<
Click here to go back
|
|
How quickly another year passes. Thank you for an excellent Term,
and welcome to our new students.
Congratulations
to the first batch of Ueshiba Aikido (Victoria) students who passed
their first Aikido Grading Test. The journey you have embarked
upon will take you deep into yourself, as you discover the teachings
of Ai-Ki. As we break for the holidays, remember that as Aikido
students, you now carry the torch of Aikido.
Over Christmas,
spare a thought for others. Share and give, rather than rush for
that special goodie. You are now an example to your friends and
family who may not know what Aikido is. You will find that the
more you share and give, the more you will receive. And as you
receive, keep the momentum of the flow going, and pass that on.
It only takes a small gesture to begin to change your world.
Have a Blessed Christmas and an Enlightening New Year.
In
harmony,
Rafael
Oei Sensei
|
in
this issue
Classes
will resume in January
Share a little on Aikido
The Next Grading Test
Reflection on Bowing |
Classes
will resume in January
These
classes are on-going. If you have friends or family who may be interested
in practising the fine art of Aikido, they are most welcome to sign
up at the recreation centres.
Gordon
Head Recreation Centre:
Thursday: January 6, 2005; 5:15pm (Adults)
Friday: January 7, 2005; 4:00pm (Children)
Commonwealth Place: (at Royal Oak Middle School)
Tuesday January 11, 2005; 4:30pm.
Gordon
Head School:
Tuesday January 11, 2005;12:15pm
Only students of Gordon Head School may practice at Gordon Head School.
Sharing
a little on Aikido
|
The
first Aikido book written for early readers, "Let Me Tell
You About My Aikido Class" is a colourful and simple introduction
to Aikido.
Available at Bolen Books (Hillside Mall), Tanner's Books (Sidney),
and Kata Trading (Herald St). You may also contact Rafael Sensei
for copies.
Price: $12.00
Coming
in 2005;
"Into
the Spirit of Aikido: Small steps into the martial art of harmony"
also by Rafael Oei Sensei.
|
|
The
next Grading Test
|
|
The
next Grading Test will be in April 2005.
The venues and dates will be announced in March.
Students must have at least 20 full hours of practice before
being invited for the 12 to 10 Kyu tests for children, and the
6 kyu test for adults.
For
more information about the Aikido Grading Tests, please check
the Ueshiba Aikido website.
|
Reflection
on Bowing
In
this Advent Season, as we approach Christmas, we are reminded of loved
ones and family. It is a time of renewal and of joyful feelings, anticipating
the New Year (2005) with faith and hope. We express our gratitude and
appreciation to loved ones, and for the year gone by.
Love,
appreciation and gratitude are powerful states to be in. The three are
intertwined and are never far from each other. It goes into respect
and honour in its highest form: beyond duty and beyond coercion. With
love comes compassion and humility too. But what does all this have
to do with the simple act of bowing?
| When
bowing to the image of the Founder, O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba,
at the beginning of Aikido classes, it is a salute. It is also
a gesture of humility by the student, demonstrating a willingness
to learn and be corrected. It has no religious significance.
In
Japan, bowing is a greeting; similar to shaking hands. It is also
an acknowledgement of respect for the one bowed to. Bowing is
not unique to Japan. Bowing is common in most cultures around
the world. When Indians and Thais greet you with a bow, it has
deep significance. For Indians, they may add the word "namaste"
- acknowledging you as pure essence. |
|
Over
time, bowing without reservation and with sincerity transforms a person
internally. Be consciously aware of yourself this holiday season. As
you shake hands to wish "Merry Christmas" and "Happy
New Year," notice if you execute a bow. The unconscious bow reveals
how much you respect or appreciate the person. When it comes from the
heart, the bow becomes a significant gesture of gracious love.
(Copyright:
Dec 2004 - Rafael Oei)
<
Click here to go back |
