Shukan News 28th November

Griffith Aikido Brisbane – learn Aikido – beginners welcome

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. Nathan kyu gradings

brisbane-aikido-peterCongratulations to Peter (6th kyu), Anthony (5th kyu), Ting Ting (4th kyu), Tien Tien (4th kyu), and Jerimy (3rd kyu) who graded during the week. All did extremely well. There is no doubt that regular practice shows in grading demonstrations.

Peter’s demonstration showed that Aikido can be applied slowly. Most of the older blokes grasp this point very quickly. There is no need to rush. Peter placed great importance on maintaining good balance and an upright centre line. His techniques were performed correctly with good footwork.

Anthony did a very good job with his techniques; applying moon shadow lizard legs in each technique which shows his commitment to the arts. He has showed a vast improvement in his attitude towards Aikido in the past few months and we hope he will continue to enjoy and further develop his interest in Aikido.

aikido-in-brisbane-ting-ting-tien-tienTing Ting and Tien Tien were both soft and smooth with their techniques. They also demonstrated an upper body lightness which comes from moving the hips and cutting down the centerline. They both did a great job of showing technical correctness in their kata.

Jerimy’s demonstration was high energy and very deliberate. He put everything he had into his grading. His techniques were technically very good and obviously the result of regular practice. Like many males at this stage, a big dose of upper body relaxation is required going forward into the more senior grades.

aikido-brisbane-jerimyHigh energy often translates to adrenalin-charged upper body tension and a tendency to push with the arms to force the technique to work. Under motion, the movement of the arms can outstrip that of the hips. This adversely affects balance and can leave a little too much space between Uke and Nage. The result is overextending, lack of circular control, a compromised centerline and a bumpy ride for everyone involved.

Congratulations to all those who graded. All were of particularly high quality. Thank you also to the many Ukes who toiled in the heat to make the grading possible. This was our last grading for the year. We will have a short break over the holidays which gives instructors, helpers and administrators some time to recharge. We look forward to seeing you all on the mat in early January.

2. President’s award 2011

Congratulations to Lachlan who won the Club’s 2011 President’s Award. The prize this year was a book by Tohei Sensei, ‘Aikido with Ki’. Lachlan was judged to be the student who attended most classes during the year and demonstrated an attitude of respect, persistence and hard work. Well done Lachlan!

3. Club Reminders

  • Nathan adult students pay online as normal in December and January 2012 training is included – 6 weeks for the price of 4.
  • Last training day at Nathan dojo for 2011 is Saturday 10th December. Training resumes Tuesday 3rd January 2012
  • The last Everton Hills aikikids class for the year will be on Saturday 10th December (followed by the dojo end of year function), and classes will resume on Monday 30th January 2012
  • The last adult class at Everton Hills will be on Wednesday 21st December and classes will resume on Wednesday 4th January 2012. Nathan students who need a fix over the holidays are welcome at Everton Hills dojo. Please check out class times at https://www.griffithaikido.com.au/class-times/
  • The next Beginners Course starts at Nathan dojo on Tuesday night 3rd January 2012

4. Thought for the week

Power of the mind is infinite while brawn is limited. Koichi Tohei

Shukan News 21st November

Griffith Aikido Brisbane – learn Aikido – beginners welcome

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. Paying fees in December – January

aikido-secrets-gary-weighThe Nathan dojo will be closing for 3 weeks over Christmas. The last classes for children and adults will be held on Saturday 10th December and the dojo will reopen on Tuesday evening 3rd January 2012.

Adult students at Nathan dojo are requested to pay your normal fees (unlimited, lite, concession etc.) for December and this will entitle you to train through all of January as well. In other words, you will get 6 weeks of training for the price of 4 weeks. This doesn’t apply to Aikikids who will continue to use their 12-class passes on a class by class basis.

2. Aikido the Warrior School

As part of a martial arts documentary, Discovery Channel produced an episode which filmed the legendary Furuya Sensei and his students inside his dojo.

kensho-furuyaThe late Rev. Kensho Furuya was a 6th Dan in Hombu Aikido (The Aikikai Foundation) and 6th Dan Kyoshi in Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido, with over 47 years experience in martial artists. He trained at the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan in 1969, under the late Kisshomaru Ueshiba Doshu and established his Dojo in 1974.

Harvard educated, Furuya Sensei was ordained as a Zen priest in 1988. He was the Chief Instructor at the Aikido Center of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Sword & Swordsmanship Society Kenshinkai.

Furuya Sensei authored the book Kodo: Ancient Ways, (copy in our library) and the acclaimed video series, The Art of Aikido which is in nine volumes.

His ‘old dojo’ was located in a secluded corner of the Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles. At the corner of Vignes and Second Streets is a private lane leading to artist loft studio #7, which was the Dojo. There was not much walk-by traffic nor were there major thoroughfares. It was very quiet and private, excellent for training.

The Dojo’s entrance-way was a traditionally-designed Japanese style garden which lead to a handcrafted dojo built in the style of a 16th century samurai mansion. Most of its furnishings were antiques direct from Japan. Many of its guests from Japan declared that it was “more Japanese than Japan”. Some considered it to be one of the most beautiful and most traditionally styled dojos in the world.

Follow this link to view the entire clip of Discovery Channel’s Aikido the Warrior School:

Meanwhile here is an excerpt on You Tube:

3. Thought for the week

“Listening is such a simple act. It requires us to be present, and that takes practice, but we don’t have to do anything else. We don’t have to advise, or coach, or sound wise. We just have to be willing to sit there and listen.” Margaret J Wheatley

Shukan News 14th November

Griffith Aikido Brisbane – learn self defence in Brisbane – northside & southside dojos

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. Trapped by an Ipod

self-defence-in-brisbaneThis is a true story and a harsh lesson but reinforces our message that awareness is the best form of self defence.

One of our own club members was assaulted and mugged a while back. He had just finished a late shift at work and was walking along a main suburban road when he was hit over the head from behind and robbed.

This guy is almost at black belt level so why didn’t he defend himself? Because he was tuned in to his ipod!! He had earphones in his ears he was distracted. He had severely reduced awareness and no idea that trouble was looming behind him.

The first thing he knew was regaining consciousness, on the ground, bleeding from the head, being helped by a couple of passers-by. Then he realized his ipod and wallet were missing. He didn’t see his attackers and has no memory of the attack.

With help, he made his way to a nearby hospital and received stitches to his head wound. It was sheer good luck that he wasn’t killed or left with permanent brain damage.

I felt sorry for this young man. Besides the pain and trauma of his head injury, he felt extremely embarrassed. He of all people should have known better. He just didn’t think that something like this could happen to him.

But to his attackers he was an easy target. He was absorbed in his music, totally distracted and completely unaware. They would have waited until he was isolated. They knew that they could get close undetected and disable him without a struggle and without any noise.

It would have taken only seconds to rob him and then they would have calmly walked away. There were no witnesses, only the passers-by who found him on the footpath.

Awareness is the number one self defence technique. If the ipod wasn’t plugged into his ears he probably wouldn’t have been attacked. If he had become aware that the attackers were closing behind him, he would have turned around and the assailants may have had an instant change of mind and walked past him without incident.

2. The art of war is not a principle of peace

martial-arts-in-brisbane-2Prayer Tablets
It is the values you hold and how you treat other people that ultimately define you.

After practicing the non-aggressive and non-competitive art of Aikido for many years, I can confidently attest to the fact that the development of the non-fighting mind is a great mental foundation for achievement.

It is not restricted to achievement in Aikido either! It extends to all aspects of life. The benefits of a martial mind are not skill specific. They can be applied to achievement of whatever you want.

The non-fighting mind has infinitely wide application!

To read the entire articles go to http://www.aikido-secrets-to-calm-success.com/the-art-of-war-is-not-a-principle-of-peace.html

3. Thought for the week

Koichi-Tohei-Sensei“True Fudoshin is not a rigid, immobile state of mind, but the condition of stability which comes from the most rapid movement. In other words, like the steadiness of a spinning top, the state of perfect spiritual and physical stability arises from movement which continues infinitely and is so infinitely rapid that it is imperceptible.

This movement is condensed at the one point in the lower abdo­men. By putting everything into the one point, we can experience fudoshin and not lose our stability no matter what happens.” From ‘Ki Sayings’ by Koichi Tohei

Shukan News 7th November

Griffith Aikido Brisbane – building confidence and enjoyment through martial arts

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. Lifou, New Caledonia

If you were wondering why words such as “Oui Monsieur”, “Bon chance” and “Mon ami” have been heard in the dojo lately, French is the language of New Caledonia. Emile has trained with us for the past couple of years and is one of our many dedicated senior students. His home is Lifou, New Caledonia. Lifou is one of the three Loyalty Islands to the east of the main island of Grande Terre.

Emile and his family are currently in Brisbane until he completes his studies at the end of next year. Although Emile speaks perfectly good English, it is the growing band of very bad French speakers that has recently given the Nathan dojo its questionable international appeal.

New Caledonia is an archipelago located 1,500 kms east of Queensland. Emile lives on Lifou in the main centre of We. Click on the link http://en.newcaledonia-tv.com/spot/lifou-0 to see many videos of New Caledonia, but I chose this one as a means of scoping out our new Pacific dojo.

2. Conflict doesn’t equal contest

Conflict should not be a contest. Ever since we learned to walk upright, we have been socially conditioned to believe that we must compete in conflict at the very point where the clash of force is greatest.

It is animal instinct to respond to a slap with another slap; or to hurl back an insult received with equal vehemence. It is ironic how people can assign so little thought or action to winning at anything else in their life, but the moment there’s a pointless fight or argument to win – honour, strength, self righteousness and determination suddenly leap to the fore.

Imagine if such intent and focused energy was applied to more constructive and peaceful pursuits! Well, the resolution of conflict can be just that – constructive and peaceful. It doesn’t have to be a competition at all.

The art of Aikido is built on the premise of respect for life and the desire for peace. It is considered that to injure an opponent is to injure one’s self. One of the basic tenets is to control aggression and find a peaceful solution without inflicting injury.

aikido-brisbane-3 (2)Hence, there are no contests in Aikido. Whilst in the extreme it is a dangerous martial art, the real challenge is the continuous application of its principles in everyday life outside the dojo. The real goal is self mastery, not the destruction of others.

One of the cornerstones of the art is ‘the principle of non-dissension”. The dictionary meaning of ‘dissension’ is a quarrel, a discord or a disagreement, whether violent or non-violent.

Aikido training teaches us to avoid the ‘fighting mind’ trap by not hanging on to contentious or quarrelsome thoughts and to look beyond the immediate conflict towards outcomes that will restore peace and harmony.

Achieving such an outcome does not mean giving in or fighting. It is something far more challenging. That is, to take control at some point during the confrontation so that energy dynamics change from attack to resolution. The tricky part is to do it in a calm and relaxed manner without entering into a contest.

3. Thought for the week

“For us, someone who is willing to step forward and help is much more courageous than someone who is merely fulfilling the role.” Margaret J Wheatley

Shukan News 31st October

Griffith Aikido building confidence and enjoyment in martial arts Brisbane

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. The ultimate aim of self defence

This is a great short film made in Germany by Tendo dojo Berlin. The art involved is Ninjutsu but the message is the same.

“The ultimate aim of any self defence art is not having to use it.”

Enjoy!!

2. Born with talent or is it just hard work and practice?

Continuing from last week’s story on the Talent Code, according to academic sociologist, Malcolm Gladwell it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master a complex skill. In his book ‘Outliers’, Gladwell also observes it takes more than just ability to be successful.

It also requires opportunity, tireless work ethic, a strong support base and, in many cases – luck. This flies in the face of the convention wisdom that talent is born not made.

It is also consistent with the often cited secret to Aikido; the advice that respected Aikido instructor Tony Neil gave me many years ago, “The secret to Aikido is to keep turning up to class!”

No one is ever successful on their own. For one person to shine it takes a team of willing supporters to help create their genius. For young people, it often starts with equally devoted parents allowing the opportunity during the early years, as well as the mentoring skills of good teachers along the way.

Luck often plays a role. Although it depends on each individual’s definition of success, to be a world class exponent and to be recognised as such can revolve around being in the right place at the right time.

For example, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs had the luck to be born into just the right era to revolutionise the computer world, but still they needed to practice and hone their skills; and they still needed the imagination of a ‘new world explorer’ to foresee what was possible.

But then who knows? With their ability and imagination, it is hard to believe that such talent wouldn’t shine somehow in any era.

3. Thought for the week

Dalai-Lama1

Shukan News 24th October

SENIORS CLASS this Thursday evening (27th) at Nathan dojo, runs concurrently with the general class. All seniors welcome.

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. Interested in a 2-hour STREET-WISE Self Protection course?

martial-arts-brisbane-2Everyone welcome! No previous martial arts experience required. This 2-hour session is a must for every female! Learn how to protect yourself – not how to fight!

Register your interest now on info@griffithaikido.com.au

Time: 6.45-8.45pm Thursday evening 17th November 2011

Venue: Griffith Aikido Nathan dojo

Check out location at: https://www.griffithaikido.com.au/locations/

2. The Talent Code

“Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.”

the-talent-codeIn his book, The Talent Code, journalist and New York Times bestselling author Daniel Coyle visits nine of the world’s greatest talent hotbeds — tiny places that produce huge amounts of talent, from a small music camp in upstate New York to an elementary school in California to the baseball fields of the Caribbean.

He found that talent is grown, not born. He observed behavioural patterns that were common to all of these schools, including certain methods of training, motivation, and coaching. Their methods are attuned to the fundamental mechanisms through which the brain acquires skill.

According to Coyle, the three main ingredients are deep practice, ignition (motivation / inspiration), and master coaching. Each ingredient is powerful on its own but when combined synergistically that is when learning velocity increases tenfold.

It is thought that such accelerated learning through this type of intense practice develops the brain by building myelin, the white matter lining the nerve fibers of the brain. So it doesn’t matter how old you are you can keep on increasing your abilities (and maintain brain health) by focusing on certain targeted skills and by practicing them at a deep level.

Deep practice is a very slow repetitive practice, enabling the student to get movement and technique just right. It is not dissimilar to the static practice of Aikido.

So while we all love the physical movement and excitement of taninzugake, it is the more static levels of Kotai and Juntai practice that teaches us the skills. It is no surprise that, over thousands of years of cultural development, Chinese and Japanese masters have figured this out and incorporated it into the martial arts that we now inherit.

3. Ki connects us all

ki-connection-300x199Conflict arises out of differences, not sameness. Our differences arise from personality, culture and beliefs. Wars start because tribes perceive differences in other tribes. By force and subjugation, one tribe attempts to eliminate the perceived differences in the other and restore their idea of sameness.

We are all members of tribes. If our tribe is large enough, strong enough and well protected it enjoys the luxury of living in peace. If not, it becomes vulnerable to attack and takeover by another tribe.

As Ronald Reagan said, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is conflict managed in a peaceful way.”

Although evolution has created us substantially the same, it has also divided us in terms of personality and cultural beliefs. Nevertheless we have humanity in common and residency of the same planet. At a deeper level, below the level of consciousness, we are all connected – sometimes in love, sometimes in hate, but connected all the same.

Ki development is the way to access that deeper level of the connection. Ki can lead us to empathy, tolerance and most importantly, self control. With the strength and composure of mind and body unification, the differences that tribes go to war over are no longer threatening.

4. Thought for the week

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” John Lennon

Shukan News 17th October

Seniors class next Thursday 27th October at Nathan dojo

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. The transformation of Egbert

Our roving reporter Mike found this great children’s book titled:

The Transformation of Egbert :

AIKIDO AND THE POWER OF HARMONY IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF EGBERT An Aikido Story for Children, By Richard Moon, Drawings by Chas Fleischman

Read The Transformation of Egbert

This is a book from The Power of Harmony Series. We wish to thank copyright- owner, The Listening Institute for making this contribution to the art of Aikido and for allowing free reproduction of this text as open source material.

© The Listening Institute. www.extraordinarylistening.com

2. Don’t forget our Christmas dinner November 26th

Just a reminder about our combined Nathan – Everton Hills dojo adults Christmas Party!! November 26th is our next Nathan grading day. The post-grading lunch usually held at the Dojo will be delayed until 6pm that evening for a Christmas dinner.

Date: November 26th at 6pm

Venue: Broncos Leagues Club is located just 8 minutes from Brisbane City at:

Fulcher Road, Red Hill Queensland 4059. Free parking is available.

Cost: $27.50 per person for buffet dinner

RSVP to info@griffithaikido.com.au by the end of October so that our booking can be confirmed.

http://www.broncosleagues.com.au/ )*

3. John Birmingham – a real life aikido story

Here is something a little different. It is a wonderful story told by John Birmingham. Roving reporter Mike is on fire this week. We hope you enjoy it.

http://wheelercentre.com/videos/video/voices-from-elsewhere-john-birmingham/

4. Interested in a 2-hour STREET-WISE Self Protection course?

Everyone welcome! No previous martial arts experience required. This 2-hour session is a must for every female! Learn how to protect yourself – not how to fight!

Register your interest now on info@griffithaikido.com.au

Time: 6.45-8.45pm Thursday evening 17th November 2011

Venue: Griffith Aikido Nathan dojo

Check out location at: https://www.griffithaikido.com.au/locations/

5. Thought for the week

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa

Shukan News 10th October

Griffith Aikido Brisbane

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. What does a black belt mean?

brisbane-aikido-shodanIn Aikido, as in many other martial arts, the first black belt level is Shodan. This designation literally means ‘first step’. It is a common misconception that achieving a black belt is the end of the journey. In fact, it is only the beginning.

There are a total of 10 subdivisions of black belt, called ‘Dan’ grades, which represent a lifetime of study in the art. It is hoped that by Shodan level, Aikido has become an integral part of the student’s everyday life.

In Aikido Yuishinkai, students who reach Shodan rank have previously completed seven (7) kyu grades. The Kyu grading certificates are issued at dojo level and are milestones against which to measure progress.

Upon reaching Shodan in Aikido Yuishinkai, the student is issued with an original (numbered) calligraphy created personally by Maruyama Sensei. This is formal acknowledgement that the recipient is accepted as a member of the Yudansha (i.e. persons who have Dan grades).

Achieving Shodan level is so much more than counting classes. Accumulating 100 classes over the course of a year is an absolute minimum but far from a guarantee.

All black belt gradings are by invitation only and Shodan is no exception. To be invited to grade, a student must have consistently demonstrated (prior to grading day) competence in all of the physical skills of Aikido.

In other words, he or she must be able to attack, defend, take ukemi and use the Bokken and Jo with ease. A Shodan candidate must understand the significance of relaxation, calm mind, softness, one-point, weight underside and Ki extension and have incorporated all of these principals into their practice.

aikido-in-brisbane-sandanMore importantly, he or she must have consistently demonstrated the attitude necessary to study Aikido seriously. They must have trained studiously, shown loyalty and respect towards their instructors and Sempai, willingly assisted instructors in class, observed all aspects of dojo discipline and tradition, and willingly helped and guided Kohai following behind them.

The Shodan candidate must have demonstrated in word and deed that they willingly embrace and preserve the Founder’s art and the traditions of the Yuishinkai School in all respects. As members of Aikido Yuishinkai Yudansha, all black belt students are personal representatives of Maruyama Sensei and fine examples of leadership to all students in the dojo.

Attaining Shodan is a unique experience for every student. Everyone’s journey is different. After years of training, reaching Shodan can be a joyous experience, or it can involve feelings of disappointment. It all depends on attitude and expectations.

It is always best to train simply for the love of the art and with no particular focus on gradings and belt colours. After all, from Shodan onwards, there will never be another change of belt colour. It will always be black.

To conclude, one of our instructors contributed a quote from Tohei Sensei, “Anyone can go to a shop and buy a black belt. Are they going to ask for your credentials?” It means that being a black belt is a state of mind. It is all about attitude!

2. Virtual suggestion box

We continue to seek feedback from all members. As most Nathan students would be aware, there is a colorful suggestion box that Jutta made, currently located in our Nathan dojo. Regardless, most people seem to feel more comfortable making suggestions via email. The main purpose of the physical suggestion box appears seems to be one of giving permission. So don’t be shy. If you want to express an opinion or make a constructive suggestion, free to email suggestions to info@griffithaikido.com.au. It is open to Nathan and Everton Hills students alike, regardless of rank. All suggestions will go to the management Committee for consideration.

3. Torn gi or hakama?

Andrew Moorhouse is our resident clothing and equipment repairer. He is a qualified motor trimmer / machinist with over 25 years experience in the trade, and has a broad range of sewing experience from surf clothing right the way through to leather ware. There is nothing he can’t fix – gi, hakama, kick bags, heavy duty clothing, vehicle upholstery and roof lining, cushions, chairs, lounges – to name a few! Call Andrew on 0435 428 044 or talk to him at Nathan dojo. He will do basic repairs on Aikido clothing for the cost of a class ($10). He will quote other repairs at very reasonable prices.

4. Etiquette Reminder

aikido-etiquetteRecently, fewer people are helping to put down the mats before adult classes at Nathan dojo. An increasing number of people are arriving late for class and the arrival times are becoming later and later.

It is also happening on Saturday mornings where work and traffic are not excuses.

Our Dojo Cho, Ben reminds you that it is respectful to arrive on time and that pitching in with dojo chores (mats, cleaning and vacuuming) is part of dojo life. As you have seen in the article above, it is all part of your Shodan training.

5. Thought for the week

“I’ve wanted to see beyond the Western, mechanical view of the world and see what else might appear when the lens was changed.” Margaret J Wheatley

Shukan News 3rd October

Editor: There were some very tired and sore bodies after the flying Ukemi of last Thursday evening’s senior class. Everyone is eagerly awaiting October’s class (27th).

Griffith Aikido in Brisbane

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. Wearing the hakama; what does it mean?

judy-ringerJudy Ringer’s book, Unlikely Teachers is a ‘must read’ for anyone who seeks to use the principles of aikido to deal with conflict in everyday life. Judy’s book is about finding the hidden learning gifts that life’s difficult moments can offer. It is no surprise that most conflict is encountered internally – with oneself. Judy’s wisdom is expressed in many wonderful stories, and throughout the book she connects easily with the experiences of others.

With Judy’s permission, I have reproduced part of one particularly inspiring chapter. It is a passage of text that every senior student of aikido can relate to. In it, Judy writes about herself; beginning with her own fears the very first time she put on a hakama.

The chapter is titled:

Wearing the Hakama: Lessons in Leadership. Here is an excerpt from pages 104-105:

Assuming Leadership

When I first put on a hakama, I began to think about the bikini song (Editor’s Note: Brian Hyland’s 1960s hit, ‘Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini’ referred to earlier in the chapter). Up to this point, although I was the founder of my dojo, I wore a gi and looked like everyone else. I was nominally the chief instructor, but in reality most of our classes were taught by visiting instructors from nearby sister schools in Massachusetts and Maine. Putting on the hakama meant becoming in fact the chief instructor and the leader in ways I was not sure I knew how to handle. I was afraid to come out of the water.

Luckily I had help. It came first from my brother, Mike, a retired Navy captain. He said he appreciated the feelings I must be having wearing my “new getup” in front of people who understood its importance. He was also confident that I would recognize the responsibility and uphold all of the traditions that came with it.

I realized that people would expect more of me now. That was my fear, of course, and Mike helped me to understand that it was also my new responsibility.

Coming out

I looked around to see how others wore their hakama and how they handled the rank it implied. I had many good role models – excellent teachers who, with patience and persistence, mentored me, helped our students understand proper etiquette, and supported our dojo.

I began to walk the path of a leader in our dojo. I realized my students wanted me to do it and that they were watching to see if I would take up the mantle. I understood that to hide in the water would be a disservice to them and to aikido. I found my center, stood straighter, and walked onto the mat with expanded vision. This was in fact my school. Putting on the hakama, I accepted leadership in form and function, and each new challenge offered new lessons.

There is a copy of Judy’s book in our library. It is recommended reading. If you would like to purchase your own copy ($15 + shipping) go to Judy’s website http://www.judyringer.com.

2. The annual seminar is almost here

annual-seminarThe 2011 annual seminar is only 2 weeks away. This 4-day opportunity with Maruyama Sensei will be held once again at Goshinkan dojo Byron Bay, commencing on Friday14th through to Monday 17th October. There will be 3 days of Aikido (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) and I day of Shindo (Yuki) healing on the Monday.

The Early Bird has closed but there is still an opportunity to attend the seminar, even if it is to do a class or two over the weekend. Everybody is welcome including white belts.

Full details including prices are on the attached flyer. Maruyama Sensei October Seminar

3. Last chance to order a club shirt!

griffith-aikido-club-shirtWe have decided to extend the club shirt offer one more week to next Friday 7th October. If you miss this, the next order will not be for another 6-12 months.

How to order and pay:

Pay online at https://www.griffithaikido.com.au/payments/ (scroll down to the bottom of the page).
Complete the attached order form Griffith Aikido Logo Shirts Order Form
Return completed order form to Nathan dojo or email to info@griffithaikido.com.au
(Chest: half chest measured from mid armpit to mid armpit; Length: start where the neck meets the shoulder)

The cost is $30.25 per shirt. Final orders by Friday 7th October 2011.

4. Combined Nathan-Everton Hills Christmas Dinner

This year we are holding a combined Griffith and Everton Hills Adults Christmas Party. The usual after grading lunch at the Dojo will be delayed until 6pm that evening for a Christmas dinner.

Date: November 26th at 6pm

Venue: Broncos Leagues Club is located just 8 minutes from Brisbane City at:

Fulcher Road, Red Hill, Queensland 4059. Free parking is available.

Cost: $27.50 per person for buffet dinner

http://www.broncosleagues.com.au/default.asp?contentID=785 )*

RSVP: to info@griffithaikido.com.au by end of October to enable our booking to be confirmed.

5. Thought for the week

“Circles create soothing space, where even reticent people can realize that their voice is welcome.” Margaret J Wheatley

Shukan News 26th September

Griffith Aikido Brisbane

If you have any contribution for the Shukan News (story, photograph, video), please send it via email to gary@garyweigh.com

1. Club shirts – clearing up a little confusion!

griffith-aikido-club-shirtThere has been a little confusion in regard to sizing. The sizes on the attached Order Form are standard Australian sizes but the length and width measurements shown on the form were not clear. So here is the good oil on length and width:

Chest: half chest measured from mid armpit to mid armpit

Length: start where the neck meets the shoulder

How to order and pay:

Pay online at https://www.griffithaikido.com.au/payments/ (scroll down to the bottom of the page).
Complete the attached order form Griffith Aikido Logo Shirts Order Form
Return completed order form to Nathan dojo or email to info@griffithaikido.com.au
The cost is $30.25 per shirt. You must place your order by 30th September 2011.

2. Seniors class – this Thursday night 29th September!

aikido-brisbane-seniors1All seniors (2nd kyu and above) are welcome to our Seniors Class this coming Thursday night. Steve Dows Sensei will be the instructor and has promised to work seniors hard in an action-packed session.

So if you are looking for a challenge and want to spend a large proportion of the night upside down mid-air taking Ukemi, then this is where you should be. Seniors from Everton Hills and all other Aikido Yuishinkai dojos are welcome.

While Steve Sensei drills the seniors on the back mat, Gary Sensei will lead practice for everyone else on the front mat as normal.

3. Self defence classes for friends, family and work colleagues

We have been asked to run our very popular self defence class on a more regular basis!

If you are a friend or family of one of our members then we would love to run a self defence class for you and others in a small group. If any of our members would like to bring along a few work colleagues we will be happy to teach you on the same basis.

self-defence-personal-protection-1Just email me at gary@garyweigh.com and we will arrange classes for groups (between 5-10 people) at a mutually convenient time at our closest dojo. For our south side and north side locations go to https://www.griffithaikido.com.au/locations/

Following a request from Griffith University’s Campus Life college administration, we ran a class last Thursday evening for Nathan campus college students. It was a huge success. Our own Nathan members joined in and everyone came away with a good understanding of where attacks actually come from and how to better prepare and protect themselves.

Our self defence course is an escalated response to danger and can be better described as personal protection. Like Aikido, the emphasis is on staying calm and working towards escape. It does not rely on a secret technique or special trick to overcome an attacker. Striking is a last resort. Our 5-step escalated response is:

  • Preparation
  • Awareness
  • Avoidance
  • Assertiveness
  • Escape
Learn to protect yourself

Learn to protect yourself

Aikido, like every other martial art, takes years to learn. Our 1.5 hour personal protection course is specifically designed for the untrained person. It is an absolute must for females. We teach a common sense approach to dealing with aggression, both in the home and outside in a variety of situations.

The physical part of the class focuses on assertiveness, using the voice as a weapon and a variety of simple escapes from common holds, grabs and unwanted affection.

Even though the class is quite gentle, you must sign our standard indemnity and take responsibility for your own safety in order to participate.

4. Andrew Moorhouse for all gi & hakama repairs

Ohayo fellow Aikidoka,

I am a qualified motor trimmer / machinist with over 25 years experience in the trade. I have a broad range of sewing experience from surf clothing right the way through to leather ware which comes in handy when it comes to repairing all types of martial apparel (gi’s, hakama’s, kick bags and so on).

I am now set up to offer my services to anyone in need of repairs and most basic repairs will be the average cost of a training session. So please feel free to call me on 0435 428 044 or talk to me at the dojo as i’m more than happy to help.

See you on the mat

-Andrew

5. Thought for the week

“Aggression only moves in one direction – it creates more aggression.” Margaret J Wheatley