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Dear parents and students, Thank you for a wonderful start to 2009. Although Spring has been struggling to blossom, we did have some wonderfully sunny moments over the last few weeks. It is certainly always sunny and pleasant in the Dojo. 2008 was another eventful year with the introduction of classes for children under 7, the now regular Pro-D Workshops which remains a steady success, and three Aikido Warrior Camps for the first time during summer last year. This year, we are looking into adding a fourth Aikido Warrior Camp, and a class for the senior citizens in our community. Watching the students grow and mature is such a precious experience. The senior students are approaching a crucial level in their practice where many of the techniques and movements have to be refined, polished, and internalised. While many students have come and gone, each meeting and connection made invariably influences and alters one's life and experience. It is certainly a pleasure to have connected with so many families. I am very grateful to, and acknowledge the assistance of, my lovely wife who has been instrumental in connecting with you. You have not seen her as often during the weekday classes as she has to work afternoons now. She does miss interacting with you, and sends her warmest wishes. Although we practice surrounded by students, family and friends, working on techniques in pairs and in groups, Aikido practice remains a very personal journey. It can get lonely, especially when you feel lost and confused. When that happens, ask for clarification and help. We gather in the Dojo to practice and learn.  Even me, as your Sensei, am still learning and practicing. Continue to work with your partner, to help the both of your understand and improve each technique. When you help others, you help yourself too. Please note that there will be NO CLASSES during Holy Week, from Monday 6 April to Saturday 11 April. Classes will resume on Tuesday 14 April. Do continue to refer to the website for information, announcements, and the schedule. Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to you for your interest in Aikido, and for all your support and encouragement. My family and I wish you a most meaningful Easter. Have a glorious Spring! See you in the Dojo. In harmony, Rafael Oei Sensei. Ueshiba Aikido (Victoria)

in this issue February Grading Results Pro-D Aikido Workshops ECA Forms & Invitation to volunteer Class Schedules Ueshiba Aikido Golf/Polo shirts Quick Links: Ueshiba Aikido Website The Glossary Page Back Issues Essentials Books Grading Structure   Founder of Aikido     Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei

February Grading Results

Congratulations to students who Graded in February!

Gordon Head Recreation Centre Aikido Classes

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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

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ECA Forms & Invitation to volunteer

With many of our students advancing into middle school and high school, please feel free to approach me if you need me to endorse any extra-curricular or physical activity forms.

If your child needs to fulfill hours of volunteer service, I invite you to apply to assist in our children under 7 class on Saturdays, and our Aikido Warriors' Camps during summer.

Please email me your request, and I will make the selection. Space is very limited, so do remember to email your request in advance. I will schedule according to the duration of each class cycle and the number of requests I receive.

The Saturday childrens' class is on-going, and the first warriors' camp will begin early in July.

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Class Schedules

Kids under 7 Class @ Gordon Head Middle School

Aikido classes for the 5 to 7 year olds are on Saturdays from 11:15am to 12noon.

Classes will be at the Gordon Head Middle School Dance Studio.
As space is limited, do sign up soon if you are interested. Classes will be limited to only 10 students.

Spring Cycle
Code no: 281645 (7 classes/$47)

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

If you have any queries, feel free to contact me at 250-818-0284, or email me at rafoei@shaw.ca.

Gordon Head Rec Ctr

Scheduled classes at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre:

Spring Cycle (8 classes)

Children's classes (8/$70)
Code no: 281553 : Thu 4pm
Code no: 281554 : Thu 5pm
Code no: 281555 : Fri 4pm
Code no: 281556 : Fri 5pm

Adult's classes (8/$79)
Code no: 283849 : Tue 6pm
Code no: 283850 : Thu 6pm

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 break on Mondays.
Grateful thanks to Gordon Head Principal, Mr Kelly,
for his continued support of providing this programme for his students.

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/

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Grading Tests

This year, there will be four Grading Tests;
in November, February, May, and August.

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
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.

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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.

Adults:
Golf/polo shirt: $30.
Hoodie: $48.
Jacket is $70.

Youth:
Golf/polo shirt: $28.
Hoodie: $40.

There are also UAV T-shirts ($15) available, with original art by Rafael Oei Sensei.

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.

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