Dear parents and students,

June 21st is the longest day of the year. It generally puts us in the middle of the year as well. As we greet and move into the summer months, it may seem surreal to once again bask in sunshine and summer activities.  Residual reminders of the past two years linger in the occasional person donning a mask. People are generally a little more cautious, and mindful. Reflecting on my own journey, lately there seems to be a familiar nostalgic feeling that takes me back to my high school days - a cheerful anticipation of impending potential coming to fruition.

This year, summer classes are being offered once again as I will be travelling in September. With the opportunity to travel again, I had promised my parents that we would take a trip to Singapore for them to spend some time with their siblings. We will return on October 6th, and classes will resume the following week, on Tuesday, October 11.

Time is moving on, and the inevitable is ever present. While the pandemic has brought some families closer together, it also drew some attention to one's mortality. This inevitability is a recurring theme that is reflected on during each and every Aikido Warriors' Camp. It is a reality that people in military service, and the samurai, are mindful of. When one is mindful of this, one makes different decisions in one's journey through life. For instance, just recently we discovered that a friend of ours had been told he had 12 hours to live. How would we react if we were told the same?

What does this have to do with Aikido, or the martial arts? It is wrapped up in the philosophy, focus, discipline, and practice of the art. The samurai lived in service to their shogun; ready to give their lives in duty. Being aware of one's mortality is humbling. For me, it reminds me to be perpetually grateful. It does not mean I don't gripe, feel discouraged, or disappointed. It does put a time limit to it, and I get up and keep moving forward. Life is too short. In fact, not knowing how short should make each day more meaningful, and purpose-full (hyphen intended). I am still learning; and each new day brings with it the opportunity to try again. The practice of discipline, in being mindful, and being decisive colour the nature of one's life, and one's approach to the practice of any (martial) art and discipline.

So, intend to have the best summer ever. Then receive, and accept whatever comes with a grateful and cheerful heart. 

PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO CLASSES FROM MONDAY, JUNE 26 to SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022.
Classes will resume from Tuesday, July 5th.

The next Grading Tests will be held on Tuesday, 19 July and Thursday, 21 July 2022.
Students who are ready will be invited to be tested.

Here is the schedule for the Summer Cycle.

SUMMER Cycle:
Tuesdays
5 pm: Youth Mixed Levels ( #81074) - July 5 to August 23, 2022 (8 classes)
6 pm: Adult Mixed Levels (#81072) - July 5 to August 23, 2022

Thursdays
5 pm: Youth Mixed Levels (#81075) - July 7 to August 25, 2022 (8 classes)
6 pm: Adult Mixed Levels (#81073) - July 7 to August 25, 2022

Aikido Warriors' Camp (#79456):
Monday to Friday, July 25 to July 29, 9 am to 3 pm.
- Please bring a water bottle filled with water, a snack, and a lunch each day of the camp.

Please click here to register for the classes.