Dear parents and students,

Congratulations to students who just completed their grade level test in February. Embarking on the next level will bring new challenges, while familiar routines will have to be viewed with fresh eyes to apply it at the next level. As you encounter the next level, try to capture the little details that make up each movement and technique. This is like being mindful of each decision and action made at each moment that will determine what transpires next.

To help develop this awareness, be alert and present to your partner during class. Try not to talk or discuss each technique all the time. Practice at focussing on your partner and every move that is being made, or not made. Practice at remaining calm right up to and through your partner's attack. Being anxious about each attack causes unnecessary apprehension and anticipation about something that may not unfold into what was feared or expected. In one's daily life, this may be like being called to the Principal's or Director's office. "Dying a thousand deaths" through worrying about "why" or "what is this about?". To wait upon the moment to respond without overly anticipating is still a challenge, even for me. Practice at being patient while being fully prepared to receive and calmly respond to whatever comes.

Spring Break is upon us again. We certainly can be thankful for a mild Winter. Classes will continue through the break. If you are going away, you are welcome to come for make-up classes. Do let me know beforehand.

Please refer to the website for class dates and times. Here is the link, for your convenience: Notices

The bottle drive continues, to raise funds to subsidize our proposed trips to Japan. If you would like to contribute to the fund, just mention "Ueshiba Aikido" at Bottle Depot when your are recycling your bottles.

As another Academic Year comes to an end, it will soon be time to celebrate our Annual Aikido Demonstration and Potluck. This year, I would like to propose that our Annual Aikido Demonstration and Potluck be held at 10am on Saturday, 15 June. As always, our students will begin the festivities with a demonstration before having a hearty meal with friends and family after. Do let me know what you think about having the demonstration and potluck on a Saturday morning, instead of a Friday evening.

Do visit our website (or FaceBook pages) and check our Notices for information and updates. 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 always deeply appreciated. It continues to be a joy to share and practice Aikido with you.

Have a most magnificent Spring.

See you in the Dojo.

With peace and harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
Ueshiba Aikido Victoria
© Ueshiba Aikido Victoria – OWH Industries: March 2013.