| Dear
parents and students,
Thank you, once again, for another wonderful year of Aikido practice in 2012/13. Happy Summer!
I know how inundated we all are with the amount of emails one can receive, but I do hope you read our emails.
A Little Sharing
In our recent trip to California, a family member living there made a comment that caused me to reflect... Referring to his child who had since stopped practicing a martial art after attaining her black belt, and knowing that I teach Aikido, he said of course his child passed; they all do. As long as the test is paid for, students won't fail.
I wasn't sure how to respond. I am aware that some of my students only intend to attain a certain level in Aikido and then stop, having achieved their goal. To take for granted a student will pass just because the test fee had been paid was interesting. It did cause me to acknowledge that perhaps there are some parents who have a similar thinking with regard to our grading tests. In case you are wondering, so far in Victoria, I have only ever failed one student; and yes, the test fee was paid.
Anything worth their weight necessitates continuous practice and attention. It really is "Use It or Lose It". This is by no my way of marketing or enticing students to stay, claiming that Aikido takes a life-time to practice. If a student finds benefit in Aikido practice, I am grateful. If a student leaves, I wish them well and cherish the time spent together in the Dojo. However, although it may not be keenly aware by students who do not fully engage themselves in the etiquette and practice of Aikido, there will come a time when they will find it difficult to transition onto the next grade level. The attitude, culture, process and expectations are also referred to in a lovely little film "Jiro dreams of Sushi"; especially in the section on their sushi apprentices.
Can you imagine practising ukemi for three years, or just doing ikkyo through that same period of time?
In our Dojo, Dojo Leaders, Deshis or Apprentices are selected. During my 13years of apprenticeship under my sensei, we were expected to tend to our sensei, be alert to be of service at the drop of a hat, and when in their presence, to serve other senseis too. Being one of the seniors at the time, I brought him a drink after classes, served him before I served myself at meals, opened doors, and folded his hakama if asked. If he was busy with guests, food, drink and cake were set aside, then served to him when he was free to eat. Not because the sensei is almighty or to bolster his/her ego. It is in developing a spirit, habit and attitude of care, service, gratitude and appreciation - being given the opportunity to practice at respecting one's elders or teacher/sensei, knowing and experiencing its demands; then passing it on. It's interesting how in serving another, one realises what is expected of oneself as well.
We are part of a larger Aikido community. These expectations are not created by me. So congratulations, once again to Nicole Oei and Mitchell Gaucher who were presented with their official ShoDan Certificate, Passport and Yudansha Membership Card from Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Japan. Under my sensei, we only recognise Yudanshas certified by Aikikai Hombu Dojo.
Classes in July
During the summer, there will only be classes in July before we take a summer break in August.
School Age
Beginner 8-15yrs
537636 Tu Jul 02-Jul 23 5:00pm- 6:00pm 4/$45
537637 Th Jul 04-Jul 25 4:00pm- 5:00pm 4/$45
537638 F Jul 05-Jul 26 4:00pm- 5:00pm 4/$45
Intermediate 8-15yrs
537639 Th Jul 04-Jul 25 5:00pm- 6:00pm 4/$45
537640 F Jul 06-Jul 27 5:00pm- 6:00pm 4/$45
Aikido for kids 5-7yrs old
537642 Sa Jul 06-Jul 27 10am-10:45am 4/$41
537643 Sa Jul 06-Jul 27 11am-11:45am 4/$41
Aikido Adult - Mixed Levels
537634 Tu Jul 02-Jul 23 6:00pm- 7:00pm 4/$49
537635 Th Jul 04-Jul 25 6:00pm- 7:00pm 4/$49
There will only be one Aikido Warriors Camp this year.
532311 M-F Jul 8-12 9:00am- 4:00pm 5/$162
After August, classes will resume again from Tuesday 3 September.
As soon as I receive information about the scheduled classes for 2013/14, I will publish it.
Hombu Dojo Trip
Our next proposed and intended trip to Aikikai Hombu Dojo will be from May 16 to 25, 2014. If you wish to contribute to our "Trip to Hombu Dojo Fund", be reminded that we have an account with the Bottle Depot. Just say it is for "Ueshiba Aikido" or account 388. We have $183 in the fund at the moment.
As always, do visit our website (or FaceBook pages) and check our Notices for information and updates. To
keep our database current, please inform us if you have a change
of address, new email, or new contact numbers. If you have
any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Be safe, enjoy the sun, and we'll see you in the Dojo.
Have a most enjoyable Summer.
With
peace and harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
Ueshiba Aikido Victoria
© Ueshiba Aikido Victoria – OWH Industries: June
2013.
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