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Dear students and parents, Thank you for a wonderful summer! I apologise for the Links not working for the Summer e-Newsletter.  It was most memorable summer, with two Aikido Warriors' Camps at Gordon Head Recreation Centre, and one at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. We had a good mix of regular students, and new students at the camps. Since 2005, the camps have been events to look forward to every Summer. Camp participants have the opportunity to explore techniques and weapons' training in a little more detail than is possible during normal classes. With that in mind, next Summer, we will look into providing half-day Warriors' Camps for our senior kids students, and adults. My family and I were able to take a short break, and we made our first road trip to the Rockies and Banff. What a beautiful country we are in. As we begin another academic year in the Fall, we will introduce Aikido classes for children between the ages of 5 to 7. These classes will be held at Gordon Head Middle School on Saturdays. More details below. Just a note that there is a misprint in the latest Saanich Active Living Guide with regard to the kids' classes.  Please refer to the information below.  The beginners' classes remain at 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and the Intermediate level classes are at 5pm on Thursdays and Fridays.  Pro-D Day Aikido Workshops will also continue, the dates are below.  The fee for these three-hour workshops is $28.  If you have any queries, feel free to contact Mrs Oei, myself, or the Gordon Head Recreation Centre. I do hope you had a wonderful and safe summer break. I look forward to another exciting and inspiring year of Aikido practice. See you in the Dojo. In harmony, Rafael Oei Sensei. Ueshiba Aikido (Victoria)

in this issue Pro-D Day Aikido Workshops Aikido for the young Ueshiba Aikido Golf/Polo shirts Class Schedule Quick Links: Ueshiba Aikido Website The Glossary Page Back Issues Essentials Books Grading Structure   Founder of Aikido     Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei

Pro-D Day Aikido Workshops

Pro-D Day Aikido Workshops will continue beginning in the Fall, as a supplement to your regular Aikido classes.

The workshops will be held at Gordon Head Middle School, from 9am on the following dates.

ToPics for each workshop are subject to change. If you have your own weapons, please bring them along; especially for the Jo & Bokken workshops.

If you wish to sign up for the workshops, do register at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre reception counter, or online at http://recreation.saanich.ca/reconline/Start/

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Aikido for the young

In September, we will begin Aikido classes for the 5 to 7 year olds,
on Saturdays, from 11:15am to 12noon.

Classes will be at the Gordon Head Middle School Dance Studio.
As space is limited, do sign up soon if you are interested. Classes will be limited to only 10 students.

Fall Cycle I
Code no: 270239 (8 classes/$53)

Fall Cycle II
Code no: 270241 (7 classes/$47)

Shaded block : No class

Do register at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre reception counter,
or online at http://recreation.saanich.ca/reconline/Start/.

If you have any queries, feel free to contact me at 818-0284, or email me at rafoei@shaw.ca.

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Ueshiba Aikido Golf/Polo Shirts

A series of shirts, jackets and hoodies (for the younger students) are now available.

These are in black with the (kanji) characters "Aikido" embroidered in gold on the left or right chest, and the words "Ueshiba Aikido, Victoria BC" embroidered on the sleeve.

Adults:
Golf/polo shirt: $30.
Hoodie: $48.
Jacket is $70.

Youth:
Golf/polo shirt: $28.
Hoodie: $40.

There are also UAV T-shirts ($15) available, with original art by Rafael Oei Sensei.

You may view the shirts, jackets and hoodies on the website, or catch those who have already purchased their own.

If you are interested to order, please see Mrs Oei or send me an email.

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Class Schedules

Gordon Head Rec Ctr

Scheduled classes at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre:

Fall Cycle I (8 classes)

Fall Cycle II (7 classes)

Highlighted blocks : Grading Week
Shaded blocks : No classes

Students who are in the following grade levels may enrol in the corresponding class(es).

If you are unable to make it for that class, do contact me and provisions will be made.
As far as possible, do try to enrol in the appropriate class to reap the best benefit from that class:

If you are 16 years and above, do consider enrolling in the Tuesday and/or Thursday Adult classes.

If you wish to also enrol in the 4pm classes to continue improving on your basic techniques, you are more than welcome to join us then.

Gordon Head Middle School

Aikido classes at Gordon Head Middle School will continue in the coming Fall,
during lunch break on Mondays. Grateful thanks to Gordon Head Principal, Mr Kelly,
for his continued support of providing this programme for his students.

The recreation centre requires that all students be accounted for from the first lesson of each cycle.

As our Aikido programme is on-going, members of our dojo are encouraged to pre-registered for each new cycle.

Currently, students are reminded to register for each new cycle two weeks before the end of each cycle.
Typically, a cycle lasts two months. This year, there will only be three Grading Tests.

Post-dated cheques may be submitted to me or Mrs. Oei (Kathy).
The cheques are to be made payable to "Corporation of the District of Saanich".

Register at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre reception counter, or online at http://recreation.saanich.ca/reconline/Start/

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Grading Tests

This year, there will be four Grading Tests;
in November, February, May, and August.

Please Note:

Students are required to practice at least:
20hours for 12kyu to 9kyu,
30hours for 8kyu to 6kyu,
40hours for 5kyu,
50hours for 4kyu and 3kyu,
60hours for 2kyu
70hours for 1kyu.

Practice hours, ideally, should be continuous uninterrupted practice. Hours are not cumulative over weeks or months of inactivity. This is necessary, as with all skills, to enable the student to refine and develop fluency in his/her knowledge, balance and technique in the art. If a student is absent for six months or more, the student will revert back to the level of white belt until the student demonstrates the ability to perform at his/her previous level.

Only students who are ready and eligible for grading will be invited to apply to be graded.

No video recording or photography will be allowed during Grading Tests.

Click here for the syllabus: Grading Structure.

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