< Click here for the Articles Webpage

Dear students and parents, Welcome back! I do hope you had a blessed Christmas and a meaningful New Year. 2007 was an eventful year with the success of our Pro-D Workshops, Aikido Warrior Camps, two workshops for Pacific Secondary, and our first public demonstration. There is alot to be thankful for as we look forward to 2008. As with life, "stick-to-it-tiveness" is so important in the Dojo, especially during those lull times when we seem to come up to a barrier, when the techniques seem difficult to execute, and practice seems pointless. St John of the Cross described these times as the "dark night of the soul". While not quite the same in this case, it is a similar experience for students who do despair, especially since they had started out studying Aikido with such verve and passion. These times are often the transition points between levels. The challenge of breaking on through to the next level, which is invariably more complicated and difficult. For gamers, it is parallel to the moment they are almost at the gateway to the next level of play, when the onslaught heightens and the player either endures or gives up and "crashes". While I have noticed the personal challenges that you face, I also notice many students showing marked improvement in their practice, technique and attitude in and around the Dojo. As we delve deeper in the year ahead, I look forward to sharing more with you, and taking many of you to the next level of your practice. Lastly, heartfelt thanks from my family and I to you, for all the cards, wishes and gifts we have received. You have all been most supportive and kind to us. You all remain most precious to us. See you in the Dojo. In harmony, Rafael Oei Sensei. Ueshiba Aikido (Victoria)

in this issue Pro-D Aikido Workshops Short Break in May Ueshiba Aikido Golf/Polo shirts Class Schedules Quick Links: Ueshiba Aikido Website The Glossary Page Back Issues Essentials Books Grading Structure   Founder of Aikido     Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei

Pro-D Aikido Workshops

Pro-D Aikido Workshops continue in this term, as a supplement to your regular Aikido classes. These half-day workshops are held at the Gordon Head Middle School

If you wish to sign up for the workshops, do register at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre reception counter, or online at http://recreation.saanich.ca/reconline/Start/

Back to Contents^

Short Break in May

If you have read the scheduled class dates in the Saanich Active Guide, you would have noticed that the cycle just before our regular annual break at the end of June has only 5 or 6 classes.

Please note that this is because there are no classes scheduled during the week of 19 May until 23 May.

I will be visiting Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan with my Sensei, from Saturday 17 May, returning on Sunday 25 May.

Notice, also, that there will NOT be our regular Ukemi Workshop during the Spring Break this year as it is Holy Week; with Good Friday and Easter following that weekend.

Back to Contents^

Ueshiba Aikido Golf/Polo Shirts

A series of shirts, jackets and hoodies (for the younger students) are now available.

These are in black with the (kanji) characters "Aikido" embroidered in gold on the left or right chest, and the words "Ueshiba Aikido, Victoria BC" embroidered on the sleeve.

The golf/polo shirt is $30, the hoodie is $28, and the jacket is $70.
You may view the shirts, jackets and hoodies on the website, or catch those who have already purchased their own.

If you are interested to order, please see Mrs Oei or send me an email.

Back to Contents^

Class Schedules

Gordon Head Rec Ctr

Scheduled classes at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre:

Winter Cycle (8 classes)

The highlighted column indicates a Grading Week.

Winter/Spring Cycle
(8 classes: 7 classes for Friday because of Good Friday)

Students who are in the following grade levels may enrol in the corresponding class(es).

If you are unable to make it for that class, do contact me and provisions will be made.
As far as possible, do try to enrol in the appropriate class to reap the best benefit from that class:

If you are 16 years and above, do consider enrolling in the Tuesday and/or Thursday Adult classes.

If you wish to also enrol in the 4pm classes to continue improving on your basic techniques, you are more than welcome to join us then.

Gordon Head Middle School

Aikido classes at Gordon Head Middle School will continue during lunch time on Mondays,
unless otherwise announced by Gordon Head Principal, Mr Kelly.

The recreation centre requires that all students be accounted for from the first lesson of each cycle.

As our Aikido programme is on-going, members of our dojo are encouraged to pre-registered for each new cycle.

Currently, students are reminded to register for each new cycle two weeks before the end of each cycle.
Typically, a cycle lasts two months. This year, there will only be three Grading Tests.

Post-dated cheques may be submitted to me or Mrs. Oei (Kathy).
The cheques are to be made payable to "Corporation of the District of Saanich".

Register at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre reception counter, or online at http://recreation.saanich.ca/reconline/Start/

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

Grading Tests

This year, there will be three Grading Tests;
in November, February, and June .

Please Note:

Students are required to practice at least 20hours for 12kyu to 9kyu, 30hours for 8kyu to 6kyu, 40hours for 5kyu, 50hours for 4kyu and 3kyu, 60hours for 2kyu and 70hours for 1kyu.

Practice hours, ideally, should be continuous uninterrupted practice. Hours are not cumulative over weeks or months of inactivity. This is necessary, as with all skills, to enable the student to refine and develop fluency in his/her knowledge, balance and technique in the art. If a student is absent for six months or more, the student will revert back to the level of white belt until the student demonstrates the ability to perform at his/her previous level.

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

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

Click here for the syllabus: Grading Structure.

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.