A warm welcome to students new to our dojo! Welcome to your first e-Newsletter.

First, I would like to thank my student, Eugene Seng, and his family for visiting me all the way from Singapore. It is always special when a student visits a teacher. For students here in Victoria, it was a treat as I was able demonstrate advanced variations of techniques with the presence of one of my regular Ukes from Singapore.
It was really good to see you and practice with you again, Eugene. Thank you for your kind visit.

The bond between student and teacher in Aikido grows through the journey they take together. In traditional dojos, this develops through unquestioning respect, discipline and trust in the guidance of the Sensei. Austere traditions of master and disciple are often frowned upon in "modern" societies as being too harsh or severe; resulting in some martial arts becoming more liberal in their teaching. However, what is often overlooked is the importance of discipline in the tempering of one's ability to concentrate in order to focus. To consciously focus one's energy takes practice and effort. In an age where there is a proliferation of information, there seems to be a scientific explanation for everything. And so, it has become so easy to rationalise and find excuses not to work at being disciplined, or to discipline when it is needed.

Similarly, good behaviour and respect towards one's sensei and fellow students are expected in martial arts. Students are expected to behave the same way at home with one's family, in the work environment or at school - with self-discipline, respect, proper behaviour and honour. These eventually transform into sincere gestures and feelings of appreciation, not mere mechanical displays of good behaviour, when understanding enlightens the student's mind. That is practising the martial way in one's daily life.

The very terms "martial art" involves the serious undertaking of rigorous disciplined training to attain proficiency in the studied martial form. It will involve repetitive drills and exercises that are necessary. As my sensei would often remind us, the actual experience of Aikido in action begins after obtaining one's "Shodan" or First Degree Black Belt. Until then, everything is preparation.

As such, I am glad of your progress and appreciate your dedication and interest in Aikido. It is not an easy art to perform and understand. Thank you for being patiently persistent in learning Aikido, and for following the strict discipline and etiquette practiced in Ueshiba Aikido Dojos. Thanks especially to the parents, for supporting your child's interest in Aikido.

This summer, if you are not away on vacation, you'd be pleased to know that regular adult and children's classes will continue through July and August, at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre. I have also organised summer camps for children and youth interested in learning more about Aikido. Details are included in this newsletter. The camps will be more intensive than the sessions we had last summer, so I am as excited about it as I am sure you are.

I am also happy to announce that we now have an Intermediate Class for children on Fridays, beginning at 5pm, at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre. Thank you, Diane Andiel, Jason Jones and Jennifer Halfhide of Gordon Head Recreation Centre for making this possible.

As you enjoy the Summer, do be safe and drink lots of water. It is so easy to be dehydrated and suffer from heat-stroke while enjoying yourself in the sun. Part of Aikido training is to be consciously aware of yourself and your environment; to be wise; and to be safe. So be alert while you have fun.

Have a lovely summer!

In harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
4th Dan Aikikai Hombu Dojo
Ueshiba Aikido (Victoria)

Let Me Tell You About My Aikido Class is a simple introduction to Aikido that I wrote for early readers.

Colourfully illustrated, children are introduced to some of the basic movements and techniques in Aikido.

The book is available at Bolen Books (Hillside Mall) and Kata Trading (Herald Street).

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