Dojo News and Updates

Happy Unofficial start of Summer,

 

Though how unofficial with it being 86° out is a matter of debate.  😊  Some dojo news and updates:

 

• June will Rondori Tuesdays – we will focus on multiple attacker drills and freestyle.  That will work best with a lot of people, sooooo bring a friend and a Gatorade.

 

• Don’t forget Thursday nights at 8-8:30 we have our new weapons class.

 

• Cecelia Sensei Seminar Update!  I just spoke with Cecelia Sensei and confirmed details for August 5^th & 6^th .  Look for a brochure in the next few days.  Both classes Saturday will be open to all.  There will be a blackbelt intensive class Sunday morning with individual focus. 

 

• Dates for Summer Camp have been advertised, it will be the week after Cecelia Sensei’s visit, August 11-13^th.   Venue details are still being worked out.

 

I also want to thank everyone who chipped in to all the recent dojo renovations and clean up.  Most particularly, Scott Andrews for kickstarting the latest wave of improvements with his ambitious projects.  His energy was infectious.

 

Speaking of being infectious… Aikido is best shared!  Invite friends, colleagues, and random people on the street to come try it out.  It may be the best gift they ever receive.

As always, reach out if you have questions about your training, requests, ideas for focused classes, new/different class times etc. 

 

That’s all for now.

 

Thanks,

-b

 

PS. Remember that it’s ok to sweat in class because there are ice-pops and fudgesicles waiting for you afterward in the freezer.  😊

Congratulations!

We were pleased to have three of our students demonstrate their skills at this weekend's NY regional practice hosted at our dojo.  We had representatives from 5 dojos in attendance. There were 10 kyu tests in all between our dojo and the Eastern Sky dojo.  Throughout the day nine different instructors shared what they have been working on. Thanks to all who made this a great day and congratulations to all those who tested!

Congrats to:

• 5th Kyu:
• Caitlin Dailey
• 3rd Kyu:
• Gus Morley
• Elizabeth Nardone

And to all from ES who also demonstrated their skill and dedication to their art.
 

 Thanks to Paul and Rose Sensei's at Eastern Sky for Organizing this great event and to all the ukes who made testing possible.

Class Schedule Update

Starting this week (3/9/23) , we added an 8 to 8:30 Weapons class on Thursday nights.

 

New Schedule:

Tuesday 7-8:30 General Class, Brian & Peter

Wed 6-7:30 General Class, Ray

Thursday 7-8 General Class, Marcella

Thursday 8-8:30 Weapons, Brian

 

 Check out our Google Calendar here. 

Common Threads

Why do people practice Aikido?  What's in it for me?

When we reach Shodan (1st Black Belt) in Aikido Kokikai®, we all submit essays on what our practice means to us.  It is a great way to reflect on our own motivations and goals.  We are encouraged to share them with each other.  Here is an excerpt from one person's essay.  It covers a subject that thoroughly resonates with me and I bet for most people.  Enjoy:

 "A few months after starting my new job I was sent to a conference in Boston. My

assignment was to report on the conference at our next department meeting. I would have to

stand in front of 60 people. I couldn't do it! For as long as I can remember I had been scared to

speak or stand in front of people. My fear had been debilitating. I missed or avoided many

opportunities in my life because of it. All I could think about was how could I get out of it? I did

manage to avoid the presentation by not showing up for work. I felt awful and it would only get worse.

 

A week later Judy Warner Sensei informed me I would soon be testing for 6th kyu. My

stomach sank. My head was spinning. I couldn't sleep. How could I get out of this? I would have

to quit aikido but I couldn't, I wouldn't, I'd come to love it. Then it hit me if I wanted to

continue with aikido and my new job I would have to do something about this fear. I looked for

and found mentors to help me. They taught me ways to deal with my fears. I had "butterflies" on the night of my 6th kyu test but I didn't run away.

 

After the test when I sat back with the rest of the students I looked up and framed perfectly in one windowpane above the shomen was the full moon in a still blue sky. It was lovely. I wanted to cry out of joy not stress. It was the perfect finish! I'll always use that image to remember the day I took my 6th kyu test and had no fear. I wanted this feeling forever. This was my sixth kyu dream!

 

A month later at work I was again asked to give a department presentation. This time I had to introduce my team to the department, giving a brief summary of who we were and what we did for the company. Before I panicked I remembered my 6th kyu test. I went to work the day of the presentation, stood in front of 60 people and gave my presentation! Since then my team members at work always "volunteer" me to handle our presentations and I'm more than happy to do them!"

 

 

Dread Winter Less...Fall in Love with Aikido

The most often used physical skill from Aikido, thankfully, is falling safely.  We all are subject to icy conditions in our climate, and as a practitioner of martial arts, your balance and sense of center are improved so slips are less frequent, but they still occur.  I have been practicing martial arts for almost 40years, and I just slipped in my driveway this week.  Considering I couldn't even get my car up the driveway, it should be less a shock that it could happen.  However, Aikido makes falling well instinct.  Which is good because there precious is little time to think on the way down.  What easily could have been an injury is a nothing-event because my body knew what to do.  

As the old proverb goes, the best time to plant a tree is 20years ago, the second best time is now.  Come join us for a class, plant that tree of instinct and learn to nurture it..

Beginners are always welcome!  Learn more here: http://www.aikidorochester.com/p/joining.html