Ueshiba Aikido Website
�� 2003 - 2005: OWH International - Ueshiba Aikido : Victoria, Canada
All Rights Reserved
e-Newsletter: ISSN 1712-235X
Summer 2005
< Click here for the Articles Webpage

A warm welcome to students new to our dojo! Welcome to your first e-Newsletter.

First, I would like to thank my student, Eugene Seng, and his family for visiting me all the way from Singapore. It is always special when a student visits a teacher. For students here in Victoria, it was a treat as I was able demonstrate advanced variations of techniques with the presence of one of my regular Ukes from Singapore.
It was really good to see you and practice with you again, Eugene. Thank you for your kind visit.

The bond between student and teacher in Aikido grows through the journey they take together. In traditional dojos, this develops through unquestioning respect, discipline and trust in the guidance of the Sensei. Austere traditions of master and disciple are often frowned upon in "modern" societies as being too harsh or severe; resulting in some martial arts becoming more liberal in their teaching. However, what is often overlooked is the importance of discipline in the tempering of one's ability to concentrate in order to focus. To consciously focus one's energy takes practice and effort. In an age where there is a proliferation of information, there seems to be a scientific explanation for everything. And so, it has become so easy to rationalise and find excuses not to work at being disciplined, or to discipline when it is needed.

Similarly, good behaviour and respect towards one's sensei and fellow students are expected in martial arts. Students are expected to behave the same way at home with one's family, in the work environment or at school - with self-discipline, respect, proper behaviour and honour. These eventually transform into sincere gestures and feelings of appreciation, not mere mechanical displays of good behaviour, when understanding enlightens the student's mind. That is practising the martial way in one's daily life.

The very terms "martial art" involves the serious undertaking of rigorous disciplined training to attain proficiency in the studied martial form. It will involve repetitive drills and exercises that are necessary. As my sensei would often remind us, the actual experience of Aikido in action begins after obtaining one's "Shodan" or First Degree Black Belt. Until then, everything is preparation.

As such, I am glad of your progress and appreciate your dedication and interest in Aikido. It is not an easy art to perform and understand. Thank you for being patiently persistent in learning Aikido, and for following the strict discipline and etiquette practiced in Ueshiba Aikido Dojos. Thanks especially to the parents, for supporting your child's interest in Aikido.

This summer, if you are not away on vacation, you'd be pleased to know that regular adult and children's classes will continue through July and August, at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre. I have also organised summer camps for children and youth interested in learning more about Aikido. Details are included in this newsletter. The camps will be more intensive than the sessions we had last summer, so I am as excited about it as I am sure you are.

I am also happy to announce that we now have an Intermediate Class for children on Fridays, beginning at 5pm, at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre. Thank you, Diane Andiel, Jason Jones and Jennifer Halfhide of Gordon Head Recreation Centre for making this possible.

As you enjoy the Summer, do be safe and drink lots of water. It is so easy to be dehydrated and suffer from heat-stroke while enjoying yourself in the sun. Part of Aikido training is to be consciously aware of yourself and your environment; to be wise; and to be safe. So be alert while you have fun.

Have a lovely summer!

In harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.

4th Dan Aikikai Hombu Dojo
Ueshiba Aikido (Victoria)


in this issue
Congratulations
Aikido Warriors Camp
Intermediate Classes
A Simple Introduction

 
Founder of Aikido
 
 
Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei
 

Congratulations

To our students who have obtained the following levels:

Adult Grading: 20 May 2005
6 Kyu:
Stuart Brown

Children's Grading: 26 April 2005

12 Kyu: 11 Kyu: 10 Kyu:
Celina Chan Jasmine Liu Ciara Johnston
Kristina Lee   Sharon Lam
Rose-Lynn Savage   Nicole Oei

Children's Grading: 31 May 2005

12 Kyu: 11 Kyu:
Jenni Lam Jade Fang
  Ryan Sadlemyer
  Andrew Sharon

Children's Grading: 10 June 2005

12 Kyu: 10 Kyu:
Imran Isnail Jasmin Brown
Malcolm McLaren  
Matthew McLaren  
Rhys Abbott  
Ian Weber  

Back to Contents^


Aikido Warriors' Camp & Junior Warriors' Camp

Junior Warriors Camp (ID no.: 156537)
Monday to Friday, August 8 – 12 (9 - 13 yrs)

Aikido Warriors Camp (ID no.:156538)
Monday to Friday, August 22 – 26 (14 - 16 yrs)

Both camps are from 9 am to 4pm.
Please register with the Gordon Head Recreation Centre.
Tel: 475-7100
Or register online www.saanich.ca (RecOnline) and quote the ID number.


This camp will highlight basic Aikido unarmed and weapons techniques, and the importance of ukemi – the art of receiving and falling. The programme includes an introduction to Aikido, etiquette, and calligraphy and swordsmanship. Come experience the principles of Budo – the path of the warrior.


ATTIRE
Please come prepared for a short jog to start the day.
Participants will have time to change into their keiko-gi (dogi), or practice attire, after the jog.

PLEASE BRING:
A face towel (bath towel optional).
A packed lunch.
Plain water (best for thirst quenching). No pop, soda or carbonated drinks please.
There is a water cooler available for you to replenish your water bottle.

EXPECT
To take instruction, be alert, perspire, and to experience the discipline of a martial artist.

I'm looking forward to sharing Aikido with you at the camp.

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Intermediate Classes for Children

We now have an Intermediate Class for Children on Fridays.

Children's Intermediate Class (ID no.:175329)
Fridays, 5pm, July 8 – August 26
Please register with the Gordon Head Recreation Centre.
Tel: 475-7100
Or register online www.saanich.ca (RecOnline) and quote the ID number.

Beginner's and Intermediate Classes for Children,
as well as Beginner's Classes for Adults will continue through the summer.
Do register for the classes if you will be around this summer.

If you are uncertain as to which class you should be attending, please ask Sensei.

Back to Contents^


A Simple Introduction

Let Me Tell You About My Aikido Class is a simple introduction to Aikido that I wrote for early readers.

Colourfully illustrated, children are introduced to some of the basic movements and techniques in Aikido.

The book is available at Bolen Books (Hillside Mall) and Kata Trading (Herald Street).

Back to Contents^

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Ueshiba Aikido 1576 Burnley Place Victoria British Columbia V8N 5A5 Canada
Rafael Oei Sensei . Voice: (250) 818-0284 . Email: rafoei@shaw.ca

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�� 2003 - 2005: OWH International - Ueshiba Aikido : All Rights Reserved