Welcome to South Austin Aikido

This past Sunday we had two kyu tests with David Huffaker and Richard Moore both testing for Rokyu.  The tests were very well done with each test candidate demonstrating a good understanding of the basic movement for all required techniques, plus a few extras we threw in for good measure.  It was exciting to see the two candidates move with such relaxed tension and not force anything into happening. This is something that many take years to realize.  Even the randori was done in a relaxed and calm manner. Great job Richard and David!

Following the kyu tests we went to Pei Wei for some serious eating and to celebrate the successful kyu tests.  An enjoyable time was had by all.

Special thanks to all who came to support the test preparation on Saturday and kyu testing on Sunday as well as the senior students who took ukemi during the kyu tests.

Click here to see the kyu test pictures.

We will have kyu testing during the second class (starts at 2:15PM) with David Huffaker and Richard Moore both testing for Rokyu.  Our members are encouraged to stay for the test and support the kyu test candidates.

We plan on going out for dinner immediately following and all are welcome to join.

Our Aikido community did wonderfully with our contribution to Mary Heiny Sensei, sending $2,510 to the FOMH fund.  Thank you all for your contribution to an incredible Aikido teacher.

Click here to see the progress and updates on the FOMH website.

Just a reminder that our friends from San Antonio will be visiting this Sunday.  Craig Slack Sensei will teach the first class followed by Ikkyu testing during the second class.  All are welcome to participate in the first hour and support Ikkyu the test candidate(s) during the second hour.

Todd Kammerer and I traveled to Fremont, California this past weekend to attend a seminar at Aiki Zenshin Dojo with Tres Hofmeister Sensei. The seminar was a lot of fun. The dojo in Fremont is one of the largest and most beautiful dojo that I have trained at, second only to the Boulder Aikikai. The mat is about 1800 square feet with one of the most pleasant falling surfaces.

Hofmeister Sensei spent the weekend focusing on our concentration of our own movement. Too often we get trapped by worrying about how to move our partners and lose sight of our main focus, which should be to simply move ourselves. Sensei talked about this in terms of relationships and how both parties have the option of seeking what they want from the relationship. He also talked a lot about not attempting to restrict nage’s movement in an effort for uke to find their own freedom within the movement. It certainly set off some light bulbs for me because I don’t know how many times I have attacked higher ranking teachers wondering what they wanted from me in terms of energy and power. The weekend left me with a sense that my attacks are up to me and that I should take responsibility for creating a relationship that allows us to train in a meaningful and learning way.

The seminar was a rewarding experience. I really enjoyed training and listening to the stories from Hofmeister Sensei. He is truly a remarkable teacher and one Aikidoka of all levels should definitely go see. Thank you to Sunny Skys Sensei and our friends at Aiki Zenshin dojo for a wonderful seminar weekend. We look forward seeing y’all again soon.

We will have our annual membership meeting immediately following the first class (class 1:00PM to 2:00PM, South Austin Aikido membership meeting 2:15PM to 3:15PM).  All SAA members are encouraged to attend this annual meeting.  We will talk about the past year, what we see going forward in 2008 as well as any items that the membership would like to discuss.