Dear parents and students,

What a blistering start to summer! I do hope you are well and keeping cool these few weeks.

Another academic year has gone by, and another year without our annual demonstration and potluck. We did have some very good opportunities to practice, though sporadic due to COVID-19 closures. With class-size limits what they were, I think the few who were able to register for classes had an opportunity to more than acquaint themselves with our Jo and Bokken suburi, katas, drills, and exercises. We definitely had more weapons practice than we have had in the past. Another small group had the opportunity to practice via online classes, which proved quite interesting.

With the latest announcement by the Provincial Health Authority, it looks promising for indoor classes, due to the increasing numbers of people receiving both doses of the vaccination. The latest is that indoor high intensity classes will soon be allowed again; which implies that by the time September rolls around, if the cases are under control, we will all be back in the dojo, practising in full force.

The little more than one and a half years of relative inactivity was an opportunity for most people to take a step back to reflect in the slower and quieter pace; to perhaps reassess life, personal values, and relationships. Many have no doubt emerged with a slightly different perspective than before. The almost two-year class hiatus has changed our lives and routines. Much has happened. Young students have grown, and acquired new interests and responsibilities. For example, one of our students who has been with us since elementary school just got married this past January! Congratulations! I'm glad you are back, and pracitising too.

So as classes begin once again in September, and while I look forward to welcoming everyone back to the dojo, with much gratitude I will also thank those who have moved on with their lives. As I have always expressed: without you and your families, our classes and the Dojo would not exist. Thank you.

AIKIDO WARRIORS' CAMP:

Thanks to everyone who signed up for the Aikido Warriors' Camp.
The camp will be from Monday, July 26 to Friday, July 30 - 9 am to 3 pm.

As with last year, and aligned with the cautious re-opening, we will continue to:
- sanitize everything (and ourselves) before and after every camp day.
- practice in our gym attire, to minimise crowding the washroom/changing room.

Please remember to:
- conduct a personal self- health check each morning.
- if you feel ill, please stay at home.
- bring water with you, not soda or pop drinks, to remain hydrated.
- bring your own snacks and lunch.