Dear parents and students,

Another Spring solstice, this year falling on 20 March. Interesting how time reveals itself to each of us in various ways; the passing of a family member, the growth of a child by another inch, children embarking on new careers or on the verge of another phase of life, celebrating achievements and learning from oversights... Fleeting moments that we try to capture in various ways, a song, a poem, a journal, a blog, on YouTube, a home video recording, or a photograph. A smile or a hug that lingers in memory. It is also heartening to see so many 'old' students returning to continue their practice. It is wonderful to see you in the Dojo again.

As we continue our Aikido practice, we continue to focus on developing and working from a conscious awareness of our beingness, to respond with clarity from a point of confidence and comfortable stability; regardless of what is thrown at us physically, verbally, or mentally.

We are grateful for the positive response our new Saturday beginners' class has received. Mainly for 8years and 11 Kyu students and above, the 9am Saturday class is ideal for students who are not able to attend the weekday beginner classes. I am hopeful that we will be able to continue to offer this class in July and in the Fall.

Thank you, also, for all your donations of bottles and items for a garage sale to raise funds to subsidize our trips to Japan. An account for "Ueshiba Aikido" has been opened with Bottle Depot. So if you would like to support our trips to Japan, just tell the staff at Bottle Depot that the bottles you are returning are for Ueshiba Aikido.

As we had begun a little late, we may not be able to organise a trip to Hombu Dojo this year. This is a little unfortunate as Aikikai Hombu Dojo is celebrating 50 years of their Embukai at the Budokan. However, whatever funds collected from the Bottle Depot and garage sale(s) will be kept for subsequent pilgrimage opportunities to the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.

Congratulations to Nicole Oei, who received her first dan (ShoDan) from my sensei in December; the first ShoDan for our Victoria Dojo. We look forward to Mitchell receiving that opportunity soon as well. With our students maturing and attaining higher grade levels, more exciting times and practice lie ahead for these students. For the select few, I have also been able to begin our Deshi programme. This programme is similar to an apprenticeship to nurture and develop leaders in our Dojo, some being assistants, others becoming instructors, while a few may be selected to take on the responsibility of one day becoming a sensei.

Our Annual Aikido Demonstration and Potluck will fall on Friday 15 June, to celebrate the end of another academic year. Needless to say, it is a fun evening with all our students demonstrating the level of their progress and gathering to have a hearty meal with friends and family after; a great opportunity to get to know each other.

After the potluck, there will be a two week break as Gordon Head Recreation Centre closes for its usual maintenance, and students round up their school year with parties and exams. The summer programme will be in July for a month. This year, apart from our regular classes, we will only have one Aikido Warriors' Camp. There will be lots of the familiar favourites while I also cater the programme to our more senior students. More details will follow in the Summer edition of this Newsletter.

Thank you being prompt with your registrations, and keeping me informed when you are unable to make it for classes so that make up classes can be arranged. Thanks, also, if you are on the yearly registration programme. I trust that you have found that option convenient.

As always, do visit our website (or FaceBook pages) and check our Notices for information and updates. And to keep our database current, please inform us if you have a change of address, new email, or new contact numbers. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Your support, interest, dedication, and encouragement are deeply appreciated. It has been such a fruitful journey. Your progress is inspiring. It is a joy to share and practice Aikido with you. Have a most enjoyable and pleasant Spring.

See you in the Dojo.

With peace and harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
Ueshiba Aikido Victoria
© Ueshiba Aikido Victoria – OWH Industries: March 2012.