Dojo News for April

I think that by now you will have heard how much I enjoyed attending the Fox Valley Aikikai’s 25th Anniversary seminar.  It was well attended by many members of the Mid-West Region dojos of Birankai and I got to see many old friends as well as make some new ones.  During the course of the seminar Sergei Tsygalnitsky taught a class for his shidoin recertification, there were 2 fukushidoin recertification exams and one test for Nidan.  All passed.  The energy was high and I hope that this year’s Summer Camp will provide an opportunity for all you students to train together – you share a lot in common!
 
We have finally said goodbye to Bryce who is now safely in the uchideshi program under George Lyons Shihan, Bucks County Aikikai in Pennsylvania.  He first came to our dojo when he was 6 years old!  We wish him the very best.
 
Looking ahead:
 
  • Sesshin with Genjo Marinello Osho is coming up the weekend of April 20 – 22nd.  There are still openings if any of you are interested in expanding your sitting practice and experiencing a zazen intensive.  If you are wavering on the edge of doing so and would be interested in attending for a shorter period I believe this could be arranged.  
  • April 26 is O’Sensei’s Memorial Day and we would like to hold another 1,000 cut suburi practice the afternoon of Sunday, April 29 at 2 pm in his honor.  This is a great practice and passes quickly leaving you with a great sense of accomplishment as well as sharpening your suburi. You tend to get so tired of raising your sword that it tends to just fall into place without effort!  I encourage everyone who can to attend.
  • June 5 – Chiba Sensei Memorial
  • June 16 to 17, North County Aikikai will be hosting a seminar with guest instructor Neilu Naini from Clallam Aikikai.  Details developing.
  • July 20-25 Birankai Summer Camp, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington. Registration is open.  Check the Birankai website.
  • September 13-16 – Women’s Aikido Camp, Santa Fe, NM.   Contact:  www.aikidoofkohala.org. Sign up soon if you are interested, there are still some openings but they are going quickly.