Dear parents and students,

The sight of cherry blossoms once again peppers the Victorian landscape in such cheerful radiance. While spring seems to have been delayed, it has also been quite a busy few months for us to have really noticed the lag. In reality, we all have our own stories to live out, and easily forget how whilst we may influence and affect those around us, we each account for our own lives and decisions.

I have often shared that the approach I have taken in sharing Aikido is to empower and enrich the life of each student through discipline, being accountable, and learning respect. I also hope to pass on the philosophy and practice of Aikido to one or two who may one day take on the mantle of "sensei" as well. As Sensei, my role is not merely to instruct students to do A, B, or C. I find that mine is a responsibility that is similar to that of a parent who nurtures, mentors, and guides their children so that they may embody the attitude, character, resilience, fortitude, perseverance, courage, creativity, generosity, skills, and integrity to face life on their own. As parents, and families, we participate in an eternal succession program; passing on the values, attitude, knowledge, and skills from one generation to the next. And after as many grading-test like experiences that our children have in their lives growing up under our wings, as parents, we learn to let go and trust that our children will be alright when they embark on their own lives. It was interesting for my wife and I, then, that within a span of three months this winter, our children were married, and are now on their own. The proverbial band-aid being ripped off quickly.

The journey continues, nonetheless, and I am grateful to the students and families who have been with the dojo for these many years. I am also grateful to the many students who have assisted me in class over the years. I hope the experience was, and continues to be invaluable. Thank you for your kind, alert, and generous assistance in and around the dojo.

While the above years under the masthead reads 2003-2023, October 2003 was when I had begun laying the groundwork for Ueshiba Aikido here in Victoria. Classes began in earnest in March, 2004. So, it is always with gratitude that I share Aikido with you, as you have made the existence of Ueshiba Aikido in Victoria possible. Thank you for your interest in practicing Aikido.

Now please note: there are no classes, the week of Sunday, April 2nd to Monday, April 10.

Apart from my responsibilities as an Aikido Sensei, I am also Music Director and Parish Liturgy Coordinator for Sacred Heart Catholic Church - and the first week of April this year commemorate events that are the highlight in the church's Liturgical Calendar. As such, classes have not been scheduled during this week as I am involved in the preparation for the liturgical celebrations that will lead up to Easter Sunday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 11.

Here is the schedule for the Spring Cycles of 2023.

SPRING Cycle I: (No classes during Holy Week, Mon. April 3rd to Mon. April 10, 2023)
Tuesdays
5 pm : (# 88794) Youth Mixed Levels - March 7 to April 25, 2023
6 pm : (# 88776) Adult Mixed Levels - March 7 to April 25, 2023

Thursdays
5 pm : (# 88796) Youth Mixed Levels - March 9 to April 27, 2023
6 pm : (# 88792) Adult Mixed Levels - March 9 to April 27, 2023


SPRING Cycle II:
Tuesdays
5 pm : (# 88795) Youth Mixed Levels - May 2 to June 13, 2023
6 pm : (# 88787) Adult Mixed Levels - May 2 to June 13, 2023

Thursdays
5 pm : (# 88797) Youth Mixed Levels - May 4 to June 15, 2023
6 pm : (# 88793) Adult Mixed Levels - May 4 to June 15, 2023

Please click here to register.