< Click here for the Articles Webpage

Happy Anniversary once again to the Gordon Head School Aikido students! Aikido classes began at the school in March 2004; with grateful thanks to principal Mr Brent Kelly. Driving down roads lined with blossoming Cherry Blossom trees, its pink flowers illuminated by the sun, the sweet cool smell of Spring always brings a smile to my face. Although we had another mild winter here in Victoria, the changing season is always a treat to experience. As the days grow longer, and life comes back to the surrounding wildlife, the magnificence of existence never ceases to amaze. The surrounding majestic Olympic Mountain range and Mount Baker serve as constant reminders. In Spring, we also remember O Sensei, who passed away on April 26, 1969. The occasion is honoured annually by Doshu and Aikidoists at the Aiki Shrine in Japan. Spring brings rebirth and re-generation. Recently looking at all of you, I am pleasantly amazed at how many of you have gracefully matured. Your movements and technique have also improved. I watch my own children growing with similar nostalgia. Thank you so much for the gift of your presence, discipline, commitment and attention. In harmony, Rafael Oei Sensei. Ueshiba Aikido (Victoria)

in this issue Gradings The First UAV Ukemi Camp Power Vs Force Quick Links: Ueshiba Aikido Website The Glossary Page Back Issues Books Grading Structure   Founder of Aikido     Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei

Gradings

Grading Results

Congratulations to our students!

Gordon Head School Aikido Classes

Gordon Head Recreation Centre Aikido Classes

----------------------------------------------

Grading Tests

Grading Tests will now be conducted four times a year,
in November, February, May and August.

Students who are ready and eligible for grading will be invited to apply to be graded.

The next grading will be:

Children Beginners:
Thursday 11 May and
Friday 12 May 2006
during the 4pm class.

Children Intermediate:
Friday 12 May 2006
during the 5pm class.

Adults All Levels:
Tuesday 9 May and
Thursday 11 May 2006
during the classes.

No video recording or photography will be allowed during Grading Tests.

Click here for the syllabus: Grading Structure.

Back to Contents^

The First UAV Ukemi Camp

This year, Spring Break was special for 18 students who signed up for our very first Ukemi Camp. Held at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre on Thursday 16 March, the camp was only open to kyu-grade students, because the rigors of such a camp would include exercises that include rolling and breakfalling forwards and backwards. The art of Ukemi is essential in the practice of Aikido. To perform good ukemi, the practitioner has to be both sensitive and firm when engaging his partner.

As techniques are applied to the Uke (the person performing Ukemi) the ability to flow with the responding energy with balance and flexibility will safely lead the uke to a safe resolution in either a lock or a throw. This being their first experience, the participants bravely faced each session with enthusiasm. By the end of the day, the satisfaction of having survived the camp was reward enough. If anything, the students are now aware of the challenges inherent in performing "good ukemi". Photographs from the camp may be viewed at our online Photo Album.

Back to Contents^

As a Sensei of Aikido, my first duty is to ensure the safety of my students. Being non-aggressive, Aikido classes are conducted in a harmonious environment, repeating drills so that students internalise the movement and techniques in a peaceful manner. Because of this, thoughts of the effectiveness of Aikido techniques arise quietly in the student. This may occasionally surface when the student challenges his or her partner, or even their Sensei. Some just decide to leave the class altogether. When a student resists a technique that I am applying, the first instinct is to be gentle as one would be gentle with one's child. That is the covenant between the teacher and the student. This is sometimes taken as a technique's ineffectiveness. Aikido is Budo, as stated by the founder O Sensei. It is not a sport. And so, until the student learns to flow with the technique and be able to take good ukemi at high speed, the application of techniques will match the ability of the class and the students.

Part of Aikido practice includes the eventual development of personal wisdom. It is the same with any path one chooses. All philosophies and teachings will ultimately lead the sincere acolyte to an understanding that will be very profound and very personal. It reminds me of the many stories of students who seek martial art masters only to serve under them as a house or dojo servant for a number of years - seemingly not learning any tangible techniques. The mettle of the student is certainly tested. If a student goes the distance, with patience and trust, the journey often surpasses expectation.

"Doing without doing" is a famous Zen saying. "To be victorious even before the battle begins" is an expression O Sensei would use. Intention and beingness may not seem measurable or quantifiable. However, I came across a study that was actually made about this level of activity and its effects on the individual, the environment and the community. The book is titled "Power Vs Force" by Dr. David Hawkins. I am in no way promoting or endorsing the book. But if you are that way inclined, Dr. Hawkins provides, in his study, interesting data about personal inner development affecting external circumstances.

You don't need to use force in applying Aikido technique, but they are nonetheless effective and powerful. It has always been my knowing that the techniques are only as effective as the person who wields/applies them. That is why Aikido, as practiced in our dojos, begin with the person first - through discipline, etiquette and humility. As the student matures within, all the other aspects will fall into place.

With that I wish you a most wondrous Spring, and a meaningful Easter.
See you in class.

(� March 2005 : Rafael Oei)

Back to Contents^

< Click here for the Articles Webpage

To unsubscribe, reply to the sender and indicate "Unsubscribe please" in the Subject field.  Thank you.