Ueshiba Aikido, Victoria Homepage
Aikido Warriors' Camps 2007
Gordon Head Recreation Centre
9 - 13 July 2007
13 - 17 August 2007
Facilitator: Rafael Oei Sensei.
Ueshiba Aikido Victoria

The Aikido Warriors' Camp
is in its third year.
Initially intended to provide an overview of Aikido practice and philosophy for the uninitiated,
it is also an intense summer refresher for present students.

This year, we were able to offer the camp twice at Gordon Head Recreation Centre again.

The camps typically begin with morning warm-ups and a jog.
The objective is to open with a nice, light refreshing workout in the morning air,
and for the students to get used to moving around as a group.
Functioning and working as a team is one of the objectives of the camps;
a reflection of the military legacy of the martial arts.

It reinforces the importance of being conscious of all teammates, of teamwork,
and how every action and decision affects the whole. "No one is left behind."

 
A team-game normally follows the jog, illustrating and reinforcing the need to
work together, being mindful of one's team mates, working out strategies,
leading the team, and delegating responsibilities.
 
Frisbee Game
Fox & the Hen
   
   
Soccer
Capture the Flag
   

Daily practice included the observance of
Aikido etiquette and discipline.
After the normal dojo warm-up, students
are then brought through basic unarmed
and weapons training.

Present students used the opportunity to refine
their technique and expand their understanding
of Aikido - especially as it applies in daily life.

   

   

   

   
   

Apart from technique,
the camps reinforced the importance
of developing oneself from the inside;
beginning with proper etiquette, respect,
discipline, self-reliance, accountability,
being responsible, and being
conscious of one's decisions and actions.

   
The importance of visualising and setting goals ...
... reinforced through puzzles...
   
 
Reflection...
   
Inner focus, control and centredness ...
...also revealed through calligraphy.
   

This year, knowing proper etiquette included
social etiquette (being in harmony with the community),
communication, and table manners
(including table setting).

Further exploring the meaning of Aikido in daily life;
harmonising with one's environment and
with others in everyday situations and settings.
Knowing and doing what is appropriate,
when it is appropriate.

   

Games served to reveal personal attitudes,
beliefs, and sowed the seeds of self-discovery...

... going beyond assumptions,
taking charge of one's responsibilities,
and being more sensitive to choices,
and others.

After going around the pole, feeling breathless and dizzy... then...
 
... threading a needle, trying to focus and be calm...
... even transferring items using chopsticks ...
 

Learning to be specific in thought, word and deed...
... through the experience of being unable to see...

 

... remembering faces and names...

Being alert and quick, in "Dog & the Bone".

   

Students were also introduced to the idea of KI.

These exercises required students to be aligned
within themselves - balanced in mind, spirit and body.

Participants also practised multiple attacks.

These exercises demonstrated the importance of movement, centredness, and going with the flow.

   
   
   

The camps ended with a little demonstration,
along with the presentation of certificates.

Thanks and appreciation go to parents and students
for making the camps possible... and successful.

The attitude of your children is impressive.

Thank you for supporting their interest in Aikido.

   

 

 

Aikido Warriors' Camp July 2007
 

Aikido Warriors' Camp August 2007

 

©™ 2003 - 2020: OWH Industries - Ueshiba Aikido : All Rights Reserved