Shukan News 16th July 2012

1. Mansfield/Mt Gravatt Ladies only class

Mansfield/Mt Gravatt dojo will be running a ‘ladies only’ class on Wednesday 25th July. If you have never tried Aikido and feel uncertain or lack the confidence to start out in a mixed class then this class may be for you. As with other martial arts Aikido does require physical contact so this can be somewhat daunting for females, especially as martial arts tend to be male dominated.

Aikido is for everyone, male and female, young or old and it’s ideal for females as it is an art that relies on calm mind and relaxed body, rather than size and physical strength. We have many females train with us at Griffith Aikido of various ages and ranks, so for an effective self defence come along and give Aikido a try.

There will be a female instructor for the class too. Adults class time: 6.30 – 8.30pm

Link as follows for directions:

https://www.griffithaikido.com.au/BAC-dojo-launch-flyer-printable.pdf

2. Gozo Shioda Sensei Article

It Had to Be Felt #10: Shioda Gozo: “A Wonderful Feeling”

Here is a very interesting read on Aikiweb of two first hand experiences with Gozo Shioda Sensei, the founder of Aikido Yoshinkan and student of Morihei Ueshiba.
http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20998

3. From the library

If you would like to read more about Gozo Shioda there are a couple of good reads available to members in the club library:

Angry White Pyjamas by Robert Twigger

Adrift in Tokyo, translating obscene rap lyrics for giggling Japanese high school girls, “thirtynothing” Robert Twigger comes to a revelation about himself: He has never been fit nor brave. Guided by his roommates, Fat Frank and Chris, he sets out to cleanse his body and mind. Not knowing his fist from his elbow, the author is drawn into the world of martial arts, joining the Tokyo Riot Police on their yearlong, brutally demanding course of budo training, where any ascetic motivation soon comes up against bloodstained “white pyjamas” and fractured collarbones. In Angry White Pyjamas, Twigger blends the ancient with the modern – the ultratraditionalism, ritual, and violence of the dojo (training acadamy) with the shopping malls, nightclubs, and scenes of everyday Tokyo life in the 1990’s – to provide a brilliant, bizarre glimpse of life in contemporary Japan.

Aikido Shugyo by Gozo Shioda

The publication of “Aikido Shugyo” in the English language is a watershed event for Aikido enthusiasts everywhere. Gozo Shioda, one of the most talented students of the art’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba, is the author of this fascinating tome that recounts his career and philosophy as an aikido teacher. Besides describing the events of his exciting life as an early pupil of Ueshiba in the 1930’s and his wartime and postwar experiences, Shioda offers a host of insights into the psychology of the fighting arts and survival in a world of conflict.

4. Thought for the week

“Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.” Danny Kaye