Dear parents and students,

It's finally Spring again, and in Victoria, the annual cherry blossoms continue to be a sight to behold. It heralds such a beautiful season, with the promise of hope. In seeming synchronicity, COVID restrictions are being slowly lifted, and people are travelling abroad again. At the dojo, students have the option of putting their masks on during classes. The Recreation Centre, however, has requested that instructors continue to put our masks on as we teach.

The one thing bouncing around in my mind these past few weeks is "preparedness". What are we prepared for, or preparing ourselves for? I am reminded of Joseph in the Old Testament, who during the years of plenty, stored excess grain in enormous silos for Pharaoh. This helped during the years of famine that followed - which in turn also saved his own family when they sought help in Egypt. In our quiet, safe lives, what are we preparing ourselves for? What are we focused on in our journey?

Having to stay at home during the COVID lockdown may have presented opportunities for many things: to grow closer to one's immediate family, to perhaps re-educate oneself, acquire a new skill, to prepare or reinvent oneself for the time when life returned to "normal". Emerging from challenging situations or circumstances often brings new perspectives, with new opportunities if one were prepared, and are able to recognize or notice them.

Everyday we are faced with the need to make decisions, commitments, and re-commitments. We practice, we study, we review, and research to be prepared to enable us to make the best decisions possible when life throws things at us. There is no reprieve from having to continually make the best decisions we can in every moment of our lives. Why? Whether we recognize or acknowledge it, we represent not only ourselves; we are representatives and ambassadors of our family, our job, our business, our community, our country, our students, our teachers, and our friends. To decide to not make a decision, is itself a decision. And so, one wonders about the quality of practice one decides to engage in: which is also reflected in our approach to daily life. Why do we do what we do? How do we treat the time that is given to us?

Most of us practice in the hope that should there be a need to apply oneself to a situation or circumstance, the correct and appropriate response will arise, and the correct and appropriate decision will be made. Reality is often more complex, and it only takes a split second for a decision to positively or negatively change the life of an individual and those around; whether family or friends. There are so many examples around us.

We are all open to that vulnerability, me included. The gravity of the accountability and responsibility present in practicing a martial art such as Aikido is sometimes taken lightly by students. Although the techniques have been refined by O Sensei, creating a peaceful, non-aggressive approach to Aikido practice, it is not a sport; and the practice of discipline and self-control are important and necessary. As much as I reinforce that during lessons, I remind my students that I, too, am accountable. Wearing my hakama, and being a sensei demands that I continue to be a good example, and be vigilant with my own discipline, attitude, and behaviour as well; to pass the practice, philosophy, and teaching of Aikido on to the next generation - the same responsibility that parents take on, as we prepare our children for life when we are gone.

This brings me to this week, which marks the first time in two years that grading tests will be conducted again. All the practice clocked-in, coming down to a few seconds, or a few minutes to demonstrate what one has learnt and practiced - similar to having to apply oneself should one be faced with an unexpected attack. Was the practice sufficient?

I wish all who are being tested this week, the very best. Ganbatte Kudasai!

In other news:

During summer, classes will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm and 6pm, from July 5th to August 25th.

In the Fall, classes will resume from Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE: CLASSES HAVE NOT BEEN SCHEDULED FROM MONDAY, APRIL 11 to SUNDAY, APRIL 17.

Here is the schedule for the Spring and Summer Cycles of 2022.

SPRING Cycle I:

Tuesdays
5 pm : (# 70060) Youth Mixed Levels - March 1 to April 26, 2022
6 pm : (# 70055) Adult Mixed Levels - March 1 to April 26, 2022

Thursdays
5 pm : (# 70061) Youth Mixed Levels - March 3 to April 28, 2022
6 pm : (# 70057) Adult Mixed Levels - March 3 to April 28, 2022


SPRING Cycle II:

Tuesdays
5 pm : (# 70077) Youth Mixed Levels - May 3 to June 21, 2022
6 pm : (# 70078) Adult Mixed Levels - May 3 to June 21, 2022

Thursdays
5 pm : (# 70079) Youth Mixed Levels - May 5 to June 23, 2022
6 pm : (# 70078) Adult Mixed Levels - May 5 to June 23, 2022


---

SUMMER Cycle: (registration begins on April 20)
Tuesdays
5 pm: Youth Mixed Levels - July 5 to August 23, 2022 (8 classes)
6 pm: Adult Mixed Levels - July 5 to August 23, 2022

Thursdays
5 pm: Youth Mixed Levels - July 7 to August 25, 2022 (8 classes)
6 pm: Adult Mixed Levels - July 7 to August 25, 2022

Aikido Warriors' Camp:
Monday to Friday, July 25 to July 29, 9 am to 3 pm.
- Please bring a water bottle filled with water, a snack, and a lunch each day of the camp.

---

Please click here to register.

Do please remember to:
- conduct a personal self- health check each morning.
- if you feel ill, please stay at home.
- bring your mask.
- remember to sanitize your hands.