Dear parents and students,
Every year, as a family, we look forward to the shortest day of the year; and that is December 21st. As soon as we go over that crest, we know that the days will get longer, and the season is changing. No doubt the 21st heralds the start of Winter, but it also brings with it tidings and feelings of longer and warmer days ahead.
At the beginning of December, a Sho Dan (1st Dan) test was conducted for one of our students. Congratulations to Emi Yokokawa. It is always special as it marks the beginning of a more refined journey in Aikido, where the student is now conversant with all the 'basic' techniques, and is now embarking on a deeper understanding of the flow of Aiki and of harmony. It is certainly a milestone in the journey of the student. While some may consider obtaining a Sho Dan as a goal to attain, as in 'at the end of a journey', it really is, as O Sensei also states (as many other martial artistes do), the beginning.
How, then, does a kyu level student take this, if one's practice of Aikido does not truly begin until one reaches Sho Dan? Is it a money-making ploy to extend one's enrolment for classes? Is it a strategy to keep class enrolments?
I have always encouraged students on their Aikido journey and warn them that even at a low kyu-grade level, one can defend oneself and hurt an assailant should they apply any basic or rudimentary technique on them. In all seriousness, should one be attacked, even an advanced student of Aikido will find they will apply the more straightforward techniques rather than anything fancy or complicated. An irimi-nage will be an irimi-nage. An ikkyo will be an ikkyo. Shiho-nage will be Shiho-nage.
Consider this: Canada's Royal Conservatory of Music has 10 Grade Levels of examinations. The Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music, London, has only eight levels.
Does a student need to go through all the levels in order to play the musical instrument of their choice? No. By Grade Three, most students should be able to play reasonably well, and read from a music score sufficiently well. Will they be able to play or perform (on the piano) Chopin's Fantasy-Impromptu, or Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata? Perhaps. Will they deliver a mature, nuanced performance with all the understanding and dexterity of a Grade 10 RCM student or a Grade 8 ABRSM student, and above? Probably not.
Just as Advent is a time of preparation, a time of renewal, stripping what is unnecessary, of being patient, and to wait with quiet anticipation of what is coming: we journey with trust and diligent practice to refine our knowledge and skills... and stay steady on course.
Here is the schedule for the Winter and Spring Cycles of 2026.
Winter Cycle I
Tue: 6 Jan to 17 Feb
#151290: 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 7 classes
#151288: 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 7 classes
Thu: 8 Jan to 19 Feb
#151415: 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 7 classes
#151408: 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 7 classes
Winter Cycle II
Tue: 24 Feb to 24 Mar
#151412: 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 5 classes
#151405: 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 5 classes
Thu: 26 Feb to 26 Mar
#151416: 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 5 classes
#151409: 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 5 classes
Spring Cycle I
Tue: 7 Apr to 28 Apr
#151413: 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 5 classes
#151406: 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 5 classes
Thu: 9 Apr to 30 Apr
#151417: 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 5 classes
#151410: 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 5 classes
Spring Cycle II
Tue: 5 May to 9 Jun
#151414: 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 5 classes
#151407: 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 5 classes
Thu: 7 May to 11 Jun
#151418: 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 5 classes
#151411: 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 5 classes
No classes from 31 March to 3 April (Holy Week & Easter Weekend)
Please click here to register.
Click here for the 2025/2026 Class Calendar
To supplement your dojo practice, you can read some of my thoughts on Aikido in the e-Reflections.
Feel free to forward any questions you may have, or if you need any clarification.
Thank you for your presence, interest, and dedication to practising Aikido this past year.
Without you and your families, there wouldn't be an Ueshiba Aikido dojo here in Victoria. Thank you.
Have a most meaningful and blessed Christmas, and a healthy, joyful, and prosperous New Year!
See you in the dojo!
With gratitude and blessings,
Yours in Aiki,
Rafael Oei Sensei
Ueshiba Aikido Victoria
© Ueshiba Aikido Victoria: December 2025 |
