Here are a few photos from the day (we have hundreds!)
We're putting together a book of photos of the demonstration so if you have any photos that you would like included please send them to sophie_harle@hotmail.com.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Annual Demonstration
Thanks to everyone for a great demonstration. It was wonderful to see so many friends and family come along to watch and support.
Here are a few photos from the day (we have hundreds!)
We're putting together a book of photos of the demonstration so if you have any photos that you would like included please send them to sophie_harle@hotmail.com.
Here are a few photos from the day (we have hundreds!)
We're putting together a book of photos of the demonstration so if you have any photos that you would like included please send them to sophie_harle@hotmail.com.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Summer break
The dojo will close from December 22 (date of last class) to January 11 (date of first class) to give everyone a chance to rest and prepare for 2010.
Have a safe and enjoyable break!
Dojo Closed this Monday and Tuesday
Dear Members,
Please note there will be no classes on the following dates:
Monday 14th of December 2009 - Dojo Closed (no Children or adult classes)
Tuesday 15th of December 2009 - Dojo Closed (no Children or adult classes)
aigato gozaimasu!
Please note there will be no classes on the following dates:
Monday 14th of December 2009 - Dojo Closed (no Children or adult classes)
Tuesday 15th of December 2009 - Dojo Closed (no Children or adult classes)
aigato gozaimasu!
Monday, November 2, 2009
October test Results
Results of Test conducted on the 31st of October 2009
The following students have been promoted to:
7th Kyu
Brad Ashlock
Andrew Bowles
Bachir Khoury
Jeff Blanchard
Yvette Blanchard
Nigel Williams
6th Kyu
Arama Mataora Toatoa
Rory Christensen
Masumi Namiki
Shaun Bennett
5th Kyu
Robin Linhart
Patrick Morel-Shields
4th Kyu
Brian Townley
* Certificates and Belts will be issued shortly in class.
The following students have been promoted to:
7th Kyu
Brad Ashlock
Andrew Bowles
Bachir Khoury
Jeff Blanchard
Yvette Blanchard
Nigel Williams
6th Kyu
Arama Mataora Toatoa
Rory Christensen
Masumi Namiki
Shaun Bennett
5th Kyu
Robin Linhart
Patrick Morel-Shields
4th Kyu
Brian Townley
* Certificates and Belts will be issued shortly in class.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
the intensive
Following are a few posts of beautiful photos from Matty to give you a taste of the weekend away.
The posts are a little out of order so you might want to start at the end and then go up...
This is where we stayed
In seiza before the start of class
and the group, looking very formal!
It was a great weekend away - and we're all eagerly looking forward to next years intensive!
The posts are a little out of order so you might want to start at the end and then go up...
This is where we stayed
In seiza before the start of class
and the group, looking very formal!
It was a great weekend away - and we're all eagerly looking forward to next years intensive!
Day two - food
Just in case you thought we went hungry on day two - here's lunch... amazing pickles, with soba noodles and dipping sauce
And Masumi getting put to work after he disclosed he works as a chef in a fancy french bistro...
And Masumi getting put to work after he disclosed he works as a chef in a fancy french bistro...
Day two - intensive weekend
Day 2 started gently with some seiza (gentle for some - agony for others), before moving on to breakie and them some serious training!
In between there was a moment to catch some morning sun
And then heading up the hill for some jo training
The hill was a little tougher and longer than anticipated, but beautiful none the less
Would you mess with these people? I think some of the locals may have been a little worried...
Finally we knew we had arrived at the right spot
And it was time for training
And then a quick rest, some water and a few delicious snacks to keep the energy up
and of course the obligatory group photo!
In between there was a moment to catch some morning sun
And then heading up the hill for some jo training
The hill was a little tougher and longer than anticipated, but beautiful none the less
Would you mess with these people? I think some of the locals may have been a little worried...
Finally we knew we had arrived at the right spot
And it was time for training
And then a quick rest, some water and a few delicious snacks to keep the energy up
and of course the obligatory group photo!
Day One - Intensive weekend away
Here's the dojo in its new home for the weekend.
While Matty and Maddie get dinner prepared
An entree of rice noodle and coconut milk pancakes with avacado salsa followed by delicious fried rice and tempeh
and then straight into seiza before bed time, in preparation for a 6.30 am wake up!
While Matty and Maddie get dinner prepared
An entree of rice noodle and coconut milk pancakes with avacado salsa followed by delicious fried rice and tempeh
and then straight into seiza before bed time, in preparation for a 6.30 am wake up!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Melbourne Cup Day
Dear Members
The dojo will be closed on Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday the 3rd of November 2009).
Arigato Gozaimasu
Admin
Melbourne Aikido
The dojo will be closed on Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday the 3rd of November 2009).
Arigato Gozaimasu
Admin
Melbourne Aikido
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Kamidana Information :-)
If you have ever been inside a traditional Japanese martial arts school or Japanese home, you may wonder what that interesting looking shelf in the center of the room is all about, and just why do people bow to it. The Kamiza (literally “spirit seat”) is a focal point in most Japanese Dojo and homes. The Kamidana is an actual shelf that holds a shrine and other items related to the Kamiza. The Kami is a term used to describe the deities found in the native Japanese religion of Shinto. So the term “Kamiza” means “a place for the Kami to reside”. It is a small shrine that is used to signify a place of reverence,purity, and respect. In addition to its specific application to the shrine itself, Kamiza also has a broader meaning of “seat of honor”. Another important facet of the Kamidana is that when found in homes, it represents the worship of one’s ancestors. “Worship” is used lightly here; think of it as more of a respect toward one’s ancestors. In a martial arts Dojo, we think of it as respect of heritage of our art and a way to pay homage to the current generation Soke (“headmaster”,“generation steward”, or “grandmaster”) and the previous generation Soke. So looking at it in this way, there does not have to be any religious elements imposed. Think of it as a Japanese cultural icon.
We do not “pray” to any “gods” in our training, and we are not supplanting any religion with those found in Shinto or any other Japanese philosophy. When students bow to the Kamidana at the beginning and end of a training session, they are displaying respect to the heritage of their art. It is possible that Westerners may have difficulties with the idea of bowing, especially to objects or inanimate things. However, to follow a traditional Way requires an attitude of open-mindedness. Bowing to the Kamidana is not a sign of religious significance or submission; it is a reminder of an obligation voluntarily being taken over.
The small shrine in the school is there because it represents something spiritual, whatever the belief is. Why we bow and which religion we believe in or practice is our own business (your own business). We use the Shinto style Kamidana to remind us of that; that we should train to better ourselves as human beings and not just train to turn ourselves into fighting machines. So what are all those little things on the shelf, and what do they represent? Some Kamidana are different from others. There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes, as they mimic a real Shinto shrine that may exist somewhere in Japan. Common to all Kamidana is the centerpiece - a shrine (Jinja). This is traditionally made from Japanese Cypress wood, called “Hinoki”. This type of wood comes from a special place in Japan, and is known for it’s pure and elegant texture and color. Since the shrine represents the heart of family, or heritage of the martial art, it should be displayed on a shelf in a clean place - 5 to 6 feet high on the north wall (or west if north is not suitable) in a bright room.
The following are items you will usually see on a Kamidana: Shinkyo - This is the mirror that is on the stand. It represents a place for the deity to reside in an actual Shinto shrine. In martial arts, we see that the qualities that are represented on the shrine are actually a reflection of those found within ourselves. Shingu - This is a set of porcelain offering dishes and vases that are usually white. Shimenawa - This rope made from rice straw is used to mark the boundary between the sacred and the profane. It keeps impurities out and purifies the space within. The paper thunderbolts hanging from the Shimenawa are called “Shide”, and are used to signify a mark of the Kami. Usually this rope hangs from the Kamidana or the actual Jinja itself.
•Sakaki Date - These are vases that hold leaves from the Sakaki tree, an indigenous Evergreen in Japan. They are symbolic of the presence of nature, and represent our ties to it.
• Mizutama - This is a small round vessel that contains fresh water, an offering to the deity.
• Tokkuri - These are small covered bottles filled with O-miki, a ritually purified Sake (rice wine).
• Sanpo - This is a small offering plate, made of wood. The Shingu set sits on this tray. Sometimes this is used,
sometimes it is not.
• Kagaribi - This is a candle holder, and there will generally be either 3, 5, 7 or 9 of these placed in front of the Jinja
and Sanpo.
• Sara - These are offering saucers that hold Oshio (salt) and Okome (washed rice).
• Kasuga Toro - These are lanterns, usually constructed of wood. They represent the actual stone lanterns
found at Shinto shrines in Japan.
• Ofuda - This is a good luck charm that is drawn or written by a Shinto priest, and comes from an actual Shinto
shrine in Japan. It is placed inside the Jinja.
• Daruma Ningyo - Generally the person who administrates the Dojo (head instructor) places a personal object on the Kamidana. Oftentimes we will see a small round and red doll, which represents the founder of Zen Buddhism (Daruma). It represents the setting and achieving of one’s goals in Japanese culture. Sometimes you will see only one eye painted on the doll. This means that a goal has been set. When both eyes are drawn in, that means a goal has been achieved. Though Buddhism is a completely different philosophy from the religion of Shinto, the Japanese do not raise issue with these elements sharing the same space as both are widely accepted practices.
The Kamidana can represent, to the martial artist, many important elements. The Sakaki leaves that represent nature also represent life, or something growing. In our training we hope to grow in skills and other areas. The offerings of salt, rice and water can represent the elements needed to sustain life. Just as if our training can help us to protect and sustain our lives and the lives of those around us. And by making an offering, it can symbolize sacrifice or even compromise.
A martial artist is willing to sacrifice time, effort, money, energy, etc. in order to gain the knowledge taught inside the school. The fire from the candles can represent the light we give to the world of darkness. The Sake bottles and water bottle can also represent the pure and impure entities that exist within ourselves. By recognizing that the world (and humans) are made up of pure and impure, we can work towards striking a balance in our lives. All of the qualities reside in the reflection we see when we look into the mirror that sits on the shrine. So in a way, the Kamidana can represent a reflection of our true selves.
(from http://www.seirindojo.com/)
We do not “pray” to any “gods” in our training, and we are not supplanting any religion with those found in Shinto or any other Japanese philosophy. When students bow to the Kamidana at the beginning and end of a training session, they are displaying respect to the heritage of their art. It is possible that Westerners may have difficulties with the idea of bowing, especially to objects or inanimate things. However, to follow a traditional Way requires an attitude of open-mindedness. Bowing to the Kamidana is not a sign of religious significance or submission; it is a reminder of an obligation voluntarily being taken over.
The small shrine in the school is there because it represents something spiritual, whatever the belief is. Why we bow and which religion we believe in or practice is our own business (your own business). We use the Shinto style Kamidana to remind us of that; that we should train to better ourselves as human beings and not just train to turn ourselves into fighting machines. So what are all those little things on the shelf, and what do they represent? Some Kamidana are different from others. There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes, as they mimic a real Shinto shrine that may exist somewhere in Japan. Common to all Kamidana is the centerpiece - a shrine (Jinja). This is traditionally made from Japanese Cypress wood, called “Hinoki”. This type of wood comes from a special place in Japan, and is known for it’s pure and elegant texture and color. Since the shrine represents the heart of family, or heritage of the martial art, it should be displayed on a shelf in a clean place - 5 to 6 feet high on the north wall (or west if north is not suitable) in a bright room.
The following are items you will usually see on a Kamidana: Shinkyo - This is the mirror that is on the stand. It represents a place for the deity to reside in an actual Shinto shrine. In martial arts, we see that the qualities that are represented on the shrine are actually a reflection of those found within ourselves. Shingu - This is a set of porcelain offering dishes and vases that are usually white. Shimenawa - This rope made from rice straw is used to mark the boundary between the sacred and the profane. It keeps impurities out and purifies the space within. The paper thunderbolts hanging from the Shimenawa are called “Shide”, and are used to signify a mark of the Kami. Usually this rope hangs from the Kamidana or the actual Jinja itself.
•Sakaki Date - These are vases that hold leaves from the Sakaki tree, an indigenous Evergreen in Japan. They are symbolic of the presence of nature, and represent our ties to it.
• Mizutama - This is a small round vessel that contains fresh water, an offering to the deity.
• Tokkuri - These are small covered bottles filled with O-miki, a ritually purified Sake (rice wine).
• Sanpo - This is a small offering plate, made of wood. The Shingu set sits on this tray. Sometimes this is used,
sometimes it is not.
• Kagaribi - This is a candle holder, and there will generally be either 3, 5, 7 or 9 of these placed in front of the Jinja
and Sanpo.
• Sara - These are offering saucers that hold Oshio (salt) and Okome (washed rice).
• Kasuga Toro - These are lanterns, usually constructed of wood. They represent the actual stone lanterns
found at Shinto shrines in Japan.
• Ofuda - This is a good luck charm that is drawn or written by a Shinto priest, and comes from an actual Shinto
shrine in Japan. It is placed inside the Jinja.
• Daruma Ningyo - Generally the person who administrates the Dojo (head instructor) places a personal object on the Kamidana. Oftentimes we will see a small round and red doll, which represents the founder of Zen Buddhism (Daruma). It represents the setting and achieving of one’s goals in Japanese culture. Sometimes you will see only one eye painted on the doll. This means that a goal has been set. When both eyes are drawn in, that means a goal has been achieved. Though Buddhism is a completely different philosophy from the religion of Shinto, the Japanese do not raise issue with these elements sharing the same space as both are widely accepted practices.
The Kamidana can represent, to the martial artist, many important elements. The Sakaki leaves that represent nature also represent life, or something growing. In our training we hope to grow in skills and other areas. The offerings of salt, rice and water can represent the elements needed to sustain life. Just as if our training can help us to protect and sustain our lives and the lives of those around us. And by making an offering, it can symbolize sacrifice or even compromise.
A martial artist is willing to sacrifice time, effort, money, energy, etc. in order to gain the knowledge taught inside the school. The fire from the candles can represent the light we give to the world of darkness. The Sake bottles and water bottle can also represent the pure and impure entities that exist within ourselves. By recognizing that the world (and humans) are made up of pure and impure, we can work towards striking a balance in our lives. All of the qualities reside in the reflection we see when we look into the mirror that sits on the shrine. So in a way, the Kamidana can represent a reflection of our true selves.
(from http://www.seirindojo.com/)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Osouji
Thank you to everyone who came on Saturday and joined in the Osouji. It was quite a day!
Here go the mats...
And then the long wait, while the lights are dusted, walls washed, floor vaccumed, fish brushed ...
Clearing away a year of dust and sweat, before putting everything back into place. Giving us a fresh, clean dojo, ready for another year of training.
Thank you for giving up your Saturday for the dojo, it was wonderful to see so many members helping out and being part of this great day!
Here go the mats...
And then the long wait, while the lights are dusted, walls washed, floor vaccumed, fish brushed ...
Clearing away a year of dust and sweat, before putting everything back into place. Giving us a fresh, clean dojo, ready for another year of training.
Thank you for giving up your Saturday for the dojo, it was wonderful to see so many members helping out and being part of this great day!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Test Results September 2009
Results of Test conducted on the 24th of September 2009
The following students have been promoted to:
7th Kyu
Elnaz Sheshgelari
6th Kyu
Victor Leonardo
Sophie Moloney
Andrew Maclennan
Voytek Lapinski
Frank Mesiti
Kate Vigo
3rd Kyu
Daniel Gomez
Keyla Perez
* Certificates and Belts will be issued shortly in class.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Hot on the heels of kamae hamster
From our time in the UK, ninja squirrel (or Jean Claude van Damme squirrel for those old enough to remember)
I’m working on finding a Steven Seagal kitten, but the ponytail is proving a problem
Andrew Jameson
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Full-Time Students
The Melbourne Yoshinkan Aikido dojo welcomes its first two Full-time students.
Sophie Harle
Quang Kwanon Truong
The dojo wishes them luck on this next intense phase of their Aikido Journey.
Gambate Kudasai!
Sophie Harle
Quang Kwanon Truong
The dojo wishes them luck on this next intense phase of their Aikido Journey.
Gambate Kudasai!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Osoji - The Big Clean
The big dojo spring clean is happening again on October 3, from 10-3pm. It's a chance to put something back into the dojo, and also to catch up with those in different training streams.
Please bring along yourselves, any useful tools for gardening, climbing, fixing and cleaning and something to share for lunch (salads, sandwiches, susage rolls, muffins, that sort of thing). Sign up at the front desk!
Please bring along yourselves, any useful tools for gardening, climbing, fixing and cleaning and something to share for lunch (salads, sandwiches, susage rolls, muffins, that sort of thing). Sign up at the front desk!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Tree (shrub) planting
Today, as a dojo, we planted around 300 plants! Pretty amazing!!!
Thanks to everyone who joined in, dug holes, planted, watered, weeded.
Here are some pics from Mati
Sensei and Q breaking the speed record for number of shrubs planted in an afternoon
Ember giving the weeds a hard time
q, giving nothing away, as always
Me looking crazy in gardening hat
Maddie trying her skills at fair and balanced watering
Alnez choosing plants and adding sunshine to the day
David getting his back into it on some rough ground
Voytek and Rory showing how it's done
Kate, preparing for her gig at the empress... by planting native geraniums
Andrew giving the last of the pegs a seeing to
There were also some smaller folk that came along and did a great job and caught the planting bug!
Max, keeping the smiles coming
Dylan and Pipa, doing some beautiful planting work
Thanks again to everyone (and sorry if you missed out on a photo!). Looking forward to another round of planting next year!
Thanks to everyone who joined in, dug holes, planted, watered, weeded.
Here are some pics from Mati
Sensei and Q breaking the speed record for number of shrubs planted in an afternoon
Ember giving the weeds a hard time
q, giving nothing away, as always
Me looking crazy in gardening hat
Maddie trying her skills at fair and balanced watering
Alnez choosing plants and adding sunshine to the day
David getting his back into it on some rough ground
Voytek and Rory showing how it's done
Kate, preparing for her gig at the empress... by planting native geraniums
Andrew giving the last of the pegs a seeing to
There were also some smaller folk that came along and did a great job and caught the planting bug!
Max, keeping the smiles coming
Dylan and Pipa, doing some beautiful planting work
Thanks again to everyone (and sorry if you missed out on a photo!). Looking forward to another round of planting next year!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Test Results
August 1st 2009
The following students have been promoted to:
7th Kyu
Victor Leonardo
Andrew MacLennan
Rory Christensen
Arama Mataora Toatoa
Simon McGowan
Masumi Namiki
6th Kyu
David Lewin
Robin Linhart
Nesidah Jonsin
Grant Ring
3rd Kyu
Sophie Harle
Quang Kwonon Troung
Wilson Lim
* Certificates and Belts will be issued shortly in class.
The following students have been promoted to:
7th Kyu
Victor Leonardo
Andrew MacLennan
Rory Christensen
Arama Mataora Toatoa
Simon McGowan
Masumi Namiki
6th Kyu
David Lewin
Robin Linhart
Nesidah Jonsin
Grant Ring
3rd Kyu
Sophie Harle
Quang Kwonon Troung
Wilson Lim
* Certificates and Belts will be issued shortly in class.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Queen's birthday long weekend
The dojo will be closed for the Queen's Birthday Holiday on Monday the 8th of June. Please have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
arigato gozaimasu
Melbourne Aikido
arigato gozaimasu
Melbourne Aikido
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Test Results May/June 2009
Results of Test conducted on the 30th of May and 1st of June 2009 The following students have been promoted to: 7th Kyu Grant Kenny Ring David Lewin Frank Mesiti Voytek Lapinski Liew Sze Earn 6th Kyu Camilo Martin Villie Jo Galang 4th Kyu Matthijs Smith * Certificates and Belts will be issued shortly in class.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Bushwalk
Thanks to everyone who came along on the bushwalk.
The fabulous navigation of Maddie, Brian and Frank ensured we didn't get lost - despite Voitek's attempts to take us up the "wrong path".
The BBQ was saved by the excellent tong turning abilities of Frank and Brian who managed to make the best of a not particularly sizzling situation.
With Lachlan and Matty both busy taking photos, hopefully there will be more pictures coming soon!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Bushwalk
We will be leaving from the dojo at 9.30, so if you could arrive at 9.15 that would be great as it may take some for us to all get organised.
For the walk - please wear comfortable walking clothes (long pants, thick socks), runners or walking shoes and warm/wet weather clothes. The weather forcast is plesant - partly cloudy Min - 14 and Max - 21, however it's always good to be prepared.
Don't forget a water bottle and some snacks to keep your energy up during the walk. We may also pass a natural spring so bring along a spare bottle if you feel like collecting some mineral water.
The itineary for the day...
Leave Dojo - 9.30
Arrive Daylesford - 11.00
Walk Begins - 11.00 ish
Walk Ends - 2.00
BBQ Lunch - 2.00ish
Leave Daylesford - 4.00ish
Arrive Dojo - 5.30-6.00ish
If we are getting hungry and a bit tired then we will can cut the walk short and get onto the BBQ sooner!
We will be taking up a mini bus that seats 10 and two cars (car drivers must have an optus mobile as Daylesford does not have good reception). We want to minismise the number of cars going up to simplify logistics and reduce petrol use. We will work out drivers on Sunday morning, but if you're keen to drive please let us know. Directions for getting to Lake Daylesford and a map with meeting point will be provided on the day.
We will be taking up a mini bus that seats 10 and two cars (car drivers must have an optus mobile as Daylesford does not have good reception). We want to minismise the number of cars going up to simplify logistics and reduce petrol use. We will work out drivers on Sunday morning, but if you're keen to drive please let us know. Directions for getting to Lake Daylesford and a map with meeting point will be provided on the day.
Looking forward to a great day and a lovely walk!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Test results May 2009
Results of Test conducted on the 9th of May 2009
The following students have been promoted to:
Senior
7th Kyu
Robin Linhart
Nez Jonsin
Sophie Moloney
* Certificates and Belts will be issued shortly in class.
Bush walk!
Sunday, May 24 we're heading to Daylesford for the soon to be annual dojo bush walk.
We'll be leaving from the dojo between 9-10 (stay tuned for actual time) on Sunday and car pooling up to lake Daylesford. From there we're going to head out for a 2-3 hour bush walk though picturesque scenery.
Then, the most important part, we'll be having a well earned BBQ and maybe a nice cup of tea in the township.
Sign up and the dojo and stay tuned for more info.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Test results April 2009
Results of the Test held on April 6 2009 are as follows:
7th Kyu
Ember Parkin
6th Kyu
Patrick Morel-Shields
Sunday, April 5, 2009
T-shirts!
Melbourne Aikido T-shirts are now available at the dojo!
$35 for short sleeve
$40 for long sleeve.
They're 100% organic cotton, guaranteed to make you look gorgeous and a great way to support the dojo.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Easter break
The last class before the Easter break will be on Thursday, April 9.
First class back will be Monday, April 20.
In between; rest, re-focus and relax.
Have a safe break!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Test results February 2009
Results of Test conducted on the 28th of February, 2009
The following students have been promoted to:
7th Kyu
Alex Salpietro
The following students have been promoted to:
7th Kyu
Alex Salpietro
Jonathan Hill
Villie Jo Glalang
6th Kyu
Rebecca Gosling
4th Kyu
Elly Davis
6th Kyu
Rebecca Gosling
4th Kyu
Elly Davis
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Labour Day and Sydney Rd festival
Dear Members,
Labour Day Weekend
The dojo will be open this Saturday (7th of March). However, the dojo will be closed on Monday (9th of March) for the Labour day long weekend
Sydney Road Festival
A big thank you to all those who helped organise, setup and man the dojo display at the Sydney road festival. It turned out to be a great success and a whole lot of fun!
Arigato gozaimasu!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
From our touring Aikido student, Andrew
I'm training at a small Yoshinkan dojo called Rickmansworth Aikido, aka "Ricky". Like most English dojos, it's borrowed space for the classes - ours is in a very expensive girls school sports centre, and we have to put the mats out before training. We train twice a week with Sensei Andy and the class structure would seem familiar... The class size is quite small, normally seven or eight, but we have three dan grades in our ranks to learn from, even though they rarely agree. Andy has been to the Yamanashi dojo several times, and went to Canada on holiday with Diane to train with Takeno Shihan. In line with English aikido tradition since Sensei Abbe first came here in 1959, everyone goes to the pub after training.
Photos: The snow in our garden. Dogi bag. The juniors (with mats in background). The adults (Mike and Peter) and the dan grades not being serious (Rick, Diane and Andy) .
Andrew
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Sunday, February 22, 2009
New Website address
Please note the dojo website has moved to www.melbourneaikido.com.au
Emails can be directed to info@melbourneaikido.com.au
arigato!
Emails can be directed to info@melbourneaikido.com.au
arigato!
New Dojo Light Box Sign
Thank you to all the members who helped out in designing, preparing and installing the new light box sign. A special thank you to Jem for the beautiful design.
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