Dear parents and students,

Summer is finally here. After two weekends of relatively sunny weather, and with school finally out since the end of last week, hordes of bicycles can be seen with happy smiling children in their summer best peddling alongside their parents.

Congratulations to all students who survived the May/June Grading Tests. It certainly is a rite of passage, even though classes may be a cinch. Having to stand alone and perform all those movements and techniques is another thing altogether. Well done!

We had a most enjoyable year-end Aikido demonstration and potluck. Thank you for attending and making it special for the children. Set up and clear up went smoothly with your help, and the evening's highlight was definitely the wonderful food and desserts. The photos have been uploaded onto our website and can be viewed here.

A few parents have approached me to explore the possibility of organising fund raising events/activities to raise funds for students who may be interested in making the pilgrimage to Aikikai Hombu Dojo Japan in May 2012. I am open to the idea, and would be interested to proceed to see what may be done to that end. Let us talk and make those plans. Email me and see if we can organise some preliminary discussions.

Just a reminder that classes and the Aikido Warriors' Camps will only be held in July, at the main building of the Gordon Head Recreation Centre. Do come to the camps in your gym clothes and running shoes. Mornings will begin out in the field, to take in the fresh morning air. Remember to also pack snacks and your lunch. Please only have water in your water-bottles; it really is the best for thirst quenching, and in emergencies. Of course, remember to pack your Dogi and weapons, if you have them. Come prepared to participate, and remember to bring along your Kyu Cards to be stamped.

After the break in August, normal classes will resume again from Tuesday 6 September. The dates have been published in the Notices page of our website (the link is below).

As mentioned during the potluck, Full Year Registration is available for your convenience. Monthly deductions are made through Direct Debit or Credit Card. As soon as the forms are ready, I will email them out to you.

If you prefer to register for each individual class cycle, please remember to register at least a week before the start of each new cycle. Gordon Head Recreation Centre will be positioning themselves as a Centre for Martial Arts, so we will be sharing our space with at least two other martial schools. Small registrations may mean the cancellation of classes. To keep our classes going for yourselves, please be sure to be prompt with your registrations.

Finally, to keep our database current, please inform us if you have a change of address, new email, or new contact numbers. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

I am grateful and appreciate the thoughtfulness and support shown to me and my family. Your interest and enthusiasm in Aikido is inspiring and encouraging.

Do have a most enjoyable, safe, restful, and meaningful summer with your family.

See you in the Dojo.

With peace and harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
Ueshiba Aikido Victoria
© Ueshiba Aikido Victoria – OWH Industries: July 2011.