Dear parents and students,

There is so much to be thankful for... Living in Victoria, for one, having yet another mild Winter; and of course the health of family and friends.

March 4, 2004: Ueshiba Aikido (Victoria) began its existence, with our first classes held at the Gordon Head Elementary School under a wonderful Principal, Mr. Brent Kelly, and one after school class at the school hall of the old Royal Oak Middle School. In September, it will also be ten years since we started classes at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre under the support and encouragement of Mr. Jason Jones. Indeed we have been fortunate to receive so much support from the community here at Gordon Head, and from families around Victoria, Esquimalt, Central Saanich and Langford. You have made it all possible.

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. Through repetition and rest, the synaptic connections created by each lesson are fused permanently as soon as the myelin sheath forms around the neurons. So while you enjoy and sometimes fool around in class, please understand why I insist on your best behaviour in the dojo and while you are practicing all the movements and techniques. We want you to form good habits, a clear and positive attitude, discipline and respectful behaviour.

As always, thank you for informing me when you are unable to make it for class. Do also inform me when you would like to come for make-up classes so I'll be able to prepare a class suitable for students through diverse grade levels; especially in the beginner classes.

Do also ensure that your enrolment is current. The class information and times are on Ueshiba Aikido website.
Here is the link, for your convenience: Notices

Class calendars are also available for you to print out and display:
2013/2014
2014/2015

Please note that there will be no classes during Holy Week, from Monday 14 April to Easter Monday, 21 April.

And... after years of planning and hoping... in May, we are finally embarking on our first Aikikai Hombu Dojo visit as a group! Seven selected students will be visiting the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, with me. We will be joining my Sensei, Shihan George Chang, and his delegation from Singapore from May 17 to May 25, and will be attending the 52nd All Japan Aikido Demonstration (Embukai) at the Budokan.

It will also soon be time to celebrate our Annual Aikido Demonstration and Potluck. This year, the Annual Aikido Demonstration and Potluck will be held at 10am on Saturday, 14 June. As always, our students will begin the festivities with a demonstration before having a hearty meal with friends and family. Hope you'll be able to join us then to complete another year of Aikido, before we take a short break prior to the Summer session in July.

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.

Thank you for your support, interest, dedication, and encouragement. Without you, there would not be a dojo. It is deeply appreciated. It continues to be a joy to share and practice Aikido with you.

Have a most glorious Spring.

See you in the Dojo.

With peace and harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
Ueshiba Aikido Victoria
© Ueshiba Aikido Victoria: March 2014.