The Aikido Warriors' Camp
is an introduction to Aikido for the uninitiated, and intense summer training for present students.
This year, we were able to offer the camp twice: at the beginning of summer, and at the end.
This enabled families to enjoy their vacation time together,
while providing an opportunity for their children to attend either camp.

The camps typically began with morning warm-ups and a jog.
Moving, functioning and working as a team was one of the objectives of the camps.
This reflects the military legacy of the martial arts.
It also reinforces the importance of being conscious of one's team mates, teamwork,
and how every action and decision affects the whole. "No one is left behind."

 

Daily practice included basic unarmed
and weapons training, to give participants an overview
of Aikido practice.

For present students, it was an opportunity to extend
their weekly practice experience.

Apart from technique,
the camps reinforced the importance
of developing oneself from the inside;
beginning with proper etiquette, respect,
discipline, self-reliance, accountability,
being responsible, and being
conscious of one's decisions and actions.

Games served to reveal personal attitudes,
beliefs, and sowed the seeds of self-discovery...

... going beyond assumptions,
taking charge of one's responsibilities,
and being more sensitive to choices,
and others.

An introduction to calligraphy illustrated the skill
and centredness involved in such disciplines:
revealing the importance of arts such as calligraphy,
flower arrangement, music, painting, and so on...
in the life of a samurai - leading an educated,
disciplined, focused, balanced,
and committed life that was purposeful.
The swordsmanship revealed in the strokes of the brush.

This translated into the output of daily work and studies
that reveal the focus and attitude of the student.

Students were also introduced to the idea of KI.

These exercises required students to be aligned
within themselves - balanced in mind, spirit and body.

Translated to daily life,
this includes being aligned in thought, word and deed.
Being people of integrity,
in harmony within oneself, with the environment
and with one's community.

Participants also practised multiple attacks;
perhaps a new experience for the uninitiated.

Although just an introduction, these exercises
demonstrated the importance of movement,
centredness, and going with the flow.

As always, the camps ended
with a little demonstration,
along with the presentation of certificates.

Heartfelt thanks and appreciation
to parents and students
for making the camps possible... and successful.

I am impressed by the attitude of your children,
and of their progress...
Thank you.

 

 

Aikido Warriors' Camp August 2006