Travels

One of the few highlights of work travel is that occasionally it brings me the opportunity to practice with one of our sister dojos.  I have been welcomed into many dojo across the country.   Tonight I had my first practice at our dojo in Ellicott City, Maryland.  Not only were they welcoming, they all rearranged their schedules to hold class an hour early so that I had plenty of time to catch my flight afterwards.   Thank you to Brian Kantsiper Sensei and Louis Ibarra Sensei for being such great hosts and sharing your insights.  It was a pleasure and I hope my travels take me back there again.

If you live in the Ellicott City area, I highly recommend you check out their dojo.

http://www.ellicottcityaikido.com/

Congratulations

Please join us in congratulating Mark Douglas on an excellent 1st kyu test at the 43rd Aikido Kokikai (R) Summer camp.  Mark tested this Friday night with three other candidates from around the east coast.

Good work Mark!

We all have something to teach.

It can be difficult to see yourself as a teacher. We are, after all, our own worst critics. But each of us brings our own experience and perspective to the mat. As we practice, new students come in behind us and see us as examples to follow, whether we like it or not. Embrace and respect this simple fact of life. When we realize this about ourselves, we become better students. We can now accept that even our recognized teachers are a work in progress. Knowing they are a moving target not only helps us accept new explanations but also invigorates us, knowing that there is no plateau, there is always more to learn.

July 2019 Update

Thank you all for another successful test prep series.  We concluded Mark Douglas' prep cycle this past Thursday with a full mat of help despite the heat.  We look forward to Mark representing us and demonstrating his knowledge at Summer Camp next week.  Speaking of Camp, we will be having most of our classes with the exception of Thursday's 7pm class (7/25) and the following Tuesday's 7pm class (7/30).  The 6PM classes those nights will be held as usual.

Earlier this month we were treated to a fine 6th kyu test by Konner Oakes.  Don't forget to complement him on how good an orange belt looks on him! After which we enjoyed celebratory ice-pops.  #simplejoys

Picnic!  Don't forget out summer picnic on August 10th from 10-4 at Ellison Park.  We will have outdoor (plain clothes) practice sessions as well as have offered to the public demos between 1:30 to 2:30pm.  Please come and have some off the mat fun,  bring a dish to pass and your favorite beverage.

Keep cool, keep practicing, and enjoy the summer!