The
Aikido Warriors' Camp
has been a regular Summer event since it began in the Summer of 2005.
It is a weeklong overview of Aikido practice and philosophy for the uninitiated,
and an intense
summer refresher for our regular students.
This year, in addition to our two regular camps at Gordon Head Recreation Centre again,
we were also fortunate to be able to share the programme at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre.
The camps
begin with morning warm-ups and a jog.
This provides a lovely light refreshing morning workout in the morning air,
and for the students to get used to moving around together.
Functioning and working as a team is one of the objectives
of the camps;
reinforcing the importance of being conscious of all
teammates, of teamwork,
and how every action and decision affects the whole.
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A team-game normally follows the jog, illustrating and reinforcing the importance of
working together, being mindful of one's team mates, working out strategies,
leading the team,
and delegating responsibilities. |
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Frisbee Game |
Capture the Flag |
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Fox and the Hen |
International Football (Soccer) |
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Daily practice included the observance of
Aikido etiquette and discipline.
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Practising the Bow |
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Discussing... |
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Being neat ... |
Reflecting ... |
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The importance of visualising and setting goals ... |
Talking about Aikido and O Sensei... |
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After the normal dojo warm-up, students
are then brought through basic unarmed
and weapons training.
Present students used the opportunity to refine
their technique and expand their understanding
of Aikido - especially as it applies in daily life.
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Dojo etiquette |
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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.
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Learning to listen... |
... engaging all the senses... |
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Practising centredness... |
... through calligraphy... |
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Inner focus, control ... |
... each stroke being decisive... |
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Learning to trust... |
... through "Trust Games" |
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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.
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After going around the pole, ... |
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... feeling breathless and dizzy... |
... then being calm to transfer beans using chopsticks. |
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Focus, balance, centredness, carrying an egg... |
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... remembering faces and names... |
Being alert and quick, in "Dog & the Bone".
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Students were also introduced to the idea of KI.
These exercises required students to be aligned
within themselves - balanced in mind, spirit and body.
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Being alert, with the "Wink" murderer on the loose. |
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Finding the Centre ... |
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Participants also practised multiple attacks.
These exercises demonstrated the importance of movement, centredness, and going with the flow.
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The camps ended
with a little demonstration,
along with the presentation of certificates.
Thanks and appreciation go to parents and students
for making the camps possible... and successful.
The attitude of your children is impressive.
Thank you for supporting their interest in Aikido.
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Aikido
Warriors' Camp July 2008 |
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Aikido Warriors' Camp @ Juan de Fuca Rec Ctr 2008 |
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Aikido
Warriors' Camp August 2008
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