Dear parents and students,

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is one of the most beautiful times of the year when nature turns into a symphony of colours, and the days cool down. This seems to be a more reflective time of the year as the celebrations during this season reflect opportunities to express our gratitude for family, life, and all our possessions, before we are reminded of our mortality in November as we remember and reflect on those who have passed from this life; ending the year with the joyful Christmas season to perk up our spirits to greet the new year.

One of the attributes of having a receptive spirit is having a spirit of gratitude. When one is open-hearted and grateful, it seems easier to receive, absorb, observe, and harmonise because one is more willing to listen, to be attentive, and to be present and available to "the other": to even have a forgiving and compassionate spirit. That is the spirit of "Aiki". It is not about "me" and what I insist I want, or the need to have things go "my way".

This receptivity is crucial when practicing and training for multiple attacks, whether it is jiyu waza or randori. The speed in quick responses is in allowing the energy to flow where it wills and to lead it onto a certain path, rather than stopping or blocking it. In reality, should one find oneself in a brawl or what is called "a swarm" nowadays, there is no time to rely on one's eyes. Responding to the numerous incoming attacks will be more a 'feeling', sensory, and auditory experience as it will all be happening too quickly. In this "letting go" to go with the flow, relinquishing the need to control outcomes seems to allow it to flow into a more decisive resolution. It does not suggest being passive but rather it is in being more acutely proactive, attentive, involved, and responsive in the encounter.

So, once again, I express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all our students, their parents, and their families, for the existence of Ueshiba Aikido here in Victoria. We (my wife and I) can't really thank you enough. It has been a blissful 20 years of sharing and practicing Aikido with such a wonderful and welcoming community. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your time, and your interest in Aikido.

Ahead of 2025, please note that my wife and I plan to take a short trip to Singapore from March 11 to March 25. As such, the first few cycles of classes will be shorter. Note, also, that once again there will not be classes during "Holy Week" from April 14 to 18; covering Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. Classes will resume after Easter Sunday, on Tuesday, April 22nd.

Here is the schedule for the Winter and Spring Cycles of 2025.

Winter Cycle I
Tue: 7 Jan to 28 Jan / 4 classes
(127249) 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 4 classes / $46
(127245) 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 4 classes /  $50

Thu: 9 Jan to 30 Jan / 4 classes
(127251) 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 4 classes / $46
(127247) 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 4 classes /  $50

Winter Cycle II   
Tue: 4 Feb to 4 Mar / 5 classes
(127250) 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 5 classes / $58
(127246) 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 5 classes /  $63

Thu: 6 Feb to 6 Mar / 5 classes
(127252) 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 5 classes / $58
(127248) 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 5 classes /  $63


Spring Cycle I 
Tue: 1 Apr to 29 Apr / 4 classes (No classes between 14 Apr and 18 Apr)
(127910) 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 4 classes / $46
(127905) 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 4 classes /  $50

Thu: 3 Apr to 1 May / 4 classes
(127912) 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 4 classes / $46
(127908) 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 4 classes /  $50

 
Spring Cycle II
Tue: 6 May to 10 Jun / 6 classes
(127911) 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 6 classes / $69
(127907) 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 6 classes /  $75

Thu: 8 May to 12 Jun / 6 classes
(127913) 5 pm - Mixed Youth Levels: 6 classes / $69
(127909) 6 pm - Mixed Adult Levels: 6 classes /  $75

Please click here to register.
Click here for the 2024/2025 Class Calendar

I share my thoughts on Aikido practice in the e-Reflections.

Soon, I will invite some students to test for their next level. For those preparing for your next level test, all the very best. Please feel free to email any questions you may have to me, even if it isn't about questions about the test.

Once again, thank you, students and parents, and the staff of Gordon Head Recreation Centre for making the classes for Ueshiba Aikido possible. See you in the Dojo!

I wish you a meaningful Thanksgiving, and a relaxing and beautiful Autumn!

Yours in Aiki,
Rafael Oei Sensei
Ueshiba Aikido Victoria
© Ueshiba Aikido Victoria: September-December 2024