| It is the 19th Aikido Warriors' Camp!
Almost 20 years of summer Aikido camps.
As always, the focus for the Aikido Warriors' Camp is a weeklong overview of Aikido practice and philosophy,
and a journey of self-discovery for the participants.
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Each day
of the camp still begins with morning warm-ups and a short jog. |
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Each day began outside with warm ups... |
push ups... |
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... and a short jog, while... |
... singing songs in the fresh BC air. |
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The morning outdoor activities were intended for team building, and to reflect on the students' reactions
and responses to the games, and within their teams. Games can bring out one's "true self". |
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Team Building Games |
Focussing on the senses |
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Like the preceding years, the central theme
of the camps,
apart
from technique
and an overview of Aikido,
is the importance
of developing
one's
character and attitude
from the inside:
proper and appropriate
etiquette,
respect,
discipline,
self-reliance,
accountability,
being responsible,
and being
conscious
of one's decisions and actions.
Making decisions that
lead a person in the direction
of one's desired
outcomes in life
and in one`s life`s journey.
These are explored through
games,
and paired practice, and reflection.
Games seem to reveal and bring out one's (true) self... |
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This year, we played Musical Chairs, with a twist.
The first round was the normal game.
For the second round (photo not shown),
participants
were impeded
in their movement and posture
by a rope tied around their legs and neck:
forcing them to be bent over, and walking slower:
Illustrating the possible ravages of time, and procrastination. |
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Learning to listen, reflecting on etiquette, behaviour ... |
... philosophy, and life ... and working together. |
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Our usual Blindfold Obstacle Course,
to illustrate the importance of being clear
in the selection of words,
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...to mean what we say,
and say what we mean...
with our intentions; being aligned
in thought, word, and deed:
the importance of trust
and being trustworthy. |
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Team Games |
The Blanket Game (remembering names) |
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Chopstick Game: regaining .... |
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Calligraphy, making tangible...
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...discipline, character, attitude... |
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Puzzle Game - setting clear goals... |
Learning dojo etiquette and protocol... |
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Participants are also brought through basic Aikido movement, ukemi, and techniques |
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Experienced some basic Ki Exercises |
Directing one's focus and energy |
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Forward Rolls |
Finding one's centre, and visualising... |
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Kokyuho - Extending & Breathing |
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Bokken |
Jo |
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19th Aikido
Warriors' Camp 24 - 28 July 2023 |
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Thank you for a very meaningful week of Aikido practice!
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Grateful thanks also, to our helpers, Mrs. Gillam, and Mrs. Oei.
Be well, be safe, and stay healthy!
See you in the Dojo! |
