technique, the second is some faster paced jo technique at a demonstration held at the same dojo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-64V3iQCoOs&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrwlaKBmzPs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0LzCu3H5xo&feature=related
So if you find any of these interesting, you should consider joining us for some or all of the seminar in October (details here: http://www.aikidoyuishinkai.com/events.htm)
Paul
3. Transport For Byron Seminar
Hi guys,
For the national seminar happening in Byron Bay in October, I’m collecting details of people who are interested in car-pooling for the trips down and back.
If you are driving down at some point and have a spare seat you’re happy to have filled or if you want to head down but you need a lift, please send me an email or or see me before/after class so I can compile some details.
Essentially, I need to know:
When you are leaving
When yo are returning
Do you need a lift or are you offering a lift
How many spare seats do you have
If you haven’t previously thought about car-pooling, give it some consideration. As the seminar is during school holidays, petrol is likely to be more expensive so splitting the bill will cut the cost quite a lot. Also, I’ve found that I’ve had many a valuable insight from the post seminar conversations in the car on the way home. It’s the perfect time to debreif and compare notes and get something from other people’s experiences rather than just mulling over things in your own head.
So if you know for certain when you are leaving/returning etc and you want to be included in the car-pooling, let me know and I’ll add you to the list.
Paul
0432 780 369
Shirin Mohebbi
Griffith Aikido Newsletter Editor
Email: shirin(AT)internode.on.net
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