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Dear parents and students, Spring is always such a lovely season. It brings the promise of new beginnings. What a beautiful experience it is, to drive through streets lined with blossoms on both sides. Gardens suddenly spring into colourful life, and life seems a little brighter. With Spring Break being two weeks this year, we were able to have our regular Ukemi Workshop, and our first Spring Break Aikido camp. Thank you for making that a success. Congratulations to students who went through their Grading test in February. Each level brings you closer to self-sufficiency, more responsibilities, and hopefully a better understanding of yourself. It is always a joy to see each and everyone slowly develop, grow, and transform. Happy 6th Anniversary to students from Gordon Head School. Ueshiba Aikido classes first began in Victoria on March 1st, 2004, at the then Gordon Head Elementary School, with kind permission from Principal, Mr Brent Kelly. Grateful thanks, always, Mr Kelly. Please remember that there will be no classes from 30 March to 3 April, that being Holy Week. It will give those involved in church an opportunity to prepare for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Sunday. Our annual potluck and Aikido demonstration this year will be on Friday 18 June, from 5pm. Students will arrive at 4pm to prepare to receive guests at 5pm. This year, we plan to have a hot dog barbeque, so do keep that day free for an evening of Aikido demonstrations and fellowship. I will send you more details closer to the event. As always, do contact me if you have any questions or if you need clarification about anything. Wherever possible, if you are unable to attend classes, do let us know, and make up classes can be arranged. It is wonderful to have you journey with me on this peaceful martial art. May you have an enriching Spring season. See you in the Dojo. With peace and harmony, Rafael Oei Sensei. Ueshiba Aikido (Victoria)

in this issue February Grading Results Pro-D Aikido Workshops 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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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 13kyu 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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Pro-D Aikido Workshops

The next Pro-D Day Aikido Workshop will be on Friday, 23 April.
The fee for each workshop is $34.

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/

ToPics for each workshop are subject to change. If you have your own weapons, please bring them along; especially for the Jo & Bokken workshops.

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Class Schedules

Aikido for kids and for families

Family Classes are held on Saturdays, from 10am to 11am.
Aikido classes for the 5 to 7 year olds, 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.

Winter/Spring Cycle

Family classes: Code no: 358029 (8 classes/$160)
Aikido for kids: Code no: 358013 (8 classes/$58)

Please Note : No class on April 3 - Easter Saturday

Spring Cycle

Aikido for kids: Code no: 358014 (6 classes/$43)

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.

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Gordon Head Rec Ctr

Scheduled classes at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre - Bert Richmann Building:

Winter/Spring Cycle

Children's classes (8/$75)
Code no: 358008 : Thu 4pm
Code no: 358009 : Thu 5pm
Code no: 358010 : Fri 4pm
Code no: 358011 : Fri 5pm

Adult's classes (8/$85)
Code no: 359504 : Tue 6pm
Code no: 358034 : Thu 6pm
Women's only class: Code no: 358033 : Wed 7:10pm

Shaded blocks : Holy Week - No Classes

Scheduled classes at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre - Bert Richmann Building:

Spring Cycle

Children's classes (6/$56)
Code no: 358015 : Thu 4pm
Code no: 358016 : Thu 5pm
Code no: 358017 : Fri 4pm
Code no: 358018 : Fri 5pm

Adult's classes (6/$65)
Code no: 359505 : Tue 6pm
Code no: 358035 : Thu 6pm
Women's only class: Code no: 358039 : Wed 7:10pm

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.

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.

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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Ueshiba Aikido Golf/Polo t-shirts

A series of shirts, jackets and hoodies are available.
During our trip to Hombu Dojo, Japan, we will be putting the polo shirt and/or hoodies on for uniformity.

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.

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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