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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 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

The 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!

We 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

GET THROWN AROUND AT NATHAN SENIORS CLASS 29th SEPTEMBER

Griffith Aikido Brisbane Aikido

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

1. A big day at Everton Hills dojo

Last Saturday was a wonderful event at Everton Hills Dojo. There were twenty-four of us on the mat for the gradings including Gabby, Aran, Paul and Mike. All of us were very grateful to all of them for coming, and also Sheree and Narelle who turned up later to watch. It always makes it a special occasion when we have visitors!

Besides Darren and Ian grading for Shodan, we had Aaron grading for Seventh Kyu, Usha and Susan for Fifth Kyu and Brendan, Gary and Zac for Fourth Kyu. Although all of them were nervous they all performed excellent gradings.

For once I forgot to say, “It’s fine to have butterflies, it’s just a matter of getting them to fly in formation.” But a couple of students reminded me afterwards. However, it is my strong belief that calmness and relaxation are techniques to be learnt as much as yokomenuchi shihonage or any of the others.

Aaron had the toughest gig of the day going first. I found out later that he’d been out playing in his band till the wee hours so the way he performed his grading was even more impressive. All techniques were done steadily and cleanly so the “automatic pilot” was working really well!

Usha and Susan grading for Fifth Kyu were next and both showed us clear and effective techniques. Both also showed that all the hard work on posture has paid off because that was excellent throughout. These two ladies showed that they have a flair for mastering techniques. It may not seem like it at times but it was there for all to see on Saturday.

Brendan, Gary and Zac showed us great awareness and they performed their techniques admirably. Brendan has come to terms with the Aikido Yuishinkai syllabus extremely well. Gary has kept training regularly despite being posted to such “outposts” as Auckland and Adelaide and Zac has trained diligently including helping us regularly with the Aikikids classes.

Darren and Ian performed their taninzugakes really well with plenty of smooth, effective techniques. Darren has a calm demeanour which gives him the appearance of having all the time in the world. Ian due to his huge “work ethic” has a tendency to “do” each technique rather than using the force of Uke’s attack. There has been a great improvement there though and both showed great power and control. All ukes would agree with that! In their weapons katas both gave confident, competent performances; and in sanningake both gave excellent displays which they obviously enjoyed.

For both it was the culmination of years of hard work and they richly deserved the impressive gradings they performed.

One couldn’t help but notice the looks of horror on the faces of the respective wives and children when Darren and Ian said they were now going to start preparing for their Nidan gradings. There is obviously a fair bit of ukeing done at home!

We all celebrated afterwards with pizzas and nibbles thanks to David and Michelle and it was lovely to have such an enjoyable social get together to cap off the day.

It certainly was a great day for Everton Hills Dojos. It was lovely seeing old friends again and also having so many there to support and encourage their colleagues and friends and to see them progress. It made it a truly memorable occasion.

-Rod Sensei.

Editor’s Note: From all of us at Griffith Aikido we would like to extend our congratulations to our newest Shodans, Darren and Ian!

2. Annual seminar – Maruyama Sensei 14th to 17th October

The 2011 annual seminar with Maruyama Sensei is fast approaching. It will run from Friday14th – Monday 17th October 2011.

There will be 3 days of Aikido (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) and I day of Shindo (Yuki) healing on the Monday. The seminar is again hosted by the Byron Bay Aikido Club at Goshinkan dojo.

Accommodation should be a little easier and cheaper this year because the seminar is not in the school holiday period. NSW state schools return for Term 4 on Monday 10th October. Queensland state schools return for Term 4 on Monday 3rd October.

Full details including prices are on the attached flyer below. Please note that the Early Bird date has been extended to 30th September.

FOR DETAILS CLICK ON THIS LINK Maruyama Sensei October Seminar

3. A Morning in with Nathan’s Aikikids

Last Saturday I found out first-hand what a group of talented and eager-to-learn children we have. As Steve, Nathan dojo’s head children’s instructor languished in hospital catching up on his post-op reading, he asked me to be present during the morning’s three Aikikids classes.

It is a club safety requirement that an accredited club instructor, who is versed in the club’s safety policies and trained in first aid, must be present for every class regardless of whether it is a children’s class or an adult class.

I had already asked Matt, one of Steve’s assistant instructors (a graded senior and participating parent) to take the classes, which he readily accepted. I should say at this point that Matt did a fantastic job. He engaged the children extremely well and his Aikido knowledge and experience showed through. So for me the hardest part of the day was waking up at 6.30am to open the dojo at 8am.

Matt took all three classes through ukemi (rolling) practice, starting with floor exercises, moving to forward rolling practice on the soft mats, and finishing with a simple but innovative ukemi obstacle course. As expected, the more experienced students showed a higher level of competence and the newer students were still finding their confidence.

What really impressed me however, was the attitude of self discipline and self control amongst large groups of children so young. For well over half an hour they eagerly focused on this key self defence activity that is not easy to master. They took instruction well and improved significantly by staying focused during repetitive practice. They did very well and it is a credit to them.

Defensive falling (rolling and break falling) is a skill which would stand anyone in good stead throughout their life – children and adults alike. It is very useful skill in a wide range of everyday situations. To be competent and confident in this part of the art of Aikido is to take the fear and risk of injury out of falling, stumbling, tripping, slipping or being pushed over.

For adults and children alike, taking ukemi from a throw is essential in gaining a deeper understanding of the technique being applied. There is only so much to be learnt by doing the technique. There is so much more to be learnt by receiving the technique.

-Gary

4. Get your club shirt now!

Don’t forget our limited time offer to buy a Griffith Aikido club shirt!!

You must place your order before the end of September 2011.

The cost is $30.25 each (ladies, men, child) including GST. That is the unit cost price per shirt. The club will pay the embroidery and delivery charges.

 

 

How to order and pay:

1.  Pay online at https://www.griffithaikido.com.au/payments/ (scroll down to the bottom of the page).
2. Complete the attached order form Griffith Aikido Logo Shirts Order Form
3. Return completed order form to Nathan dojo or email to info@griffithaikido.com.au

All orders must be submitted and paid for in advance! Then we will send the order to the supplier. We expect delivery 2-3 weeks later. If you would like to buy a shirt, please place your order now. It will be too late once this order closes. We will not be carrying stock!

5. Christmas break

As usual, our Nathan dojo will break for 3 weeks over Christmas. The last day of training will be held on Saturday 10th December and the first class in 2012 will be held on Tuesday 4th January.

The folks at our Everton Hills dojo (who really don’t like to stop training) are still thinking about their Christmas plans and we will release details shortly.

We will be organising daytime Christmas functions for children at both Nathan and Everton Hills dojos as well as one (1) combined evening function for adults. Details will be released soon.

6. Thought for the week

“Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages.” Thomas Edison

As our Aikido school maintains its popularity, we continue to make our members aware of the rigid safety policies of our dojo. We practice a potentially dangerous art which has inherent risks. For this reason, it is paramount that we all make practice as safe as possible.

Safety is one of the reasons for the strict discipline in every aikido dojo, including ours. Safety is the reason that you must follow Sensei’s instructions exactly and without question, and your actions should not deviate from those instructions.

Safety is one of the reasons that we practice cooperatively with each other and offer no resistance. Not only does it aid your learning, but as uke (the person receiving the technique), it is safer to go with the flow during a technique and take ukemi (roll out) safely, than it is to resist.

Safety is not just the responsibility of the instructor in charge of the class. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Once you enter the dojo, you must be aware and stay aware of what is going on around you. You must also accept personal responsibility to play your part in safe practice.

One of the principal safety measures in our dojo is embedded in the Aikido Yuishinkai syllabus itself. It is taking Ukemi. The art of ukemi (defensive falling) is not only 50% of the learning required in Aikido, but the way that all aikido students keep themselves safe during practice.

To opt out of ukemi (forwards & backwards rolling and breakfalling) for any reason puts you at risk of being injured during practice. Seniors who can’t or won’t learn or implement the art of ukemi put themselves in even more danger because there is an assumption across all dojos that anyone wearing a hakama or a black belt can take ukemi with enough skill not to injure themselves.

It is because of safety concerns that we demand strict adherence to instructions given by our instructors. The class instructor is responsible for the activities undertaken by the class, the only one with a lesson plan, and the only one who has an overview of what everyone in the class is doing. Not following requests and instructions to the letter means you could you be placing yourself at risk, as well as endangering others.

We have a policy of allowing people to sit out of any activity they choose. However, that does not mean you can learn only part of the art. We expect you to embrace the entire art as taught by Maruyama Sensei. Therefore, you cannot expect to grade to a higher rank if you don’t have all of the necessary skills contained within the art of Aikido Yuishinkai.

Even though only some of the open hand techniques, disarming techniques and weapon kata are examined during a grading demonstration, it is also necessary to gain prociency in (amongst other things) ukemi, extending Ki, folding the hakama, leading the warm ups, and leading practice.

To further understand the safety requirements of our club, please read our safety page at: https://www.griffithaikido.com.au/about/safety/

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. Eri is a Mum

Congratulations to Eri who gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Ethan Martin, last Monday at 4.30pm. We are told that both Mother and child are doing well, and Dad Michael is holding up ok too.

Eri is one of our seniors who trained with us for several years. We are hoping that she brings Ethan in soon to show us. We also look forward to seeing Eri back on the mat sometime in the future.

We extend our best wishes to Eri and Michael. Why stop at one?

2. Who were the Samurai?

Samurai in armour, 1860s. Hand-coloured photograph by Felice Beato.
The samurai were an elite class of medieval Japanese warrior. Their code of honour, known as Bushido, was based on the principle of self respect and absolute loyalty to the master they served. It was their way of life.

The samurai originated as servants of the emperor, probably as early as the 8th century. They served as palace guards and upheld the emperor’s authority in the provinces. Over time however, the samurai evolved into a noble class of mounted warrior and their allegiance shifted from the emperor to the daimyo (territorial lord) of their own clans.

In the early 11th century, feudal estates headed by daimyo and protected by samurai, came to dominate Japanese politics. Two of the most powerful clans, the Taira and Minamoto, fought for control at a time when the imperial court was in decline.

The Taira originally seized control but was subsequently defeated by the Minamoto, who claimed land and certain powers including taxation rights, from the central government and aristocracy. A feudal system was established, based in Kamakura, backed by a private military – the samurai.

Minamoto no Yoritomo was declared shogun (military ruler) of the Kamakura Shogunate. Although the concept of shogun was not new, this now powerful and politically based shogunate system would endure (not always peacefully) in Japan for centuries to come.

At this early time, the bow, rather than the sword, was the samurai’s weapon of choice.

It wasn’t until the 14th century, when major advances were made in the development of steel blade technology and blacksmith methods, that the sword became the samurai’s principal weapon.

A blacksmith called Masamune Okazaki is credited with producing a dual structure of soft and hard steel that improved the endurance and cutting power of the curved blade which became the Katana.

Skill with the two-handed sword, not the bow, was now the mark of a great warrior.

The samurai’s loyalty to their lords was unsurpassed. They were highly skilled warriors who were both trustworthy and honest. They lived frugal lives with no interest in riches and material things. They preferred to live their lives with impeccable honour and pride.

They were men of true valour. Samurai had no fear of death. They would enter any battle regardless of the odds. They believed that to die in battle would only bring honour to their family and to their lord.

The samurai class was finally abolished in 1876 after the Meiji restoration, when the emperor ended their right to be the only armed force in Japan, and introduced a modern, Western style conscripted army.

While the samurai numbered less than 10% of Japan’s population, samurai teachings can still be found today in everyday life and in modern martial arts such as Aikido and Kendo.

3. Thought for the week

“Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

In the run up to the WILLIAM REED Brisbane Aikido and Nanba seminar, here is an example of NANBA WALK. These videos have been posted on You tube by William Reed Sensei. You can check out other videos by clicking on this link.